Grounds for divorce

Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal law blog had a post about the lack of no-fault divorce in New York.   In Maryland, as well as most other states, you can get a divorce with a long enough separation period, even if your spouse does not want to get divorced.  In Maryland, an absolute divorce can be granted if both spouses have agreed to separate for at least one year, or if there has been a separation for two or more years.  There are also "fault" grounds similar to New York's, desertion, adultery, and cruelty/excessively vicious conduct are examples.  In Maryland, there are also provisions for a "limited divorce," which often confuses people.  A limited divorce is similar to what other states may call a legal separation, and can provide for spousal support, custody and child support even if you don't fall into the absolute divorce categories.