Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
Definiation of phrase
In an uncontested divorce, a spouse, in a Complaint for Absolute Divorce requests ''An absolute divorce'' and ''any other appropriate relief'' but nothing else. A settlement agreement has already been signed and notarized and fulfilled by both parties, but not incorporated into the divorce paperwork. There are no children in the marriage. What kind of ''other appropriate relief'' would the spouse be awarded just by requesting that and nothing else on the Complaint.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Definiation of phrase
If the divorce is uncontested and all outstanding issues have been settled in the agreement, the court will grant the divorce (assuming that grounds are established) and, at the request of the moving party, incorporate the agreement into the final judgment of divorce. "Other appropriate relief" is generally used as a catch-all phrase but you must plead for specific relief for it to be granted. If any issues are not addressed in the agreement, such as a name change back to the wife's maiden name, may be addressed.