Columbia, MD Divorce Lawyers

Attorneys for Contested & Uncontested Divorce Cases in Columbia, MD

The decision to end a marriage is rarely easy. However, divorce may be the best solution for your family after your relationship with your spouse has broken down. Understanding how the divorce process works and the issues that you will need to address can help ensure that you will be able to end your marriage successfully.

The attorneys at Silverman Thompson can provide the legal guidance and support you need during the divorce process. We can help you understand the legal issues that will need to be addressed and the practical decisions that you will need to make as you separate from your spouse, legally dissolve your marriage, and move forward with your life.

The Divorce Process in Maryland

Understanding the basic framework of the divorce process can make sure you will be able to make the right decisions as you proceed with your case. The steps followed in your case may include:

Establishing Grounds for Divorce

The legal basis for ending a marriage is known as the grounds for divorce. In Maryland, a divorce may be based on mutual consent, in which the spouses will agree to end their marriage and file a marital settlement agreement that addresses all of the issues in their case. A divorce may also be based on irreconcilable differences, in which one or both spouses believe that their marriage has broken down and should be dissolved. A separation for six months, including when spouses are living in the same home but are living separate lives, will also establish grounds for divorce.

Filing and Service of a Divorce Complaint

A Maryland divorce begins when one spouse files a Complaint for Absolute Divorce. For couples in Columbia, a complaint will be filed with the Circuit Court for Howard County. Once the complaint is filed, it must be served to the other spouse.

Once served, the other spouse will have 30 days to file a response to the complaint. In their response, a person may agree or disagree with statements made by the other spouse in the complaint.

Discovery

During the divorce process, spouses will need to obtain all relevant information needed to address the issues involved in the case. Spouses will be required to make financial disclosures to each other about their income, assets, and other related information. Each party may also use discovery methods to obtain information. These may include interrogatories, or written questions sent to the other party, as well as requests for production of documents such as bank statements, tax returns, retirement account statements, business financial records, or other financial documentation.

In some cases, attorneys may conduct depositions, which will require the spouses or other parties to answer questions under oath. Subpoenas may also be used to obtain records from financial institutions, employers, or other parties. Discovery can be one of the most important parts of the divorce process, since it can ensure that both parties will have a complete and accurate picture of their financial situation.

Settlement Negotiations and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Most divorces can be resolved by negotiating settlements. Once the relevant information has been gathered, spouses and their attorneys can negotiate the terms of their marital settlement agreement. Negotiation may take place between the parties , with each side exchanging proposals and making offers until they reach agreements. A couple may also choose to use mediation and work together with a neutral third party who can help them resolve any outstanding disputes.

Finalizing the Divorce

When a couple reaches decisions on all issues in their marital settlement agreement, they can submit the agreement the court. They will appear before a judge, who will review the agreement and put a final divorce decree in place.

Issues to Address During a Divorce

Certain matters related to your marriage will need to be resolved before your divorce can be finalized. Depending on your circumstances, these may include:

Division of Marital Property

All of your marital assets and debts must be identified, and you will need to make decisions about how different assets will be allocated between you and your spouse. Your marital estate may include assets such as your family home and other real estate property, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts or pensions, business interests, vehicles, personal property, and anything else that you acquired during your marriage. Debts such as your home mortgages, credit card balances, or other loans will also need to be allocated between you and your spouse.

Alimony

When one spouse has a lower income or earning capacity than the other, they may ask for ongoing alimony payments. You and your spouse may agree on the terms of spousal support, including the amount that will be paid, the amount of time that payments will be made, and conditions for the termination of support payments. In other cases, the court may decide whether alimony will be appropriate.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

If you have children, you will need to determine how custody and visitation will be handled. Your parenting plan, which will be part of your divorce decree, will include decisions about legal custody, ensuring that you understand who will have the authority to make major decisions about your children's upbringing. It will also detail the terms of physical custody, providing a schedule for when your children will live in each parent's home.

Child Support

Child support is usually ordered in a divorce involving children. The amount that will be paid is calculated using the Maryland child support guidelines, and both parents' incomes will play a role in these calculations. Other expenses may also need to be addressed, including educational costs, child care, health insurance coverage, and other medical expenses.

Contact Our Columbia Divorce Attorneys

The team at Silverman Thompson can provide the guidance you need to navigate the divorce process. We will make sure you understand the legal requirements that will apply to you, the issues that will need to be addressed during your case, and your options for resolving any disputes that may arise. Our goal is to provide you with clear, effective representation to help you get through your divorce successfully. To set up a consultation, contact our Columbia, MD divorce lawyers at 410-385-2225.