Divorce Attorney in Maryland

If you are considering divorce, it’s important to know what to expect—and to choose the right help to navigate the legal process. When you look for a lawyer to represent you in your divorce, it’s helpful to consider an attorney’s knowledge of Maryland law and the local court system. An experienced Howard County divorce attorney can provide the guidance you need to end your marriage in a way that works for you.

The Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram has represented clients throughout Howard County since 2012, including those from Maple Lawn, Fulton, Columbia, Ellicott City, Clarksville, and other surrounding communities. We concentrate our practice exclusively in Maryland divorce and family law and we appear regularly in the Howard County Circuit Court and surrounding counties. Our experienced divorce attorneys take pride in offering the firm’s clients a range of options for obtaining a Maryland divorce.

Divorce Options for Maryland Couples

The Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram provides alternatives to litigation for those who would prefer to resolve their legal matters outside of a courtroom.

These include mutual consent divorce for couples with or without children who have reached a written agreement on all issues in their divorce, such as distribution of property, alimony, and child custody and parenting time (if applicable).

You and your spouse may reach an agreement in your divorce on your own, with the help of your attorneys, or through alternative dispute resolution options such as Collaborative Divorce or family law mediation.

Alternative dispute resolution is often a more peaceful and dignified way to end a marriage as opposed to going to court, but it is not always best for every couple or in every situation. Sometimes litigation is the best way, or the only way, to achieve a fair outcome. It’s important to discuss your unique circumstances with a knowledgeable Howard County divorce attorney.

Should litigation be the best choice in your case, the attorneys at the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram are seasoned litigators with extensive experience in the courts of Howard County. The firm also represents clients in surrounding Maryland counties, including Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, and Carroll County.

Recent Changes in Maryland Divorce and Family Law

One of the reasons it is so critical to work with an attorney who concentrates in family law is that they are more likely to be up-to-date on changes in that particular area of the law. Maryland family law has experienced some significant changes in the past few years.

As of October 1, 2023, Maryland eliminated the availability of limited divorce, which was similar to what some states call a “legal separation,” but did not legally terminate a marriage. The state also eliminated fault-based grounds for divorce such as adultery and cruelty (though fault is still relevant to some aspects of divorce, such as alimony and equitable distribution of marital property). In addition to mutual consent divorce, the only grounds for divorce in Maryland are now living separate and apart for six months, or irreconcilable differences.

As Maryland divorce law and family law evolve over time, the attorneys at the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram will continue to advise clients based on the latest changes in both the law and local court practices.

Why Choose the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram

Attorney Shelly M. Ingram has represented divorce and family law clients in Howard County and throughout Maryland for over 20 years. In addition to her decades of experience as a litigator, she has advanced family law mediation certification and is trained as a Collaborative Divorce attorney.

Shelly Ingram has assembled a carefully-curated team of attorneys and support staff to serve the firm’s clients. The firm’s Maryland divorce lawyers bring significant professional experience in family law to the table for their clients’ benefit. That diverse experience includes previous family law work in some of Maryland’s most respected law firms, clerkship for a family court judge, and service as a Best Interest Attorney in family court matters. All of the firm’s attorneys are members of the Howard County Bar Association, as well as the Maryland State Bar Association.

In addition to their impressive professional credentials, the firm’s attorneys have a deep personal commitment to serving the needs of clients and their children. They understand, personally as well as professionally, how challenging divorce can be and the difference the right attorney can make.

Work with Experienced Howard County, MD Divorce Lawyers

We invite you to contact our office to learn how we can help you. To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Howard County divorce attorney, call us at (301) 658-7354 or contact us online.