If you have been following Maryland politics, then you are probably aware by now that state Senator Richard Colburn and his wife of 14 years, Alma Colburn, have split. Alma filed for divorce back in December 2013, citing adultery as the cause. The Colburn case recently gained notoriety after a judge agreed to seal the divorce documents from public view. At that Feb. 7 hearing, Alma revealed that she had been approached to run for her husband’s District 37 Senate seat. Upon hearing that, the judge decided to keep the divorce papers confidential until after the Feb. 25 election filing deadline had passed.
What makes this case interesting is that Alma has since withdrawn the divorce filing and instead, the pair now have a legal separation in place. She also has gone on record as saying that she still believes that Richard is the best candidate for the contested seat. She even went so far as to tell potential voters that his adultery was a mistake and did not diminish his relentless work ethic. Alma current works as a realtor and resides in Cambridge, Maryland.
People considering divorce should know that Maryland law allows for other options depending on the situation. For example, a marital dissolution such as an annulment or even a legal separation may work better for both parties. Still, divorce can be a complex endeavor, one that requires a thorough examination. If children are involved then matters of custody and visitation need to be considered. If the couple had accrued significant assets and property throughout the course of their marriage, then that will also need some careful review.
Source: delmarvanow.com, “Amid separation, Sen. Colburn’s wife still supports him” Brian Shane, May. 29, 2014
