Seeking seperation what to do and other questions? VERYSADINMD: :)
hi, i am looking to seperate from my spuuse we have three small kids. I will get to my most important questions;
1. If i serve him papers, how do they deliver them to him?
2. My kids are all in elementary school and I have no family near by. If he doesnt leave, what does that mean. Can you be seperated and still live together until you decide what to do. What exactly would this situation entail
3. Husband (on a couple occasion) screamed in my face like a drill sargent "loser" "retard" insulting demeaning words like that in front of my kids! Thats what im most upset about. Can I use this against him?
thank you..........im just trying to find out my first step
Re:Seeking seperation what to do and other questions? sheryl3012: Hi. I also live in MD, and can answer most of your questions. First, I want to address the "separation issues." In MD, you must be separated for one year(if the separation is voluntary) before a court accept a Complaint for Absolute Divorce. Separted means living separate and apart without cohabitation or sex. If there is adultery or physical abuse you dont have to be spearated a year to get a divorce.
The first "paper" I would consider is a separation agreement- this separates your property and can outline temp child support and alimony. However, this is not a court produced doc- its a contract between the parties- so he would have to agree to sign. You can give him these or your lawyer can mail it. Lawyers will draft these agreements for anywhere between $750-1200.
The actual divorce Complaint (papers) can be served by a private process server or by return receipt-requested (ie- he has to sign for it) registered mail.
As for the emotional abuse- although I feel horrible that this situation occurred- it only happened, per your admisison, a couple of times. I suggest focusing on getting out of this in the most peaceful way for your children, and try very hard not to "use this against him." I know that when you are hurt and going through divorce you feel as though you have you have to arm yourself with every bad thing your spouse has done, but please try to focus on the important ones here- your children. Channel that energy into be the awesome mom you are for your kids1
Good luck
