The decision to divorce may be a difficult one for some people in Maryland. Often, the situation in a marriage may worsen gradually so that a person does not realize how bad it has become. It may be obvious to outsiders that someone should get a divorce, but it may take that person much longer to realize it. However, there are a few situations that merit a divorce.
One of those situations is one in which a spouse is emotionally and verbally abusive. In some cases, a person might not realize the extent of the abuse until the spouse turns the behavior on a child. Another situation involving children may be the realization that the marriage is setting a bad example of relationships for the child. While parents might want to avoid divorce to give children more stability, a constant atmosphere of arguing is also stressful for them.
Finally, if a spouse has an addiction that is going untreated, it may be time for a divorce. One example might be someone who has been taken into custody several times for driving under the influence. He or she may promise each time to get treatment and then relapse. A person may decide it is simply no longer possible to remain married to his or her spouse in these conditions.
Individuals who are considering a divorce may want to consult with an attorney even if they aren’t sure if they’ll end up going through with it. A lawyer could explain how the process of property division might proceed and child custody options. A person should bring all of his or her financial records, such as tax returns and pay stubs, when meeting with an attorney. The divorce agreement might be negotiated, or it might be decided by a judge in litigation.