When Your Spouse Is Having an Affair and Spending Marital Funds
August 26, 2025
Navigating In-Law Relationships Before, During, and After Divorce: A Maryland Family Law Perspective
September 12, 2025
When people think about divorce, they often picture courtrooms, judges, and contentious battles. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In Maryland, many couples are surprised to learn that you can resolve every major issue in your divorce.
That doesn’t mean the court isn’t involved at all. Under Maryland law, only a judge can grant a legal divorce. But if both spouses can reach an agreement on key issues like property division, custody, child support, and alimony, then the court’s role can be limited to reviewing and finalizing that agreement, usually without a contested trial.
If you’re hoping for a lower-conflict, more private, and cost-effective process, here’s what you need to know about settling the case without going to court.
1. Yes, the Court Must Grant Your Divorce
Let’s clear up a common misconception: You can’t get legally divorced in Maryland without a court order. Only a judge has the authority to dissolve a marriage. However, if you and your spouse reach a full settlement, your case can often proceed uncontested, meaning there’s no need for contested hearings or litigation beyond submitting the paperwork and attending a brief final hearing (often held online).
In other words, you still need the court, but you don’t need a courtroom battle.
2. What Can Be Settled Out of Court?
Nearly every issue in a divorce can be resolved between the parties, including:
- Division of marital property and debt
- Child custody and visitation (including parenting plans)
- Child support and health insurance
- Alimony or spousal support
- Retirement accounts and pensions
- Use of the family home
- Future dispute resolution
These terms are typically documented in a Marital Settlement Agreement, which the court can approve as part of the divorce decree.
3. Ways to Resolve Your Divorce Amicably
If you’re aiming to avoid court involvement beyond what’s legally required, you have options:
Negotiation Between Attorneys
With experienced family law attorneys guiding each side, many couples can resolve all issues through settlement discussions, without needing a judge to make decisions for you.
Mediation
Mediation allows you and your spouse to work with a neutral third party to reach an agreement. While mediators don’t provide legal advice, having a lawyer during or after mediation can help you understand and finalize your rights.
Collaborative Divorce
In a collaborative divorce, both parties and their lawyers agree not to go to court. Everyone works together, often with mental health and financial professionals, to reach a thoughtful and respectful resolution.
Each of these options prioritizes problem-solving, communication, and the long-term well-being of your family.
Your Family. Your Rights. Our Priority.
Baumohl Hamburg: Trusted Family Law Representation in Maryland
4. Why Legal Guidance Still Matters
Even if you and your spouse agree on the major issues, it’s essential to make sure your agreement is:
- Comprehensive – covering all necessary topics
- Legally enforceable – drafted in a way that will hold up in court
- Fair and informed – protecting your rights and your children’s best interests
Too often, people try to save money by avoiding lawyers altogether, only to spend more later fixing poorly written agreements or dealing with disputes they didn’t anticipate.
An experienced Maryland divorce attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes, flag hidden risks, and ensure that your agreement reflects your goals.
5. Benefits of Settling Outside of Court
Choosing to resolve your divorce privately offers several advantages:
- Less stress and conflict – especially if you have children
- More control over the outcome – rather than leaving decisions to a judge
- Lower legal fees – compared to a contested trial
- Greater privacy – fewer public hearings and filings
- Faster resolution – especially in courts with busy dockets
For many Maryland families, a negotiated divorce offers the peace of mind they need to move forward while preserving dignity and reducing damage to family relationships.
6. Even Peaceful Divorces Deserve Strong Representation
Just because your divorce is cooperative doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have legal support. In fact, the best outcomes often come when both sides are represented by professionals who are committed to resolution, not escalation.
At Baumohl Hamburg LLC, we help Maryland families navigate divorce with clarity, empathy, and a focus on long-term stability. We understand that most people don’t want a fight; they want a fair solution, a sense of closure, and a path forward.
Let’s Talk
If you’re thinking about divorce and want to avoid unnecessary courtroom drama, we can help. Whether you need advice on mediation, want help negotiating terms, or simply need someone to draft and file your agreement properly, we’re here for you. And of course, if court litigation is needed, we are seasoned trial attorneys who can vigorously protect your rights in court.
Call us today at 443.940.2000, email us at harry@bahalaw.com or schedule a confidential consultation online. Let’s find the best way to move forward.
Serving families throughout Maryland in divorce, custody, and family law matters.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified attorney for personalized guidance and representation in legal matters.
About the Author
Harry A. Baumohl, Esq., a founder of Baumohl Hamburg, LLC, stands among Maryland's elite family law practitioners, bringing: Over Four Decades of Proven Excellence; Established track record in complex family law matters; Strategic location serving Baltimore County and surrounding jurisdictions.
Specialized Expertise in High-Stakes Family Law Cases
- Complex divorce litigation for high-net-worth and high asset individuals and families with sophisticated asset division and financial untangling.
- High-conflict custody and parenting disputes.
- Prenuptial Agreements, Preventive Planning, Mediation and Collaborative Law solutions.
Distinctive Approach to Client Representation
- Results-driven methodology backed by decades of experience and success.
- Strategic thinking combined with emotional intelligence mixed with calm, measured guidance during turbulent times.
- Proactive communication and responsive client service.
Geographic Reach
- Primary office in Pikesville, Baltimore County
- Active practice throughout: Baltimore County; Baltimore City; Carroll County; Harford County; Howard County & Anne Arundel County.
Ready to benefit from Harry's unique blend of experience and strategic thinking?
- For Clients:Visit our website at BahaLaw.com. And for direct access feel free to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your family law matters. Direct access to seasoned counsel who understands the complexities of Maryland family law. Harry@BahaLaw.com.
- For Professionals: Our firm welcomes strategic partnerships with attorneys and other professionals seeking experienced Maryland family law counsel for their clients. We offer comprehensive case collaboration and maintain the highest standards of professional service. For referral inquiries: Harry@BahaLaw.com
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