Divorce looks much different today than it did just a few years ago. Current divorce trends may require that people significantly adjust their approach to the divorce process to protect themselves and ensure they secure a fair divorce outcome.
What divorce trends could affect a Maryland divorce in 2026?
The increased use of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is now a widely used tool in communications. People frequently rely on AI to produce the messages that they send to the other party, particularly if they want to sound more professional, forceful or believable. If a spouse shifts from sending one- or two-sentence answers to writing paragraphs of communication full of legal jargon, they may have started using AI to generate their content.
Individuals should be wary of information or settlement proposals provided by an ex-spouse. They may use AI to generate false, misleading or unenforceable information, intentionally or not. If an ex provides fabricated details or legal inaccuracies because they relied on AI, they complicate negotiations and jeopardize the validity of the final agreement.
Using Venmo, gift cards and cryptocurrency to hide money
Hiding assets and income has long been an issue during divorce proceedings. Because Maryland is an equitable distribution state, spouses who want to manipulate the outcome of property division proceedings siphon money from shared accounts or divert income to walk away with more than their fair share.
Current tactics now frequently involve quietly accumulating Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency investments, transferring money through Venmo or buying gift cards while shopping for the household and then hiding those purchases from a spouse.
Prioritizing private settlements
More couples in recent years have begun using alternative dispute resolution or collaborative divorce as a means of preserving their privacy instead of litigating. Couples with children, those with large marital estates and those divorcing due to complicated personal situations may prefer to negotiate outside of court and settle privately. Doing so increases control over the final settlement and prevents the disclosure of financial information or allegations of misconduct in open court.
Working with divorce attorneys who not only track the trends but stay ahead of them can help people use technology to their advantage without becoming victims of it.