Blogs from August, 2025

Divorce is a major life event that can come with many emotional challenges. While the idea of dating after divorce might seem exciting, it’s not something that should be taken lightly. Even if your divorce decree has already been issued, you might still have a lot of inner work to do before you are ready to enter into a new romantic relationship. While there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for healing, it’s crucial to be honest with yourself and know whether you are really ready for dating — or you need to take more time to process your emotions.

Know if You Are Ready for Dating After Divorce

Before you start dating after divorce, it’s vital to evaluate your emotional stability and well-being. Getting involved in a new relationship before you are ready can prevent you from healing properly and cause heartbreak for your new partner. Rushing into dating can also leave unresolved emotions and potentially lead to unhealthy behaviors in your new relationship.

Rather than focus on a set timeline for finding a new relationship, concentrate on your emotional readiness. Here are some signs you might be ready to date after a divorce:

• You have grieved the loss of your marriage — Ending a marriage is a deeply painful experience. Grief is a normal part of the healing process, and you shouldn’t suppress or ignore your feelings. Allow yourself time to grieve and acknowledge the pain while finding healthy ways to cope.
• You have processed your emotions — Divorce comes with a wide range of emotions, including pain, anger, guilt, and sadness. Ensure you’ve taken the time to process your emotions.
• You have accepted that your marriage has ended — Once you have taken the time to grieve and have processed your emotions, you will eventually need to accept that your marriage is over. Acknowledge the end of that chapter and embrace the next one in your life as you move forward.
• You are emotionally stable — One of the biggest indicators that you are ready to date after divorce is emotional stability. Before you look for a new partner, you should have a strong sense of self-esteem and be able to manage your emotions in an independent and healthy manner.
• You are comfortable being alone — It’s vital to assess whether you enjoy your own company or if you are looking for a partner to fill a void.

Dating after divorce can also have emotional implications for your children that should be taken into consideration. If they are having difficulty adjusting to their new family structure, introducing a new significant other to them too soon may affect their sense of stability and cause them distress.

How to Emotionally Heal and Move Forward Post-Divorce

The post-divorce healing process is different for everyone — and it’s important to take it day-by-day. Prioritize self-care, eating healthy, exercising, and focusing on your personal goals as you heal. Don’t feel pressured to jump back into dating after divorce too quickly. Be patient with yourself as you rediscover your identity and rebuild your life.

Some ways you can help yourself heal and move forward after divorce can include:

• Journaling — Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal can help you explore your feelings. It can also be a therapeutic tool for self-growth in your post-divorce journey. Journaling can allow you to reflect, release intense emotions, and track your emotional progress.
• Meditating — Meditation can have many benefits during the divorce recovery process. It can help you regulate your emotions, calm your nervous system, and promote self-reflection. There are various types of meditation that all have different benefits. Loving-kindness meditation can help release feelings of resentment and promote forgiveness.
• Finding hobbies you enjoy — Finding new hobbies is a great way to rediscover yourself while making new connections. If you’ve always wanted to learn to cook, learn an instrument, do yoga, or paint, take a class. Joining groups, volunteering, and exploring new interests can help you meet people and discover interests you may not have known you had.
• Spending time with family and friends — Spending time with loved ones can help combat feelings of loneliness and reduce isolation after divorce. Friends and family can provide you with the emotional support you may need and help you rebuild your sense of self outside your marriage.
• Traveling — Whether you go solo or with friends, traveling after a divorce can be a relaxing and transformative experience. It’s also a way to create new memories and gain a sense of independence.

If you’re struggling with processing your emotions post-divorce or just need someone to talk with, don’t be hesitant to seek out professional support. There are many therapists and counselors who can help you navigate the complexities of your feelings and work with you to develop healthy coping mechanisms. You might also consider participating in a divorce support group in your community, where individuals can share their experiences as they go through their healing journey.

Notably, each person’s emotional state after divorce is unique. There is no specific timeline for when you should be ready to date again after you’ve ended your marriage. Everyone heals at their own pace. It’s better to take your time and focus on building a strong sense of self-worth.

Contact an Experienced Maryland Divorce Attorney

When you go through the divorce process, having a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram, our Fulton, Maryland divorce attorneys assist individuals with parting ways amicably whenever possible to reduce the emotional toll the divorce process can take on your life. All of our attorneys are trained in collaborative divorce, mediation, and traditional divorce litigation. We will work closely with you to find a strategy that will help you achieve the best possible outcome.

To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Maple Lawn divorce attorney, call us at (240) 652-2596">(240) 652-2596 or contact us online.

On May 15, 2025, Governor Wes Moore approved House Bill 1191, which is set to go into effect on October 1, 2025. The Bill is significant because, for the first time, the Maryland State Legislature has adopted its own list of factors that Maryland judges must consider when they determine physical and legal custody of minor children.

In Maryland, the custody of a minor child is determined by a judge, who bases their custody decision on what they believe is in the “best interest of the child.” The phrase “best interest of the child,” on its own, is ambiguous, but over the years, the courts in Maryland developed a list of factors for judges to consider when attempting to establish this “best interest” standard.

Now, through the passage of House Bill 1191, the Maryland State Legislature has adopted its own list of custody factors that judges must consider when determining what custody arrangement is in the best interest of a minor child. The new statutory language includes the following list of mandatory factors:

9–201(A).

Factors:

(1) Stability and the foreseeable health and welfare of the child;

(2) Frequent, regular, and continuing contact with parents who can act in the child’s best interest;

(3) Whether and how parents who do not live together will share the rights and responsibilities of raising the child;

(4) The child’s relationship with each parent, any siblings, other relatives, and individuals who are or may become important in the child’s life;

(5) The child’s physical and emotional security and protection from exposure to conflict and violence;

(6) The child’s developmental needs, including physical safety, emotional security, positive self–image, interpersonal skills, and intellectual and cognitive growth;

(7) The day–to–day needs of the child, including education, socialization, culture and religion, food, shelter, clothing, and mental and physical health;

(8) How to:

(I) Place the child’s needs above the parents’ needs;

(II) Protect the child from the negative effects of any conflict between the parents; and

(III) Maintain the child’s relationship with the parents, siblings, other relatives, or other individuals who have or likely may have a significant relationship with the child;

(9) The age of the child;

(10) Any military deployment of a parent and its effect, if any, on the parent–child relationship;

(11) Any prior court orders or agreements;

(12) Each parent’s role and tasks related to the child and how, if at all, those roles and tasks have changed;

(13) The location of each parent’s home as it relates to the parent’s ability to coordinate parenting time, school, and activities;

(14) The parents’ relationship with each other, including:

(I) How they communicate with each other;

(II) Whether they can co–parent without disrupting the child’s social and school life; and

(III) How the parents will resolve any disputes in the future without the need for court intervention;

(15) The child’s preference, if age–appropriate, and

(16) Any other factor that the court considers appropriate in determining how best to serve the physical, developmental, and emotional needs of the child.

(B) The court shall articulate its findings of fact on the record or in a written opinion, including the consideration of each factor listed in subsection (a) of this section and any other factor that the court considered.

The factors listed above are not word-for-word identical to those previously established by the courts. However, the new factors are largely similar in content and scope.

It is important to note that the new factors also state that a judge may consider “any other factor that the court considers appropriate in determining how best to serve the physical, developmental, and emotional needs of the child.” This means that a judge has wide discretion to consider other factors that he or she may believe to be relevant in a particular child custody situation. Therefore, while the court is required to “articulate” its findings of fact as to each of the custody factors listed above, the court is not limited in its consideration to this list of factors.

Modification of Custody

In addition to providing a new list of custody factors, House Bill 1191 also addresses modification of child custody. The custody of a minor child is always subject to modification by the court. Prior to the new House Bill, the requirements for modification of child custody were also left to be defined through the courts.

Over the years, the courts established a two-step process to determine whether a custody arrangement should be modified or not. First, the requesting party had to show that there had been a material change in circumstances since the entry of the most recent custody order. Then, if the requesting party could establish a material change in circumstances, the court would proceed with a best interest of the child analysis (as described above) to determine whether custody should be modified.

The new House Bill essentially adopts and memorializes in the laws of the state the standard for modification that was previously established through the courts. It reads as follows:

9-202.

(A) The court may modify, in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle, a child custody or visitation order if the court determines that there has been a material change in circumstances since the issuance of the order that relates to the needs of the child or the ability of the parents to meet those needs and that modifying the order is in the best interest of the child.

(B) A parent’s proposal to relocate the residence of the parent or the child in a way that would cause physical custody to be impracticable constitutes a material change in circumstances.

The new Section 9-202(B) also specifically states that if a party is seeking to relocate, and that relocation would make the current custody arrangement impracticable to continue in, then that relocation may constitute a material change in circumstances.

Every custody case is going to be different depending on the specific circumstances of the parents and their children. The new House Bill does not define “material change in circumstances,” nor does it define what is “impracticable,” when it comes to a parent’s relocation. These are concepts that will be left to the discretion of a judge and the judge’s review of the facts and circumstances of each custody-specific case before them.

At the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram, our Fulton, Maryland divorce attorneys work with families to establish and modify custody arrangements so that parents can rest assured that their children's needs are met now and in the future. All of our attorneys are trained in collaborative law, mediation, and traditional litigation. We will work closely with you to find a strategy that will help you achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children.

To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Maple Lawn custody attorney, call us at (240) 652-2596">(240) 652-2596 or contact us online.

Divorce can be hard on children — and it’s important to provide love and support to your child as they go through the period of transitioning from a two-parent home to a one-parent household. Even though you no longer live with your spouse, it’s essential to work together as co-parents to ensure your children grow up with confidence and healthy self-esteem. By implementing a few simple co-parenting strategies, you can be certain you are raising children who will be empowered, well-rounded, and independent.

Establish a Routine

Children thrive on routine — not only do routines provide structure, but they also give a child a sense of control. When children know what to expect, they can feel more secure and are better able to cope with changes. While divorce can disrupt a child’s sense of what is normal, a routine can help them feel less overwhelmed and reduce their anxiety. Work with your co-parent to establish routines for each of your households. Agree on consistent bedtimes, mealtimes, and homework schedules to minimize your child’s confusion and provide a more stable environment.

Help Your Child Develop the Skills They Need to Solve Issues on Their Own

One of the most important things you can do as co-parents to raise empowered children is teach them the skills they need to solve issues on their own. Don’t give them the answers all the time or jump to solve their problems. Encourage your child to ask questions, promote critical thinking, and provide them with opportunities for exploration through play. You and your co-parent can set a good example by modeling active listening, mutual respect, and finding amicable solutions for any conflict you might face.

Encourage Your Child to Talk About Their Emotions

Encouraging your child to talk about their feelings promotes emotional intelligence and communication skills. It also contributes to their overall well-being and allows them to develop a stronger understanding of themselves and others. When children are able to articulate their emotions, they can better express their feelings in words and are less likely to engage in disruptive or negative behavior.

Create a Supportive Environment

When raising children as co-parents, it’s crucial to create a supportive environment to help them feel empowered. Here are some tips for creating an environment that will allow your child to thrive:

• Maintain open lines of communication with your co-parent.
• Avoid speaking negatively about your co-parent.
• Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and help them navigate their emotions.
• Avoid involving your child in adult issues.
• Respect your co-parent’s boundaries.
• Focus on spending quality time with your child.
• Offer reassurance to your child that the divorce is not their fault.
• Take a unified parenting approach.
• Praise your child’s efforts and hard work, not just the results.
• Encourage your children to explore their interests and discover their passions.

When using these strategies, you can help ensure your child will face the transitional period with security and resilience to enhance their long-term well-being.

Empower Your Children with Responsibility

A key component of raising children who are empowered is teaching them responsibility. Give your child age-appropriate chores, teach them money management skills, and establish clear rules. Letting your children assist with tasks around the house can help them feel like they are making a valuable contribution. Use visual aids, such as chore checklists, to help younger children understand what is expected of them — and gradually increase your child’s responsibilities as they grow older.

Lead by Example

Children look to their parents as role models and guides. They observe how their parents do things, interact with each other, and take care of themselves. One of the best things you and your co-parent can do when raising children together is to lead by example. For instance, if you wish for your children to be kind and empathetic, demonstrate this behavior to others. If you want them to manage their emotions well, take control of your own. Be aware of how much time you spend on electronic devices if you want your children to be attentive. By showing your child good behavior and demonstrating healthy habits, you can help to instill these qualities in them as well.

Seek Professional Support When Necessary

Seeking professional support when you need it can play a critical role in raising empowered children. A therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist can help identify your child’s specific needs, whether they have learning difficulties, challenges with emotional regulation, or need assistance with developing their social skills. A professional can help parents understand the child’s perspective and provide customized interventions to prevent any issues from escalating.

Contact an Experienced Maryland Divorce and Family Law Attorney

When you are raising children with a co-parent, the best interests of your children should always come first and foremost. At the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram, our Fulton, Maryland divorce attorneys work with families to help develop tailored parenting plans and customized custody agreements that will help ensure their children's needs are met. All of our attorneys are trained in collaborative divorce, mediation, and traditional divorce litigation. We will work closely with you to find a strategy that will help you achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children.

To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Maple Lawn divorce attorney, call us at (240) 652-2596">(240) 652-2596 or contact us online.