HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2065

In subsection (a) of this section, the term "grounds"
is substituted for the former term "causes" to conform
to the language used throughout this title.

Also in subsection (a) of this section, the phrase "1
of the parties" is substituted for the former phrase
"party plaintiff or defendant", for clarity.

In subsection (b) of this section, reference to the
court is new language added for clarity.

Also in subsection (b) of this section, the phrase
"party seeking the divorce" is substituted for the
former word "plaintiff", to conform to the language
used throughout this title.

Also in subsection (b) of this section, the reference
to former CJ § 10-901(c) -- which now appears as §
8-104 of this article -- is deleted as unnecessary.

The only other changes are in style.

See § 8-104 of this article for provisions regarding a
written separation agreement as corroboration of the
testimony of the party seeking an absolute divorce as
to the mutual and voluntary nature of the separation.

7-102. LIMITED DIVORCE.

(A) GROUNDS FOR LIMITED DIVORCE.

THE COURT MAY DECREE A LIMITED DIVORCE ON THE FOLLOWING
GROUNDS:

(1)  CRUELTY OF TREATMENT;

(2)  EXCESSIVELY VICIOUS CONDUCT;

(3)  DESERTION; OR

(4)  VOLUNTARY SEPARATION, IF:

(I)  THE PARTIES ARE LIVING SEPARATE AND APART
WITHOUT COHABITATION; AND

(II)  THERE IS NO REASONABLE EXPECTATION OF
RECONCILIATION.

(B) ATTEMPTS AT RECONCILIATION.

AS A CONDITION PRECEDENT TO GRANTING A DECREE OF LIMITED
DIVORCE, THE COURT MAY:

(1) REQUIRE THE PARTIES TO PARTICIPATE IN GOOD FAITH
IN THE EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE RECONCILIATION THAT THE COURT
PRESCRIBES; AND