A dissolution of marriage in Maryland, achievable without assigning blame to either party, focuses on the irretrievable breakdown of the marital relationship. This approach eliminates the need to prove fault, such as adultery, desertion, or cruelty. Instead, a mutual agreement to divorce, or a period of separation, demonstrates the marriage’s irreparable condition, serving as grounds for legal termination.
The adoption of this framework streamlines the divorce process, potentially reducing conflict and associated legal costs. By removing the adversarial element of proving fault, couples can often achieve a more amicable resolution, especially when children or significant assets are involved. Its historical context lies in a societal shift towards recognizing that marriages can end without either party necessarily being at fault, acknowledging the complexities and evolving dynamics of modern relationships.
