Anne Arundel County Divorce Attorney
Going through a divorce can be one of the most harrowing life experiences for most people. Some people experience depression, grief, insomnia, anxiety, stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, and even guilt. You could go through confusion, especially if you haven’t had closure or happen to be on the receiving end of the divorce papers, which means you may not be in a mental capacity to handle everything that comes with divorce proceedings. Having a professional Anne Arundel county divorce attorney to take care of all the gritty details of your divorce can be one less burden to bear.
Having a professional means being ahead of the game and having someone who understands the justice system and family law inside out. It means getting better advice than you may be able to come up with and having a solid strategy that helps you come out a winner at the end of it all. Moreso, if you have kids and face a possible custody battle or have assets that need equitable division.
Divorce With a Plan is here to help you understand everything you need to know about hiring a professional Anne Arundel County divorce attorney.
Overview of What an Anne Arundel County Divorce Attorney Does
There is so much that goes into getting a divorce. It can be an emotionally charged and difficult time for couples who are seeking to end their marriage. A divorce lawyer is there to help make the process as smooth as possible. Here is what an accomplished Anne Arundel County divorce attorney will do.
They Can Help You Settle Your Differences Out of Court
In some cases, it may be beneficial to try and settle your differences outside of court. This is often much cheaper and quicker than going to trial. 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.
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.
They Can Help You Navigate the Court System
The court system can be very confusing, especially if you have never been involved in a legal proceeding. A divorce lawyer will be able to help you navigate the court system so that you don’t have to worry about making any missteps that could jeopardize your case.
They will also help you understand the different types of evidence admissible in court and how to properly present your case to have the best chance of success.
They Can Help You Get the Best Possible Outcome
When it comes to divorce, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every couple is different, so the divorce process will differ for each couple. A divorce lawyer will help you understand the different options available to you and help you choose the best option for your specific situation.
They will also 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.
They’ll Save You Money and Reduce Stress During the Proceedings
You might think that hiring a lawyer will be expensive, but in the long run, it’ll actually 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.
Additionally, a lawyer can help you reduce the amount of stress that you feel during the divorce process. This is because they will be able to handle all of the paperwork and legwork so that you can focus on moving on with your life.
Overview of the Divorce Process
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
What are Some Important Laws Regarding Divorce in MD?
In Maryland, there are a few important laws that you should be aware of when getting a divorce. These laws can impact the outcome of your case, and it is important to understand them before proceeding with your divorce. Some of the most important laws include:
Grounds for Divorce
In Maryland, you can only get a divorce if you have grounds for doing so. The most common grounds for divorce include adultery, desertion, insanity, or cruelty. However, it could also be mutual consent.
Residency Requirements
Before you can file for divorce in Maryland, you must first meet the state’s residency requirements. You must be a resident of the state for at least six months before you can file if the grounds happened outside of MD. However, if the grounds for your divorce occurred in Maryland, you only need to be a resident at the time of filing.
Property Division
Maryland is an equitable distribution state, which means that property will be divided equitably between the parties in a divorce. This does not necessarily mean that the property will be divided evenly, but rather that it will be divided in a way that is fair.
Limited Divorce
Also known as legal separation, limited divorce is granted on the grounds of separation, cruelty, desertion, and vicious conduct.
No-fault Divorce
MD offers a no-fault divorce when a couple has been involuntarily separated for two years or voluntarily separated for 12 months.
What is a High Asset Divorce?
It’s any divorce involving couples who have significant assets, such as a home, multiple properties, retirement accounts, investments, and businesses. While the definition of “significant” can vary from case to case, it generally refers to anything that would be considered a significant financial asset.
High asset divorces can be more complicated than other types of divorces because there is more at stake. When couples have significant assets, they often have complex financial arrangements in place that need to be taken into account when dividing those assets. This can make the process of reaching a divorce settlement more difficult, but it is not impossible. With the help of an experienced divorce attorney, it is possible to reach a fair and equitable settlement in a high-asset divorce.
Protecting Your Interests in a High Asset Divorce
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.
What Am I Entitled to in a Divorce in Anne Arundel County?
Many people going through a divorce in Anne Arundel County want to know what they are entitled to. The answer to this question is not always simple, as it depends on the particular circumstances of each case. However, there are some general principles that can guide you in understanding what you may be entitled to receive.
In Maryland, the law provides that each spouse is entitled to an equitable share of the marital property. Marital property is generally defined as any property acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title. This includes homes, vehicles, savings accounts, retirement accounts, and other assets.
Debts are also classified as marital property, and each spouse is typically responsible for an equitable share of the debts incurred during the marriage. However, the court may order one spouse to pay a larger portion of the debt if it finds that this would be fair and just under the circumstances.
In addition to an equitable share of the marital property, each spouse is also entitled to an equitable share of any separate property. Separate property is defined as any property that either spouse acquired before the marriage or that was inherited or gifted to one spouse during the marriage.
Does it Matter Who Files for Divorce First in Maryland?
One reason it might matter who files first is that, in Maryland, whoever files first gets to choose the county where the divorce will be filed. So, if you want to file in Anne Arundel County, but your spouse wants to file in Baltimore County, being the first to file gives you the advantage.
Another way in which being the first to file can impact your divorce is that, if you file first, you get to set the tone for the divorce proceedings. For example, if you’re hoping to keep things amicable and avoid a lengthy and costly court battle, you can make that clear in your filing. Conversely, if you’re expecting a fight, you can signal that in your paperwork as well.
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:
- Desertion (abandonment)
- Felony conviction
- Mental disability
- Cruelty
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.
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
Of course, your divorce checklist will be unique to your situation. But these are just some of the things you might want to include. 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.
How an Anne Arundel County Divorce Attorney from Divorce With a Plan Can Help You
If you’re considering a divorce, it’s important to have an experienced Anne Arundel County divorce lawyer on your side. Divorce With a Plan has years of experience helping clients through the divorce process. We can help you understand your rights and options, and we’ll fight for the best possible outcome in your case. We’ll also be there to support you through this difficult time.
Contact Divorce With a Plan Today to Get in Touch Regarding Your Case
When it comes to divorce, there are a lot of moving parts. From property division to child custody, there’s a lot to think about. And, if you’re considering a divorce, you probably have a lot of questions. At Divorce With a Plan, we understand how overwhelming the divorce process can be. That’s why we’re here to help. Contact us today to get started.