Missed deadlines can lead to grave consequences, as outlined below:
Responding to the Divorce Complaint
Upon filing, the recipient of the divorce has just thirty days to respond if he or she lives in Maryland. Spouses residing in other states must respond within 60 days, and those outside of the country receive ninety days. If the recipient fails to respond within the allocated period, the divorce will proceed. The only exception: if the person who files fails to make sufficient efforts to track down the divorce complaint recipient, failure to respond will not hold significant consequences. Furthermore, the summons must be served within sixty days of issuance; the plaintiff cannot file for divorce, wait over two months to serve papers, and then expect the other party to respond.
Interrogatories
Maryland’s 2-421 mandates that those involved in civil cases respond to interrogatories within 30 days, with answers including all available information. Interrogatories are deemed “continuing,” so if new evidence arises, it must be presented promptly.
Joint Statement of Marital and Non-Marital Property
This statement outlines where divorcing parties agree or are at conflict regarding marital and non-marital property. This statement must be filed at least ten days prior to the scheduled trial date. Additionally, both parties must file proposed statements before the joint form is due. The plaintiff must also file a proposed statement fifteen days before the joint document due date. Failure to adhere to these deadlines may result in the noncomplying paying reasonable expenses (such as attorney fees).
Filing an Appeal
Perhaps your divorce didn’t go as anticipated, and now you believe you have grounds for appeal. Act fast; the state grants you just 30 days from the initial judgment to appeal, unless you filed a motion that was denied (in which case your thirty-day timeline begins as soon as you learn of the denied motion). It doesn’t matter how compelling your appeal or how badly you were wronged in your initial case; miss that filing deadline by just one day, and you’re out of luck.
There is no substitute for prompt legal service. The team at DiPietro Family Law Group abides by all legal deadlines in Maryland. Our clients appreciate our timely representation. Reach out today to learn more.