MD Bar Family Law 2

Question 1

In Maryland, what is the standard waiting period for an absolute divorce based on six-month separation under the 2023 divorce law reform?

Accepted Answer

Six months of separation, which may occur under the same roof if leading separate lives

Answer

Twelve months of continuous separation in different residences

Answer

Two years of separation with no exceptions

Answer

No separation is required for any divorce

Question 2

Which grounds for divorce were eliminated in Maryland effective October 1, 2023?

Accepted Answer

Fault-based grounds such as adultery, desertion, and cruelty

Answer

Mutual consent

Answer

Six-month separation

Answer

Irreconcilable differences

Question 3

A Maryland court dividing marital property may transfer ownership of which asset directly between spouses?

Accepted Answer

Retirement interests, family use personal property, and real property held as the family home

Answer

Any asset titled in one spouse's name

Answer

Only bank accounts

Answer

No assets; Maryland courts may only grant monetary awards

Question 4

Under Maryland law, property acquired during the marriage by one spouse through inheritance is classified as what?

Accepted Answer

Non-marital property, unless commingled so it cannot be traced

Answer

Marital property subject to equitable division

Answer

Community property owned equally

Answer

Presumptively marital unless the will says otherwise

Question 5

In Maryland, what standard governs a court's initial custody determination between two fit parents?

Accepted Answer

The best interests of the child, with no presumption favoring either parent

Answer

A presumption in favor of the mother for young children

Answer

A presumption of equal 50/50 physical custody

Answer

The preference of any child over age 10 controls

Question 6

What must a Maryland parent show to modify an existing custody order?

Accepted Answer

A material change in circumstances affecting the child's welfare, and that modification serves the child's best interests

Answer

Only that the child is now older

Answer

Only that the parent's income has increased

Answer

Nothing; custody may be relitigated at any time de novo

Question 7

In Maryland, indefinite alimony may be awarded in which situation?

Accepted Answer

When the recipient cannot reasonably become self-supporting, or the parties' standards of living would be unconscionably disparate

Answer

Whenever the marriage lasted more than five years

Answer

Only when the payor committed adultery

Answer

Never; Maryland abolished indefinite alimony