Posted in Firm News
Divorce
Dealing with a divorce is already difficult, but the process becomes even more stressful when one spouse refuses to participate or communicate. Whether your spouse is ignoring paperwork, avoiding court appearances, or deliberately delaying progress, it’s important to know that you’re not without options. In Maryland, the law provides several ways to move forward, even if your spouse won’t cooperate.
Start by Staying Organized And Documented
When one spouse refuses to cooperate, delays are common. That’s why it’s important to keep detailed records of communication attempts, missed deadlines, and any other signs of non-cooperation. If your spouse fails to respond to petitions or other legal notices, this documentation can help your attorney and the court understand the nature of the delay.
We always recommend keeping copies of texts, emails, certified mail receipts, and court filings. These records may become important later if the court needs to make decisions based on your spouse’s lack of response.
Move Forward With A Default Divorce
In Maryland, if one party fails to respond after being properly served with divorce papers, the other party can ask the court for a default judgment. This allows the court to grant the divorce and decide related matters, such as custody and support, without the other spouse’s involvement.
Although a default divorce is not ideal, it allows us to keep the process moving. Courts are often willing to make a decision if it’s clear that one spouse is purposefully avoiding participation.
Use Legal Tools To Enforce Participation
In some cases, the court may issue orders that require your spouse to respond. If they continue to ignore those orders, the judge may hold them in contempt. This can lead to fines or even jail time in extreme cases.
For example, if your spouse refuses to comply with discovery requests or ignores court hearings, we can file motions to compel or ask the court to impose sanctions. These steps are meant to protect your legal rights and show the court that you’re making every reasonable effort to move the case forward.
Keep The Focus On The Long-Term Outcome
It’s easy to get frustrated when one side won’t cooperate, but it’s important to focus on what matters—reaching a resolution that protects your rights and your future. Even if your spouse refuses to engage now, the court will not let your divorce remain in limbo forever. Maryland family courts are equipped to handle these situations, and we can guide you through the process with clarity and efficiency.
When Children Are Involved
Non-cooperation often affects custody and support issues. If your spouse refuses to discuss parenting schedules or child support, the court can still issue orders based on what’s in the child’s best interest. Your spouse’s failure to participate may also affect the court’s perception of their commitment to co-parenting.
Working With The Right Legal Support
If you’re dealing with a spouse who refuses to cooperate, it’s important to have the right legal team behind you. At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we’ve worked with many individuals in similar situations and know how to take effective legal action when the other party refuses to engage.
The sooner you reach out to a qualified Frederick MD divorce lawyer, the sooner we can help you take steps toward resolution. Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can support you through the process.
