Annapolis Divorce Attorneys

Knowledgeable Divorce Attorney Assisting Clients in Annapolis, MD

There are few legal matters that can affect a person's daily life and family relationships as much as a divorce. Legally dissolving a marriage will involve numerous legal and financial issues, and it can also affect a person's living situation, their family's daily routines, and the ways children may be raised. Understanding how to approach a divorce is not always easy, which is why legal help from an experienced attorney can be crucial.

Many people who encounter relationship issues and choose to get divorced will be unsure about what steps they will need to take or how various legal, financial, and practical aspects of their cases will be handled. At Silverman Thompson, we can provide the guidance needed in these situations, helping clients determine the best path forward while making sure all legal concerns will be addressed correctly. Whether a case involves serious disputes or mutual agreements, we can help ensure that all aspects of a divorce will be handled the right way.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

One of the first questions that may need to be addressed during the divorce process is whether a divorce is likely to be contested or uncontested. The approach that may be taken during a divorce may affect the timeline of a case, the costs involved, and the ways disputes may be resolved.

Uncontested Divorce

A divorce is uncontested when the parties are able to reach agreements on all of the issues that must be resolved before their case can be finalized. A couple will create a marital settlement agreement that may address issues such as how their marital property will be divided and whether one party will pay alimony to the other. For divorcing parents, a settlement will include a parenting plan that details how all issues related to child custody and visitation will be handled, including child support payments.

When spouses agree on all terms of their settlement agreement, they will file the agreement in court. At a final hearing, a judge will review the agreement, make sure it meets all legal requirements, and identify any issues that may need to be addressed. When the judge approves the settlement, it will become a final divorce decree that will be legally binding.

Even if a divorce is uncontested, legal representation can still be crucial. While both parties may generally agree on the terms of their divorce, they will need to pay close attention to the details of their marital settlement agreement. If a settlement fails to address important details, such as how retirement accounts will be divided or how the mortgage on a couple's home will be handled before the home is sold, problems may arise in the future.

Our attorneys represent clients in uncontested divorces, making sure they address all issues in their case and providing guidance on how to resolve any concerns that may arise. We can make sure a settlement agreement will fully address all outstanding issues in a case, and we can help clients negotiate terms that will meet their ongoing needs. We make sure our client will fully understand what they are agreeing to before they finalize their divorce.

Contested Divorce

A divorce may be contested when the parties cannot agree on one or more of the issues that will need to be resolved. Contested issues may be related to the ownership of certain assets, including the valuation of a business and the division of business assets. Couples may disagree about whether spousal support should be paid. Parents may encounter disputes over how the custody of their children will be handled, including where children will live most of the time and when they will spend time with each parent.

When a couple cannot resolve disputes over certain issues, their case may proceed to litigation. This does not necessarily mean that a trial will be held, since family court judges will often try to take steps to resolve disputes without the need for a trial. In some cases, couples may be ordered to use mediation to try to resolve the outstanding issues in their case. If mediation fails, and certain issues cannot be resolved through agreements, the case may proceed to a trial.

Divorce litigation can be complex and time-consuming. It may involve pre-trial hearings and a courtroom trial where the parties' attorneys can call witnesses and present evidence. When a trial is complete, the judge will make the final decisions about the terms of a couple's divorce decree.

Our attorneys will advise clients honestly about the options for handling contested issues during a divorce. We can provide guidance on whether it may be preferable to resolve disputes by negotiating agreements or whether litigation may be necessary. We have extensive experience in litigation, and we have achieved success for clients in many types of cases. We can help clients understand what will happen during a trial, what results they can expect, and what steps they can take to achieve their goals.

Contact Our Annapolis, MD Divorce Lawyers

Whether you believe that you can complete your divorce by negotiating agreements with your spouse or are preparing for serious conflict and legal disputes, the lawyers at Silverman Thompson can provide the legal help you need. We will stand by your side throughout your case, advising you on your rights, the requirements you will need to meet, the steps you can take to resolve disputes, and the ways you can protect your interests. To learn more about how we can provide you with effective representation in family court, contact our Annapolis divorce attorneys at 410-385-2225 and schedule a consultation.