Divorce Lawyer Glen Burnie MD
If you are considering a divorce, speak with a Glen Burnie MD divorce lawyer at the Law Office of Kelley Spigel. We have successfully handled all types of family law cases and will put this experience to work for you.
Our Glen Burnie Divorce Attorneys Handle a Diverse and Complex Family Law Caseload
Our founding partner Kelley Spigel has handled every aspect of Family Law and Divorce cases over her career. This includes child custody, property division, and spousal support matters. Additionally, we have a team of attorneys and a paralegal committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome with your Glen Burnie family law case. If you have specific questions, call us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your situation. We offer in-person and over-the-phone consultations for your convenience.
Maryland Divorce Overview
Under Maryland law, the definition of marriage is a civil contract between two people. A divorce is a legal ending of a marriage ordered by a court.
In Maryland, there are two types of divorce: absolute divorce and limited divorce.
- An absolute divorce is a permanent end of the marriage. If a court grants an absolute divorce, the final order of the divorce is set for a “divorce decree.”
- A limited divorce is a legal separation and does not end the marriage.
Maryland Family Law Code § 7-103 defines the statutory requirements a married couple must meet to obtain an absolute divorce or limited divorce.
What Are The Grounds For Divorce in Maryland?
To obtain an absolute divorce, you must first show that there are grounds for divorce. Grounds for divorce are legally acceptable reasons to end the marriage. In the state of Maryland, you cannot just point out irreconcilable differences and hope to end a marriage. There are seven different grounds for divorce and it doesn't matter which one is used when it comes to ending a marriage. For that purpose, one ground is as good as any other. They include:
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Twelve Month Separation
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Mutual Consent
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Adultery
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Cruelty of Treatment
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Desertion
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Insanity
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Incarceration
Once a decree of absolute divorce is entered, either party may remarry. As with most divorce cases, property rights are a main issue. The effect of divorce on property rights has an impact on the entire family. As such, divorce has earned the reputation of being a traumatizing family law experience, leading to bitter custody battles.
What is a limited divorce in Maryland?
A limited divorce, or otherwise known as a legal separation, is a legal action where a married couple is separated. During this time, the couple remains legally married while living separate and apart from one another. During this time, neither spouse can have sexual relations with another person. If a spouse does have sexual relations with another person, the court defines this action as adultery.
What are the grounds for limited divorce in Maryland?
While a limited divorce is not required in Maryland, here are a few circumstances where your Maryland Divorce attorney will recommend this route: The grounds for absolute divorce have not been met, you are in need of financial relief, or you are unable to settle your difference privately.
The grounds for limited divorce include:
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Separation
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Desertion
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Cruel Treatment and Excessively Vicious Conduct
What Are The Residency Requirements for Divorce in Maryland?
Under Maryland Family Law Code § 7-101, for a judge to grant a Maryland divorce, one of the spouses must have been a resident of the state for six months.
Speak with Glen Burnie family law attorneys at the Law Office of Kelley Spigel if you have questions regarding Maryland’s residency requirement.
What Is The Divorce Waiting Period In Maryland?
As of 2018, the Maryland mutual consent divorce law eliminates the 12-month waiting period. Essentially, it allows couples to get a divorce without having to wait. (Maryland Family Law Code § 7-103).
Maryland No-Fault Divorce
Maryland is a no-fault divorce state. “No-fault” simply means the court will not assign blame for the disintegration of the marriage. In other words, infidelity or other misconduct, has no bearing on the judge’s decision to grant the divorce. However, such proof may be relevant to other family law decisions such as the calculation of spousal support.
Rated Super Lawyer, Rising Star, and Voted 10 Best Lawyer since 2015, our firm is dedicated to excellence. Do not hesitate to call (410) 991-2792 for a consultation with a member of our firm.
Types of Divorce Matters We Handle
Divorce
Ending a marriage can be extremely emotional. Dealing with all of the legalities while going through such an emotionally devastating time can be confusing and stressful. The Law Office of Kelley Spigel is experienced in handling all types of divorce cases, from those involving only one or two issues to cases involving cheating, abuse or allegations of abuse, property distribution, division of retirement assets, custody and more. While it is always our Glen Burnie divorce attorneys' goal to reach an agreement that is great for our client, we are also always prepared to act as a fierce advocates in the courtroom.
Uncontested Divorce
In the event both spouses agree that separation and divorce is best for them and wish to settle issues relating to their marriage (including, but not limited to, alimony, property, division of retirement assets, and custody), it is best to have the agreement drafted as a contract, typically called a Marital Settlement Agreement. Kelley Spigel has negotiated and drafted many Marital Settlement Agreements and is always thrilled to help her clients reach an agreement that makes them happy.
Custody and Visitation
Custody is often a very contentious issue in Maryland family law cases. The court follows many factors in determining who should have legal custody and physical custody, which can be very confusing for those not familiar with the factors and how they apply to your specific case. The Law Office of Kelley Spigel here in Glen Burnie has divorce attorneys who are skilled and knowledgeable enough to protect you through the entire custody process and to fight for what you know is in your child’s best interests.
Modification of Custody
Many things change over time. Due to any of a number of reasons, you may want to ask for a change in a previous custody order. In order to do so, the court must be convinced that there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the welfare of the child. Call the Law Office of Kelley Spigel for a consultation to discuss your case for modification of custody.
Third Party Custody
Third party custody cases, often grandparents fighting for custody of their grandchild or grandchildren, are usually very sensitive and emotional cases. Many times, the child’s parents are facing difficult issues in life, whether it be drug abuse, mental health, or otherwise. In these situations, there is a high burden for the third party to prove that it is in the child’s best interests for the third party to have custody, which is where a skilled Glen Burnie divorce attorney who knows Maryland family law well can make a huge difference. Kelley Spigel and her team have experience litigating third party custody cases.
Prenuptial Agreements
Call the Law Office of Kelley Spigel prior to your marriage to help you protect your assets just in case you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of contemplating divorce in the future.
Domestic Violence
Kelley Spigel has been litigating peace and protective orders since her time as a Rule 16 Student Attorney at the University of Baltimore School of Law. Whether you have been abused and are seeking an order for protection or you have been served with a peace or protective order, Glen Burnie divorce attorney Kelley Spigel will fight to protect you and your rights.
Leave the Details to an Experienced
Maryland Divorce Lawyer
The Glen Burnie, Maryland family law attorneys at the Law Office of Kelley Spigel provide committed representation for all your divorce and family law needs. Contact our office today at 410-991-2792 for a consultation.
Schedule a case evaluation online or
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See what our clients have to say:
"Ms. Spigel is the best! She took the time to explain my options relating to my case. Provided frequent updates, responded to my questions and concerns immediately. Could not have asked for anyone better. Would highly recommend. Thank you Kelley..."
— Vickie H. ( Google Review )
"Kelley did an unbelievable job with my case. She did everything that I couldn't do myself and then some... She stayed in touch with me in every step of the way and is very reasonable with her rates. She is very professional, personable, and all around great to work with... I recommend Kelley for any of your family law needs... And again THANK YOU KELLEY FOR EVERYTHING!"
— Rebecca R. ( Google Review )
"Kelley was incredibly professional and personable. She completed everything necessary to finalize my divorce. I am extremely grateful for her services and will recommend her to anyone in need of family law help."
— Amy E. ( Google Review )
"I was referred to Kelley from a family member, who said that she knows more about family law in Anne Arundel County than anyone. From the time we spoke on the phone to our meeting in her office, I knew I had made the right choice! She followed up weekly and even daily to ensure my case ran smoothly and gave us the best results. She is personable, caring, and knows more about family law than I could have imagined. Thanks to her, I was awarded Primary Custody and Child Support in a very tough situation. I cannot thank her enough and will continue to refer those who are in need of her excellent service and knowledge of the court system!"
— Diana M. ( Google Review )
"I would highly recommend Kelley. She did an AWESOME job with my custody case and my protection order. Kelley stayed in touch with me through out the entire process and she always made sure my girls and myself were ok. She is VERY well priced for the types of cases she handles, and I will always refer anyone with the same needs as I had to her in a second. Lastly... Thank you Kelley you are AWESOME!"
— Phillip M. ( Google Review )
"I sought the help of Kelley Spigel concerning a 3rd party custody case. Out of the 3 lawyers I met with she was the one I felt who could handle my case. I highly recommend her. She is very professional and personable at the same time. On my first meeting with her I came away feeling so relieved and felt assured things would go in my favor...and they did. She showed a genuine concern for what was going on and always responded promptly when contacted. I am so thankful for the service she provided and would not hesitate to use her again!"
— Patrice C. ( Google Review )
"The Law Offices of Holmes & O'Connor, P.A. have collaborated on several occasions with Law Offices of Kelly Spigel. Kelly is an excellent attorney who is attentive to the needs of her clients. She is always prepared and is a zealous advocate."
— Cliff O. ( Google Review )
"Kelley was hired by my mother, Amy Lanham for her divorce. Kelley has went above expectations for everything and did anything she could to help my mother in every way. She took the time to sit down and really listen and understand the situation so she could make sure that she was doing everything possible to get my mother what she deserved out of this. I will always HIGHLY recommend Kelley to anyone! Excellent attorney!"
— Tiffany L. ( Google Review )
"I felt very comfortable leaving legal aspects of my situation in her hands. Attorney Kelly is very professional. She helped me every step of the way through my divorce and custody case. She was truly prepared and not leaving me behind. I highly recommended her. Thank you Attorney Kelly."
— Raquel S. ( Google Review )
"Facing a divorce can be daunting, scary and stressful – it certainly was for me – and finding the right lawyer is absolutely crucial when you need to work out a solution that works when you find yourself in a place in life where you hardly can think straight for yourself. I consider myself very lucky to have found Kelley after a lengthy search. Trusting her to represent me in my divorce proved to be one of the best decisions I made. I would describe Kelley as a no-nonsense, straight to the point, extremely knowledgeable and professional divorce lawyer. At the same time she is a strong negotiator who finds creative solutions to hammer out agreements that work. On top of everything she has very good people skills so no matter how much I stressed she was there for me and helped me to stay in perspective – and most important not to lose my sanity! Best of all she is extremely affordable. That combined with taking care of all my worries ensured I could sleep at night knowing that I was in the best hands possible. I can’t be more grateful to have had such a wonderful professional in my corner."
— Anna-Maria M. ( Google Review )
"Kelley was the first and only lawyer that I contacted and met with for my divorce. After meeting and discussing my situation it was clear that she was the best lawyer to represent me through this. She advised me on the best way that I should proceed and listened to me about the way that I wanted to proceed. Throughout this divorce process, Kelley constantly stays in touch, keeps me updated, and has answered and advised on every question that I have asked her. Kelley really cares about the people that she is representing and it is greatly appreciated. I would recommend her to anyone that wants an attorney that will always lookout for their best interests. We are close to having my divorce finalized and I just want to personally thank Kelley for everything that she has done for me this past year working with her. She has made it stress free and easy for me."
— Kenny F. ( Google Review )
"No matter where you are in your search for a lawyer, add Kelley to the list of lawyers you must speak with before choosing one. She has my highest possible recommendation. From day one, she represented the very best that could be hoped for in a family lawyer. She was the fifth lawyer I spoke to, and the only one to actually listen. She was the only one to make recommendations that were focused on what I was hoping to achieve, not simply on defense. Where other lawyers were certain I would lose, her modern sensibilities quickly overcame any concerns as a single father, and her case experience and familiarity with the Anne Arundel courts allowed her to navigate the case in a way that gave me the best opportunity for success. In two court appearances, she was proactive, tenacious, and her preparation, professionalism, and deep understanding of the law won the day. She billed fairly, was a patient and engaged guide through every step, and was honest and up front about all aspects. She never lost sight of the fact I was a person, not just a client. She was considerate, responsive to time-sensitive questions and issues, and made sure I was not being taken advantage of. I consider myself fortunate to have had her represent me, and the other positive feedback that lead me to her consistently tells the same story. She is quite simply a superlative lawyer."
— Jamie O. ( Google Review )
"I worked with Kelley for my divorce and I could not recommend anyone else if you are in this situation. I met with 4 other lawyers before I chose Kelley. She is extremely professional, makes sure to keep you up to date and constantly follows up if needed. She goes out of her way to do any needed research in order to be better prepared. I am impressed with her dedication and work ethic. Thanks Kelley."
— S.V. ( Google Review )
"I had spoke to several Lawyers prior to meeting Kelley, after talking and discussing my situation it was clear that she was the best lawyer to represent me. Throughout my divorce Kelley made sure I was informed of all the best and worst case scenarios. She fought hard for everything and really made my side of the divorce as painless as possible. Her knowledge and skill is beyond anything I could have expected. Every discussion and communication I felt like kelley had a personal stake in the outcome for my case. I have dealt with several lawyers during my adult life for various reasons, kelley was by far the best attorney Ive had the pleasure of representing me. I would recommend her to anyone that wants an attorney that will always lookout for your best interest. Having her as my attorney was worth every penny and then some."
— Andrew L. ( Google Review )
"Outstanding! Facing a divorce can be daunting, scary and stressful – it certainly was for me – and finding the right lawyer is absolutely crucial when you need to work out a solution that works when you find yourself in a place in life where you hardly can think straight for yourself. I consider myself very lucky to have found Kelley after a lengthy search. Trusting her to represent me in my divorce proved to be one of the best decisions I made. I would describe Kelley as a no-nonsense, straight to the point, extremely knowledgeable and professional divorce lawyer. At the same time she is a strong negotiator who finds creative solutions to hammer out agreements that work. On top of everything she has very good people skills so no matter how much I stressed she was there for me and helped me to stay in perspective – and most important not to lose my sanity! Best of all she is extremely affordable. That combined with taking care of all my worries ensured I could sleep at night knowing that I was in the best hands possible. I can’t be more grateful to have had such a wonderful professional in my corner."
"Simply Outstanding! No matter where you are in your search for a lawyer, add Kelley to the list of lawyers you must speak with before choosing one. She has my highest possible recommendation. From day one, she represented the very best that could be hoped for in a family lawyer. She was the fifth lawyer I spoke to, and the only one to actually listen. She was the only one to make recommendations that were focused on what I was hoping to achieve, not simply on defense. Where other lawyers were certain I would lose, her modern sensibilities quickly overcame any concerns as a single father, and her case experience and familiarity with the Anne Arundel courts allowed her to navigate the case in a way that gave me the best opportunity for success. In two court appearances, she was proactive, tenacious, and her preparation, professionalism, and deep understanding of the law won the day. She billed fairly, was a patient and engaged guide through every step, and was honest and up front about all aspects. She never lost sight of the fact I was a person, not just a client. She was considerate, responsive to time-sensitive questions and issues, and made sure I was not being taken advantage of. I consider myself fortunate to have had her represent me, and the other positive feedback that lead me to her consistently tells the same story. She is quite simply a superlative lawyer."
"Excellent Attorney! Kelley Spigel is an excellent lawyer. she is very intelligent and handles herself in a professional manner. she did not treat me just as a client like most lawyers. she is more like a friend. she seemed very concerned about the issues in my case. She thoroughly explained all of my legal options. I hired Kelly for a custody manner. Pertaining to the custody case I hired her for, Kelley was able to get me everything I was asking for even though we were up against tough council. Kelley was able to identify every mistake the opposing counsel made and was able to strike there bs accusations from the record. she is an excellent lawyer and will fight for your rights. Kelly is also not expensive compared to many custody attorneys. Most lawyers nickel and dime you to death and charge you for every second they have to see you. Kelley does not. she is extremely fair and trustworthy on her fees. I would recommend her to anyone looking for fantastic legal counsel."
"Kelley is a wonderful advocate! Kelley was attentive and responsive to my concerns throughout my case. She is knowledgeable and researched questions thoroughly. Opposing council was largely very difficult to deal with. Kelley remained firm yet professional and respectful in her dealings with them. We settled our case prior to trial, so I have not seen her in court. I am confident that her tenacity would make her an excellent attorney to have presenting a case to a judge."
"Simply Outstanding! Miss Spigel represents all aspects of an amazing & superior lawyer. From the initial consultation, through information gathering and court appearances, Kelley has presented herself as professional, thorough, thoughtful and considerate. The level, at which Kelly communicates, imparts confidence as well as reassurance to anyone fortunate enough to retain her as council. Her skills & knowledge base are truly impressive, showing time & again that her efforts are thoroughly researched & perfectly executed. The level of attention to detail & work are both obvious & provide additional reassurance to anyone she represents. Kelly always displays a sincere concern for her client & handles emotional situations (for her client) in a way that not only maintains a higher level of professionalism & decorum, but puts the client at ease. Additionally, Kelley is always ready to assist, in correspondence, for events related to my case. I feel that Kelley is “always there, when you need her,” which can be a trait, lacking in other counsel. I have had other legal representation, in cases & I can state plainly that Kelley has executed her representation of myself in a manner start to finish, that outshines & outperforms anyone else. I have no hesitation in not only retaining Kelley, for any future need, but in recommending her to anyone in need of truly superior counsel or legal services."
"I wish I could give her 10 stars! I was able to retain Kelley within hours of an unexpected (bogus might I add) emergency custody hearing filed by my son’s father. I received less than a 24 hour notice, and because I’m 4 hours away in another state, I was unable to make the hearing. Kelley was personable, thorough, and straight to the point. She kept me abreast the entire process. Her fee was very reasonable especially since there was such a short notice. Kelley defended me where I was unable to defend myself. I can’t thank her enough. Needless to say the case was dismissed!"
— Linda H. ( Google Review )
"I had the honor of Wesley representing me! Wesley was extremely knowledgeable of the ins & outs of my case. Wesley was quick to answer any & all of my questions. It was beyond pleased with the work Wesley did for me & I would use him again IN A HEARTBEAT if I ever had to do so. Once again.....THANK YOU Wesley!"
— Mathew G. ( Google Review )
"Kelley was recommended to me by a friend and I'm so glad I took the advice. She was knowledgeable, easy to work with, and made me feel at ease throughout the process of my divorce. I'd definitely use her again and I'd recommend her to family/friends. Thanks Kelley!"
— Matthew M. ( Google Review )