Family Mediation with Susan Saunders: A Peaceful Path Forward

No Fault Divorce

Mastering Divorce in Maryland: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Navigating a Divorce in Maryland involves more than just filing papers—it requires understanding the legal process, financial implications, asset division, spousal support, and emerging trends. Whether you’re contemplating a no-fault divorce or preparing your finances, this guide will help you take confident steps toward resolution.


 Understanding Divorce in Maryland — The Basics

A Divorce in Maryland must start as an absolute divorce, as limited divorces have been eliminated since October 2023. Eligible grounds include:

  • Mutual consent

  • Six-month separation

  • Irreconcilable differences for at least 12 months (no-fault)

If spouses live separately—even under one roof—with an agreement to end the marriage, they satisfy the separation requirement.


 Divorce in Maryland and Equitable Property Division

Unlike community property states, Maryland follows an equitable distribution model. Property isn’t necessarily split 50/50—courts aim for fairness based on multiple factors including:

  • Length of marriage

  • Financial contributions

  • Custodial responsibilities

  • Potential tax and retirement consequences

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 Alimony in Maryland Divorce Cases

In a Divorce in Maryland, alimony (spousal support) may be awarded but is not automatic. It’s guided by:

Courts consider numerous factors to determine duration and amount, such as:

Important: You must request alimony during the divorce filing—you cannot request it later .

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 QDROs & Retirement in Maryland Divorce

A key component of many Divorce in Maryland cases is the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). QDROs allow a spouse to receive a portion of the other spouse’s retirement benefits without penalty. Here’s what you need to know:

 When You Need a QDRO

If you split a retirement account like a 401(k) or pension, a QDRO formalizes your rights. Without it, the transfer isn’t legally valid—and may even incur penalties.

 Finding a QDRO Attorney

It’s wise to seek an attorney experienced in Maryland QDROs. Some respected specialists are:

  • Jolie Gelman Weinberg, Esq. – Family law and QDRO expert in Columbia, MD

  • Laura N. Venezia, Esq. – Solo practitioner focused solely on QDROs

  • Patrick Crawford, Esq. – Annapolis attorney skilled in marital asset division

  • Steve Thienel, Esq. – Estate & tax planning attorney with QDRO experience

These professionals ensure your Divorce in Maryland includes retirement benefits expertise.

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 The Role of No-Fault Divorce Laws in Maryland

Since the early 2000s, Maryland has adopted no-fault divorce provisions, including:

  • Six months’ separation

  • One-year period of irreconcilable differences

These provisions make a Divorce in Maryland easier to initiate and minimize conflict. However, future legislative efforts (e.g., “Project 2025”) may modify divorce grounds Staying informed of evolving laws is essential.

External link:
Maryland Courts – Divorce overview 


 Practical Tips for Divorce in Maryland

1. Gather Documentation Early

Compile bank statements, retirement info, property deeds, etc.

2. Consider Mediation

Mediation saves time, money, and stress. A clear work plan with attorneys and financial professionals helps.

3. File on Time

Request alimony at filing. Delays may cause you to lose rights 

4. Plan QDRO Early

Coordinate with your divorce attorney to prepare QDROs alongside settlement documents.

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 Legal Resources & References

  • Maryland Courts: Divorce & spousal support procedures

  • People’s Law Library – Maryland divorce overview 

  • People’s Law Library – Alimony rights and deadlines 

  • Maryland Divorce Hub – No guidelines for alimony amounts.


🔑 Final Takeaway

A Divorce in Maryland demands careful planning. From choosing the right legal strategy (alimony, equitable division, QDRO) to staying on schedule with filings and hearings, success lies in preparation. Utilize mediation, expert attorneys, and reliable financial professionals to lay a strong foundation. With the right team and timely action, your divorce can be both swift and equitable.

 


 

Family MediationWhat is Family Mediation?

Family mediation is a structured, confidential process that brings family members together to resolve disputes with the guidance of a trained neutral mediator. Rather than assigning blame, family mediation promotes understanding, cooperation, and future-focused solutions.

Whether you’re dealing with:

    • Divorce or separation

    • Child custody and visitation issues

    • Financial disagreements

    • Co-parenting disputes

    • Elder care and inheritance discussions

Family mediation offers a safe, private alternative to litigation. It saves time, money, and most importantly, helps preserve important relationships.

Meet Susan Saunders: Maryland’s Family Mediation Expert

Susan Saunders, LMSW-CAC-AD, is a respected family mediator and parenting coordinator in the state of Maryland. With over 20 years of experience in social work and conflict resolution, she brings a compassionate yet strategic approach to helping families find common ground.

Susan’s background in mental health, addiction counseling, and trauma-informed care allows her to support clients in emotionally charged situations. Her ability to de-escalate conflict and promote respectful communication makes her a go-to referral from attorneys, therapists, and judges across Maryland.

Benefits of Choosing Family Mediation with Susan Saunders

 

    1. Child-Centered Solutions: Susan keeps the well-being of children at the heart of every decision.

    1. Lower Emotional and Financial Costs: Avoid costly court battles and reduce stress.

    1. Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend sessions available to accommodate busy families.

    1. Confidential and Private: Unlike court, everything shared in mediation remains private.

    1. Empowerment and Control: You and your family create the solution, not a judge.

Who Can Benefit from Family Mediation?

Family mediation isn’t just for divorcing couples. It supports a wide range of family challenges:

 

    • Divorced or separated parents navigating new custody schedules

    • Grandparents seeking visitation rights

    • Adult siblings managing care for aging parents

    • Blended families establishing new rules and expectations

    • Families with communication breakdowns or lingering resentment

If you’re asking, “Can mediation really help my family?” the answer is likely yes.

Real-Life Example: A Maryland Family Finds Peace

A recently separated couple in Annapolis was facing a breakdown in communication over their two children’s custody. Court seemed inevitable. Through family mediation with Susan Saunders, they created a comprehensive parenting plan, agreed on holidays and schedules, and left with the tools to manage future conflict. Their attorney praised the outcome, and most importantly, their children were spared the trauma of a custody battle.

Internal Links to Maryland Mediation Services:

 

External Authority Links (Non-Competitive):

 

    1. American Bar Association: Understanding Family Mediation

    1. Association for Conflict Resolution

    1. Psychology Today: Emotional Effects of Divorce

    1. Maryland Courts Mediation & ADR Programs

Why Maryland Families Trust Susan Saunders

Susan is more than a mediator; she’s a guide through one of life’s most challenging transitions. With a focus on healing, clarity, and constructive outcomes, her approach brings peace to the process.

She is also a:

 

    • Certified Parenting Coordinator

    • Trauma-Informed Practitioner

    • Trusted referral partner to Maryland family courts

    • Experienced professional in high-conflict family dynamics

Take the First Step

You don’t have to face family conflict alone. Discover how family mediation with Susan Saunders can help you regain control, reduce stress, and build a more peaceful future for your family.

Who Can Benefit from Family Mediation?

Family mediation isn’t just for divorcing couples. It supports a wide range of family challenges:

  • Divorced or separated parents navigating new custody schedules

  • Grandparents seeking visitation rights

  • Adult siblings managing care for aging parents

  • Blended families establishing new rules and expectations

  • Families with communication breakdowns or lingering resentment

If you’re asking, “Can mediation really help my family?” the answer is likely yes.

Real-Life Example: A Maryland Family Finds Peace

A recently separated couple in Annapolis was facing a breakdown in communication over their two children’s custody. Court seemed inevitable. Through family mediation with Susan Saunders, they created a comprehensive parenting plan, agreed on holidays and schedules, and left with the tools to manage future conflict. Their attorney praised the outcome, and most importantly, their children were spared the trauma of a custody battle.

Internal Links to Maryland Mediation Services:

External Authority Links (Non-Competitive):

  1. American Bar Association: Understanding Family Mediation

  2. Association for Conflict Resolution

  3. Psychology Today: Emotional Effects of Divorce

  4. Maryland Courts Mediation & ADR Programs

Why Maryland Families Trust Susan Saunders

Susan is more than a mediator; she’s a guide through one of life’s most challenging transitions. With a focus on healing, clarity, and constructive outcomes, her approach brings peace to the process.

She is also a:

  • Certified Parenting Coordinator

  • Trauma-Informed Practitioner

  • Trusted referral partner to Maryland family courts

  • Experienced professional in high-conflict family dynamics

Take the First Step

You don’t have to face family conflict alone. Discover how family mediation with Susan Saunders can help you regain control, reduce stress, and build a more peaceful future for your family.

Let us help you write a new chapter—one based on respect, clarity, and cooperation.

📞 Call us today at 571-839-5301 or email Admin@MarylandMediation.Services to schedule your consultation.

Let us help you write a new chapter—one based on respect, clarity, and cooperation.