New England court says it can’t reverse a divorce

If you’re interested in learning about intriguing legal issues, then you’ve come to the right place. In today’s post, we’re going to be taking a look at a divorce case that involves a rather unique set of circumstances. Though the case takes place in another jurisdiction far from that of Maryland, the elements of the case raise an important question worth asking in our state and others: Can you ever reverse a divorce decree?

Let’s take a look at the case:

As reports explain, a couple in New Hampshire recently asked a court judge to vacate a divorce decree that had been finalized in 2014. According to news sources, the couple had reconciled and were seeking to have their divorce reversed rather than go through the marriage process all over again.

As is the case in Maryland, it’s generally possible to modify divorce decrees under certain circumstances. But as was pointed out in this case, modifications are typically sought in cases of custody and support. Rarely can a finalized divorce be vacated, even in states that allow such a practice.

Though the laws governing the court’s decision in this case do not apply to cases here in Gaithersburg, the case does illustrate a unique issue in which a lawyer would be incredibly helpful. Muddling through Maryland divorce law may be hard enough for most, let alone tackling motions to vacate and requests for modification as well.

Couples here in Maryland would want to discuss the application of the law to their situation with a family law attorney prior to filing a motion. This is especially true if they want to ensure their case is within the framework of the law and that they have legal grounds to make such a request in the first place.

Source: The Daily American, “Can a divorce be reversed? New Hampshire court says no,” Lois M. Collins, Jan. 12, 2016