Divorce Lawyers for Business Owners in Bethesda, MD
Divorce for Business Owners in Bethesda, MD
Anyone going through divorce might feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the process, but divorcing as a business owner is leagues more confusing. When it comes to navigating through the legal process, it’s essential to have the help of skilled divorce lawyers for business owners in Bethesda.
At Z Family Law, we help our clients develop smart legal strategies so they can protect themselves and the things that are important to them throughout the divorce process. If you are concerned about the well-being of your business, we can help you defend your hard work and your financial future. We believe that divorce should be the opening chapter to a better tomorrow, and we fight for the settlement you deserve.
If you are ready to get started, reach out to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you through divorce as a business owner.
Divorcing as a Business Owner: What You Should Know
One of the first things you need to understand about the divorce process in Maryland is how assets are divided. According to Maryland divorce law, marital assets are subject to equitable distribution in a divorce, which means they’re divided based on multiple factors rather than an automatic 50-50 split. Your business is an asset, but whether it's subject to division as marital property depends on several factors.
Marital property is generally defined as property that was acquired during the course of the marriage, whereas separate property is defined as property that you or your spouse owned before getting married. However, there are circumstances in which separate property can become marital property (such as when the two are mixed together), which is why it’s important to consult with our divorce lawyers for business owners in Bethesda for proper guidance.
How We Can Help as Divorce Lawyers for Business Owners in Bethesda
The experienced divorce lawyers of Z Family Law stand by your side to help you protect your business throughout your divorce. Some of the key issues we can help with include:
- Business valuation: We partner with expert business valuators to determine the value of your business, so that your ownership interests are properly protected.
- Negotiating: When you are able to work with your spouse to negotiate a mutually-beneficial outcome, the process becomes less stressful and the resolution can be happier for both parties. When you negotiate, you have greater control over the outcome of your divorce and business interests.
- Mediation: When you and your spouse want to cooperate over the specifics of your divorce, mediation is a great solution that allows you to tailor the resolution for your needs, including the needs of your business. Cooperation allows you to avoid court, saving you time and stress, while giving you more control over the outcome.
- Litigation: If cooperation is not possible, litigation is the last line of defense for your business. At Z Family Law, we will fight fiercely for you in court so you can protect your life’s work.
Z Family Law Can Guide You Through Divorce as a Business Owner
At Z Family Law, we understand that your divorce affects you, your family, and so many other people, including the employees who rely on you for their livelihood. Our divorce lawyers for business owners in Bethesda have the experience, professionalism, and compassion you need to overcome the divorce process and move onto the next chapter of your life. Reach out to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you protect your business and future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to court in order to get divorced?
No. If your divorce is uncontested, meaning you and your spouse are in alignment on the terms of your divorce, you can settle out of court without the involvement of a judge (though you will still have to briefly appear in court for a short hearing to finalize your settlement and obtain a judgment of absolute divorce). However, we highly recommend every divorcing couple review their marital settlement agreement with a family law attorney before signing it, just to make sure you know what you are agreeing to!
How can I prove fault in my divorce?
If you want to allege some fault that led to the breakdown of your marriage such as adultery, abandonment, abuse, mental health issues, or substance addiction, you should do all you can to document the incident(s) including saving any kind of relevant communications such as texts or emails. Speak with our lawyers about your options, and we will begin the process of making a case for your interests.
Is Maryland a community property state?
No, Maryland is an equitable distribution state, meaning that any property acquired during the marriage (marital property) will be divided equitably but necessarily equally in a divorce.