Stalking in Divorce: Protecting Yourself from Harassment in Maryland
Breaking Free from Fear: Safeguarding Your Rights and Your Future
Divorce is an emotional journey, a time of transition that can be both liberating and challenging. For some, however, the process takes a darker turn when a spouse refuses to let go, resorting to stalking, harassment, or intimidation as a means of control. If you are facing this distressing reality, know that you are not alone. Stalking is not just an invasion of privacy—it is a serious legal matter that threatens your safety, peace of mind, and legal rights.
At our firm, we understand the turmoil of experiencing harassment at the hands of someone you once trusted. Our compassionate Maryland divorce attorneys are dedicated to protecting you, advocating for your rights, and ensuring that you move forward with confidence and security. If you are being stalked by your spouse, legal solutions exist to shield you from harm and empower you to take the next step in your journey toward freedom.
Understanding Stalking in Divorce: Recognizing the Warning Signs
Stalking is not always obvious—it can be subtle, disguised as concern, or escalate into aggressive surveillance and intimidation. In Maryland, stalking is legally defined as a pattern of repeated, unwanted behavior that instills fear for one’s safety. When tied to divorce, these behaviors often include:
- Unwanted Surveillance – Your spouse watches your home, workplace, or daily activities, following you without your consent.
- Obsessive Communication – Repeated, harassing phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media messages that do not stop, even when you ask them to.
- Invasive Appearances – Your spouse suddenly shows up at your home, office, gym, or even your child’s school, trying to insert themselves into your daily life.
- Technology Abuse – GPS tracking, hacking into emails, monitoring social media, or other digital invasions of privacy.
- Threats and Intimidation – Destruction of property, verbal threats, or coercion aimed at pressuring you into staying in the marriage or conceding in divorce negotiations.
- Third-Party Harassment – Using friends, family members, or even co-workers to intimidate you, spread false information, or gain access to you.
These behaviors can escalate quickly. If any of these sound familiar, seeking legal protection is not just an option—it is a necessity.
Legal Protections Against Stalking in Maryland: Shielding Yourself from Harm
If your spouse is engaging in stalking behavior, the law is on your side. Maryland provides several legal avenues to ensure your safety and put an end to harassment.
1. Protective Orders (Restraining Orders)
A Protective Order is a powerful legal tool that can immediately restrict your spouse from contacting you, coming near you, or harassing you in any way. It can also:
- Require your spouse to stay away from your home, workplace, or children’s school.
- Prevent them from contacting you via phone, text, or social media.
- Grant you temporary custody of children to ensure their safety.
- Authorize law enforcement intervention if the order is violated.
2. Peace Orders
If you do not qualify for a Protective Order under Maryland’s domestic violence statutes, a Peace Order may still provide the legal protection you need. This order covers stalking, harassment, and intimidation—even if your spouse has not physically harmed you.
3. Criminal Charges for Stalking
Stalking is a crime in Maryland, and perpetrators can face criminal prosecution, fines, and even jail time. If your spouse continues their behavior despite warnings, reporting them to law enforcement may be necessary to ensure your protection.
4. Divorce Court Protections
In high-conflict divorces involving stalking, your attorney can petition the court to:
- Restrict your spouse’s communication with you during legal proceedings.
- Factor stalking behavior into custody decisions to ensure your child’s safety.
- Request emergency court orders to prevent further harassment.
How Stalking Impacts Divorce Proceedings
Stalking is not just a personal safety concern—it can significantly affect the outcome of your divorce, particularly in areas such as:
1. Child Custody Determinations
Maryland courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody decisions. If a parent engages in stalking or harassment, the court may:
- Restrict their visitation rights.
- Require supervised parenting time.
- Award sole custody to the non-offending parent.
2. Financial Settlements and Alimony
Judges take harassment and abuse into account when determining financial matters in a divorce. Stalking can influence decisions regarding:
- Spousal support (alimony), particularly if emotional distress or financial damages result from the harassment.
- Division of marital assets, especially if stalking has led to financial manipulation or economic abuse.
3. Emotional and Psychological Impact
Stalking can take an immense toll on your emotional well-being. Legal proceedings are difficult enough without added stress and fear. Having an experienced attorney by your side ensures that your case moves forward smoothly, without your spouse using harassment as a weapon against you.
What to Do If You Are Being Stalked During Divorce
If you are experiencing stalking, do not wait—take action now to protect yourself. Here are essential steps to follow:
1. Document Everything
- Keep records of every incident, including dates, times, and details of what occurred.
- Save all communications—texts, emails, voicemails—as evidence.
- Gather witness statements from friends, family, or co-workers.
- Preserve any surveillance footage or photographic evidence of stalking behaviors.
2. Seek Legal Protection
An attorney can help you file for a Protective Order or Peace Order to legally prohibit your spouse from contacting or approaching you.
3. Contact Law Enforcement
If you feel threatened, report the stalking to the police immediately. Maryland law allows officers to intervene in cases of stalking and harassment.
4. Minimize Direct Contact
Avoid unnecessary communication with your spouse. If communication is required (for example, regarding children), use written channels such as email or court-approved messaging platforms.
5. Work with an Experienced Family Law Attorney
Legal guidance is crucial. A skilled attorney will ensure your safety, advocate for your rights in court, and ensure that stalking behaviors are addressed in custody and property division decisions.
Why Choose Our Maryland Divorce Attorneys for Stalking Cases?
- Dedicated Legal Protection – We take stalking cases seriously and fight relentlessly to keep our clients safe.
- Experienced in High-Conflict Divorce – Our firm specializes in cases involving harassment, intimidation, and domestic violence.
- Emergency Legal Assistance – If you need immediate protection, we act fast to secure legal orders and prevent further harm.
- Compassionate, Confidential Representation – Your safety and privacy are our top priorities. We understand the emotional weight of your situation and will stand by you every step of the way.
Take the Next Step: Contact Our Maryland Stalking in Divorce Attorneys Today
A divorce case involving stalking is one of the most challenging legal battles you may ever face, but you do not have to face it alone. Our dedicated legal team is here to fight for you, ensuring that your rights, assets, and future are fiercely protected. We understand the emotional and financial toll of family law litigation, and we are committed to guiding you through the process with strength and clarity.
📞 Call us today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you take control of your future and move forward with confidence.
