Is a U.S. divorce required for an Islamic Nikkah?

I am inquiring for my friend who married her husband in an Islamic Nikkah. They did not obtain a civil marriage in the U.S. Her husband recently left her and she does not know what her rights are to the home and other property they own in Baltimore. She is also in need of spousal support from her husband but he has not permitted her access to any of their financial accounts. To formally divorce her husband and gain property and support rights, is she required to go through the U.S. divorce process? She will need a lawyer who is familiar with both U.S. law and Islamic law if she must get a divorce to protect her rights.