Handling Your Divorce with Complete Care
Divorce in Maryland follows a defined legal framework, and knowing which path applies to your situation matters from the first filing. Under Maryland Family Law § 7-103, the court may grant an absolute divorce on three grounds: a six-month separation, irreconcilable differences, or mutual consent, provided the parties execute a written settlement agreement resolving alimony, property distribution, and all matters related to minor children.
Each path carries different timelines and strategic considerations. An uncontested divorce moves more efficiently through the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. A contested case involving disputed custody or significant assets requires a different approach. We assist clients through every phase:
Evaluating your situation and identifying the most appropriate divorce ground Preparing and filing the petition, or responding to one filed by your spouse Negotiating settlements that reflect your rights under Maryland law Representing you at trial when litigation becomes necessary Ensuring your final decree protects your long-term interests
A Trusted Advocate for Families Facing Life’s Biggest Changes
Redefining Family Law in Annapolis
Family law covers the full range of legal matters arising from family relationships: marriage, divorce, custody, support, and more. That breadth means the stakes in any single case can touch your finances, your parenting rights, and your long-term stability at once.
What separates effective from ineffective representation is rarely the law itself. It is how precisely an attorney builds a strategy around your circumstances. At the Law Office of Patrick Crawford, every client receives direct, focused counsel, not hand-offs, not volume-driven service.
Practice Areas
Patrick our Annapolis Divorce Attorney will provide aggressive and personalized representation to you in all family law matters, including the following:
Divorce
Divorce is almost always emotionally devastating for both parties. Our Annapolis Divorce Lawyer will help you get through this hard process.
Annapolis
Divorce Attorneys
Family law cases do not leave room for missteps, and the attorney you choose shapes every outcome that follows. The Law Office of Patrick Crawford has represented individuals and families across Annapolis in divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and protective order matters for over two decades. If you are searching for Annapolis divorce attorneys who will give your case the attention it deserves, the answer is here.
Parties in family law cases may reach an agreement that settles their case. However, they sometimes cannot settle, and then a trial is necessary. Patrick believes that aggressive trial representation is the most important service that he can provide, and he knows how important it is to prepare for trial from the start.
Patrick, our Annapolis Divorce Attorney, provides one-on-one service tailored to your unique goals. You—and only you—will set the objective for your case. And Patrick will always handle your case personally. He will never give your case to a paralegal or another attorney.
Patrick understands the stress that you may be under, and he does not want you to be frustrated trying to reach him. He prides himself on being responsive, usually either answering the phone immediately or returning your call within a few hours.
Patrick believes that a person should not go bankrupt obtaining quality legal representation. Although your case may require a financial investment, his services are reasonably priced compared to other attorneys in the Annapolis area.
Patrick our Annapolis, Maryland Family Law Attorney puts extreme energy and focus into each of his client’s cases. He understands the importance that your case has in your life. The outcome of your case is extremely important to him as well, and he will take every measure to achieve a favorable outcome.
Patrick has over 22 years of legal experience. He has successfully represented countless people in divorce, child custody, and other family law matters. He has represented clients in all stages of their cases, including settlement, trial, and appeal.
Crawford
meet Patrick Crawford
Patrick an Annapolis Family Lawyer is dedicated to helping you through the most complex and emotional family law matters. He was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended college at the University of Notre Dame before attending Notre Dame Law School, graduating in 2001 with honors. While in law school, he studied for one year at Notre Dame’s campus in London, England.
Crawford
Patrick Crawford
Patrick an Annapolis Family Lawyer is dedicated to helping you through the most complex and emotional family law matters. He was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended college at the University of Notre Dame before attending Notre Dame Law School, graduating in 2001 with honors. While in law school, he studied for one year at Notre Dame’s campus in London, England.
Patrick knows the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court well, having practiced there for years. He understands how local judges approach custody hearings, what carries weight in a property division argument, and where cases can settle without unnecessary litigation.
When you contact Annapolis divorce attorneys at this firm, you speak with the attorney handling your case from consultation through resolution.
We represent clients throughout Annapolis and the surrounding region, including Arnold, Severna Park, Glen Burnie, and Crofton. Cases are filed in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court as well as courts in Prince George’s County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Calvert County, and Queen Anne’s County.
Focused on personal attention, Patrick Crawford has dedicated over two decades to representing clients in divorce matters, and his practice reflects that focus entirely. Each case receives his direct attention from the first consultation through resolution. Every call, every filing, every court appearance is his personal responsibility
Divorce & Family Law Attorneys
Today
Your family law case will shape your finances, your relationship with your children, and the next chapter of your life.
Patrick Crawford Law is ready to stand with you at every stage. To speak directly with Annapolis divorce & family
law attorneys who will handle your case personally,.
I am extremely satisfied with Patrick and his abilities to get me the best results in my case. He was very knowledgeable and always kept me informed about my case. He was relentless and a go getter in pursuing a victory for me. He still answers my questions even after my case was settled. I […]
I retained Mr. Crawford for a child support modification and I could not have been more satisfied with my end result. Mr. Crawford was very knowledgeable and speedy in resolving my issues and guided me through the process with care and compassion. His fees for his excellent work are very reasonable and worth every penny. […]
I couldn’t be happier with my choice in hiring Patrick Crawford. From day one I explained to him this will probably not be an easy case and I did not have much money. I am a young father who was just fighting for my rights to have an equal opportunity to raise my son. Patrick […]
Patrick Crawford is one of the best lawyers I have ever met. He paid close attention to detail, was extremely professional, and very personable. During a difficult divorce process, he made sure to make the process smooth and worry free. He took complete control and succeeded beyond expectations. Besides his prestigious education, Patrick also has […]
asked questions
01 How Long Does a Divorce Take in Maryland County Under the New 2023 Law?
Maryland’s 2023 reforms eliminated the previous 12-month separation requirement. Under Maryland Family Law § 7-103, spouses may now file after six months of continuous separation, or immediately under mutual consent if a signed settlement agreement is in place. Uncontested cases in Anne Arundel County typically resolve within a few months of filing. Contested matters take longer depending on the court’s schedule.
02 Can I File for Divorce While Still Living in the Same House in Annapolis?
Yes. Maryland law does not require separate addresses to satisfy the separation requirement, provided the parties are genuinely living apart, meaning no shared marital relations and a clear intent by at least one spouse to end the marriage. Courts examine the actual nature of the arrangement, not just whose names appear on a deed or lease.
03 Where Do I File for Divorce if I Live in Arnold or Severna Park?
E-Book
Patrick understands that the process of your divorce or child custody proceeding might come with many questions, which is why he provides a helpful e-book free of charge. Untying the Knot informs readers of the protocol for various family legal matters. His insights have given clients a better understanding of the court process and the law governing the issues in their case.