Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

The court would probably grant joint legal custody, but since the child has stayed in the former marital home after you left, she would probably get full residential custody, and you would have visitation rights. The court must do what is in the child's best interest. If she gets full residential custody, you would have to pay child support based upon either actual or imputed income, depending on what she could establish you are capable of earning based upon experience and training.

As for alimony, if she is capable of earning enough to support herself through full time employment the court would be reluctant to award it to her. If she has a degree or certificate in dentistry, she ought to be able to find something. If she needs a refresher course due to the passage of time, she might be a candidate for temporary alimony during that period.

As for grounds for divorce, the period of separation or desertion must be continuously for 1 year in order to be eligible for a final divorce. While legally you have committed adultery, it shouldn't be a factor if the relationship didn't begin until after the separation.

You have many serious issues before you which will affect you financially for a long time, and while you may be undergoing financial difficulties right now, retaining an experienced family attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.