Germantown, MD Divorce Lawyers
Germantown, MD Divorce Lawyers
When you are facing divorce, it’s easy to feel like the world is falling apart. Naturally, you are likely concerned about important issues, like whether you will be able to keep your home and personal property, how your finances will be impacted, whether you will have to give up your pets, and what custody of your children will look like. Working with experienced, compassionate Germantown divorce lawyers can help you understand your legal options and put your anxieties to rest – so you can focus on creating a new beginning for yourself and your family.
At Z Family Law, we understand how overwhelming the prospect of divorce can feel. We work with you closely to craft legal strategies that support your needs and goals so you can look forward to a new chapter of your life with confidence and peace of mind. We understand that you want to get through this process with as little drama as possible, which is why we help you develop collaborative strategies that are less stressful, and more cost-effective, for everyone involved. Don’t be mistaken, though—we are fierce advocates in the courtroom and will do everything we can to protect you from predatory legal practices.
If you are ready to get started with us, reach out today for a free confidential case evaluation.
Understanding Divorce in Maryland
Maryland is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that you do not have to allege fault in your marriage in order to be granted a divorce. During the divorce process, however, you must cite one of the following legally valid grounds:
- Irreconcilable differences: When you and your spouse can no longer see eye-to-eye on fundamental aspects of your marriage, you can divorce due to irreconcilable differences. Rather than assigning blame to either party, it simply acknowledges that the differences between the two of you have become too significant to overcome.
- 6-month separation: If you and your spouse have been separated for at least six months, you may file for divorce due to six-month separation. Notably, "separation" doesn't mean you are required to live in separate homes—you can still qualify while sharing the same residence as long as you are “pursuing separate lives.”
- Mutual consent: When both spouses agree that ending the marriage is the right decision, you can file jointly by submitting a written agreement. This document must outline how you've agreed to handle all essential divorce matters, like property division and child custody.
Although Maryland is a no-fault divorce state, certain issues, like abuse, abandonment, infidelity, or financial misconduct can still factor into decisions regarding custody or property division. If you think the circumstances that led to the breakdown of your marriage might be relevant to your court case, be sure to discuss it with our Germantown divorce lawyers.
How Our Germantown Divorce Lawyers Can Help
When you work with Z Family Law, we can guide you through every step of divorce, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your legal options along the way. We can assist with resolving issues, including but not limited to:
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Spousal Support: You or your spouse could be eligible for alimony based on financial need, earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and how long the marriage lasted. In many cases, spousal support is temporary, designed to help the receiving spouse become financially stable.
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Property Division and Division of Assets: Maryland follows equitable distribution laws, which means marital property is divided based on what the court considers fair rather than a strict 50/50 split. Marital property generally includes anything that either you or your spouse acquired during marriage. However, property brought into the marriage can become marital property through processes like commingling.
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Custody: Courts make custody decisions supporting the best interests of the child, which often means preserving relationships with both parents. There are many ways custody can be arranged, which is why it’s important to make a convincing case supporting the needs of your child.
- Mediation and Negotiation: Mediation and negotiation are alternatives to litigation that are generally quicker, more cost-effective, and allow you to maintain a cordial relationship with your spouse, while avoiding drawn out court hearings and trial. Our attorneys can act as neutral mediators or represent you during sessions with a third-party mediator, ensuring you are informed of your rights every step of the way.
Our Germantown divorce lawyers care deeply about supporting you and fighting for the results you need. In addition to impeccable legal service, you can also turn to us for assistance outside of the courtroom.
Our Client Concierge service helps you address essential issues such as housing, financial management, pet care, home maintenance, and more by connecting you with trusted local partners. We understand that you need holistic support throughout your divorce, and you can always count on us to be there to help.
Z Family Law Offers Exceptional Divorce Service
At Z Family Law, we want to help you rebuild a life that’s happier and better than ever. If you are ready to get started, contact us to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation.
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.