In Maryland, you can get divorced for almost any reason you can think of. However, ending your marriage can be expensive, and a lack of funds may act as a barrier to getting out of a relationship that is toxic, dangerous or simply unfulfilling. Fortunately, there are steps that you may be able to take to end your relationship in an affordable and timely manner.
Choose mediation instead of litigation
Mediation tends to cost less than litigation, which means that it may be an effective way to end your marriage without spending too much money. You and your spouse have as much leeway as you need to negotiate the divorce terms, and an agreement may be reached in a single session. Settling a divorce outside of court may also be ideal if you have kids as the details of what happens during mediation are kept private.
You may be able to do the work yourself
Obtaining a custody or support order may be possible without outside assistance. This helps you cut down on the cost of ending your marriage while also providing a recurring stream of income before the divorce is finalized. There is also a chance that a judge might order your spouse to pay expenses related to terminating the relationship or allow you access to marital funds to do so.
Ending a marriage may have significant financial ramifications regardless of your current fiscal status. In a divorce settlement, you may be entitled to child support or spousal support payments in addition to a share of marital property. If you were the breadwinner during the marriage, you might be ordered to make payments to your spouse on a temporary or permanent basis.