Divorce With Multiple Properties in Germantown, MD
Divorce With Multiple Properties in Germantown, MD
If you and your spouse own more than one property, whether that includes your family home, a vacation house, rental properties, or land, the process of dividing those assets in a divorce can feel confusing. You may be wondering what will happen to each property, how their value will be determined, and what your rights are when it comes to keeping or letting go of the homes you have invested in.
At Z Family Law, our team understands that going through a divorce with multiple properties in Germantown adds layers of complexity to an already emotional experience. We take a team approach to every case, which means you get the right level of help at every stage, keeping your costs manageable without sacrificing quality. Schedule a free case evaluation today to start a conversation about your situation and learn how we can help.
How Maryland Handles Property Division in Divorce
Maryland is what is known as an equitable distribution state, meaning that when a couple divorces, their marital property is divided based on what the court determines is “fair,” not necessarily a cut-and-dry 50/50 split. The court looks at a variety of factors, including how long the marriage lasted, each spouse's financial situation, contributions to the marriage, and more.
It is important to understand the difference between marital property and separate property. Marital property generally includes assets that either spouse acquired during the marriage. Separate property, on the other hand, is property that one spouse owned before getting married or received individually as a gift or inheritance during the marriage.
Here is where things can get tricky: if separate property has been mixed with marital property over time, it may no longer be considered separate. For example, if you owned a rental property before marriage but used marital funds to pay the mortgage or make improvements, that property could be considered partially or fully marital. Understanding how your properties are classified is an important first step in any divorce with multiple properties in Germantown.
Options for Divorce With Multiple Properties in Germantown
Before you can make decisions about what to do with your properties, you need to know what they are worth. A professional appraiser will evaluate each property and provide an estimate of its current market value, giving you and your spouse a clear picture to work from. Knowing the true value of your properties helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that any agreements you reach are based on accurate information.
When you are facing a divorce with multiple properties in Germantown, there are several paths you might take depending on your goals and your relationship with your spouse. Here are some common options:
- Selling and Splitting the Proceeds: If neither spouse wants to keep a particular property, or if selling makes the most financial sense, you can list the property for sale and divide the profits.
- Buying Out Your Spouse: If you want to keep a property and your spouse is willing to let it go, you may be able to buy out their share. The buyout amount can sometimes be offset by other assets in the divorce.
- Co-Ownership After Divorce: In some situations, it may make sense for both spouses to continue owning a property together even after the divorce is finalized. This arrangement is more common with income-generating properties like rentals, where both parties want to continue benefiting from the investment.
- Trading Assets for Balance: If one spouse wants to keep a particular property, they may offer to give up other assets of similar value in exchange.
Our team can help you explore each of these options and figure out which approach makes the most sense for your unique situation.
Why Work with Z Family Law?
Going through a divorce with multiple properties in Germantown is not something you should try to handle alone. The details matter, and having a team of professionals on your side can make a real difference in how confident you feel about the outcome.
At Z Family Law, we believe in a team approach. When you work with us, you are not relying on just one person. You have a full team supporting your case, with each member handling the tasks that match their skills. The result is a more efficient process that keeps costs down without cutting corners on the care and attention your case deserves.
We also pride ourselves on providing concierge-level service. We are here to answer your questions, keep you informed, and make sure you always know what is happening in your case.
Take the First Step Toward Your New Beginning
Divorce is a major life change, but it is also an opportunity to start fresh and build the life you truly want to be living. At Z Family Law, we are here to help you navigate the challenges of divorce so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Schedule a free case evaluation today to connect with our team and begin creating your new beginning.
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.