Going through a divorce can be a harrowing life experience for some people. You may experience depression, grief, insomnia, anxiety, stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, and even guilt. If you haven’t had closure or happen to be on the receiving end of the divorce papers, you may not even be in a mental capacity to handle everything that comes with divorce proceedings.
Having an experienced and compassionate Anne Arundel county divorce attorney take care of all the gritty details of your divorce can be one less burden to bear.
Divorce With a Plan is here to help you understand everything you need to know about divorce in Anne Arundel County. Let us focus on the legal red tape so you can focus on what matters most: yourself, and your family.
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Our Anne Arundel County Divorce Services
There are a lot of complexities involved in getting a divorce. An experienced divorce lawyer can help make the process as smooth as possible, and make sure your rights and your best interests are protected. Here are some of the ways Divorce With a Plan can help.
- Settle Your Differences Out of Court: If you and your spouse are able to come to an agreement on some, or all, of the issues in your divorce, then you can file what is called an uncontested divorce. This type of divorce allows the parties to avoid going to trial and can save a lot of time and money. A divorce lawyer will know how to negotiate with the other side to try and come to an agreement that is fair for both parties.
- Navigate the Divorce Process: The court system can be very confusing, especially if you have never been involved in a legal proceeding. An experienced divorce lawyer can guide you through all the paperwork you need to fill out, the evidence you need to present, and the steps you need to take to protect your rights.
- Help You Get the Best Possible Outcome: A divorce lawyer will help you understand the different options available to you and work tirelessly to ensure you get the best possible outcome in your case. This includes fighting for custody of your children, ensuring that you get a fair property settlement, and making sure that you’re able to move on with your life after the divorce is final.
- Save Money and Reduce Stress During the Proceedings: You might think that hiring a lawyer will be expensive, but in the long run, it will most likely save you money. This is because a lawyer will know how to efficiently navigate the legal system, so you don’t have to waste time and money on unnecessary steps. They will also be able to handle all of the paperwork and legwork so that you can focus on moving on with your life.
The Divorce Process in Anne Arundel County
The divorce process can be long and complicated, but a divorce lawyer can help make it as smooth as possible. Here is an overview of what you can expect during the process.
- Filing for Divorce
- Serving Divorce Papers
- Negotiating a Settlement
- Going to Trial
- Finalizing the divorce
Is Maryland an At-Fault State for Divorce?
Maryland allows both no-fault and fault-based grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds allow a couple to divorce without having to prove that one spouse did something wrong. The most common no-fault ground is “irreconcilable differences,” which simply means that the couple has disagreements that they cannot resolve.
Fault grounds, on the other hand, require one spouse to prove that the other did something wrong. The most common fault ground in Maryland is adultery. Other grounds include:
- Filing for Divorce
- Serving Divorce Papers
- Negotiating a Settlement
- Going to Trial
- Finalizing the divorce
It’s important to note that, even if you can prove that your spouse did something to cause the breakdown of your marriage, fault is not always relevant. That’s because Maryland is a “no-fault” state when it comes to dividing property in a divorce. So, even if your spouse was at fault for the divorce, that won’t impact who gets what in terms of assets and debts.
Protecting Your Interests in a High Asset Divorce
A high asset divorce is any divorce involving couples who have significant assets, such as a home, multiple properties, retirement accounts, investments, and businesses. High asset divorces can be more complicated than other types of divorces because there is more at stake. This can make the process of reaching a divorce settlement more difficult.
It is important to protect your interests if you are going through a high-asset divorce. One of the best ways to do this is to hire an experienced Anne Arundel County divorce attorney who can help you navigate the process and ensure your rights are protected.
Your attorney will be able to help you identify all of the assets that need to be divided in the divorce and determine what is fair and equitable. They will also be able to negotiate on your behalf to help you reach a settlement that is in your best interests. In some cases, it may even be possible to reach a settlement without going to trial. However, your attorney will be prepared to fight for you and protect your interests if a trial is necessary.
Why You Need a Divorce Checklist
Divorce is a big life change, and, as such, it’s important to be as prepared as possible. The best way to do that is to create a divorce checklist. Your divorce checklist should include everything you need to do to file for divorce and finalize your divorce. For example, your checklist might include items like:
- Gather financial documents
- Make copies of important documents
- Open a separate bank account
- Create a budget
- Consider therapy
For a more in-depth checklist that includes everything you may not have thought of, check the Divorce With a Plan divorce plan checklist and ensure you have everything under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start the divorce process in Anne Arundel County?
The process begins by filing a Complaint for Absolute Divorce with the circuit court. Your experienced divorce attorney will help you prepare, file, and serve the required documents correctly and promptly.
Do I have to go to court for my divorce?
Not always. If you and your spouse can agree on key issues, you may be eligible for an uncontested divorce, which can avoid trial and reduce stress, time, and cost. A dedicated family law attorney can help you avoid the stress of a lengthy court battle.
Can fault (like adultery) impact my divorce settlement?
While fault may influence decisions about custody or alimony, Maryland courts generally divide property equitably, regardless of who was at fault for the divorce. Most divorces in Maryland are no-fault divorces, which usually means the reason for separation is “irreconcilable differences” or mutual consent.
What’s considered a high asset divorce, and why does it matter?
A high asset divorce involves substantial property, business interests, or investments. These cases require careful financial analysis and strategic planning to ensure a fair outcome. You may need to present evidence as to why you deserve a fair settlement. Talk to a family law attorney with experience in high asset divorces to find out more.
Will I receive or have to pay alimony?
Possibly. Alimony is based on factors like length of marriage, income differences, and financial need. Your attorney will advocate for a fair arrangement.
Contact Divorce With a Plan Today to Get Started on Your Case
If you’re considering a divorce in Anne Arundel County, you probably have a lot of questions. At Divorce With a Plan, we understand how overwhelming the divorce process can be. We’re here to help. Contact us today to get started.
Book Your Consultation Now: (240) 269-3592
