Our Attorneys In Severn Are Here To Guide You Through A Maryland Divorce

When you’re going through the process of legally ending a marriage, it’s crucial to have a team of experienced divorce attorneys on your side to ensure that your rights are upheld and a fair agreement is met. A knowledgeable divorce lawyer in Severn can be invaluable, and our attorneys at Trevillian Law have extensive experience in several areas of family law, including prenuptial agreements and child custody.

Our lawyers understand that divorce can be one of the most challenging and stressful experiences for individuals. Even if you anticipate a smooth divorce, it is important to have a team of legal advocates on your side through each step of the process. Don’t risk trouble by omitting key areas such as agreements and proper treatment of complex assets in property division agreements.

A Full-Service Family Law Firm In Anne Arundel County Focusing On Divorce And Custody Disputes

Couples seek the dissolution of their marriages for many reasons. Our experienced attorneys can assist with any divorce or family law case that you may have. Perhaps you need a prenuptial agreement, assistance with adoption or representation in post-separation litigation. Let our team provide you with the help you need to deal with your divorce case and other related issues, including:

• Child custody disputes, negotiations and agreements
• Child support calculations and agreements
• Post-separation issues and post-divorce litigation concerns, such as the disclosure of hidden assets
• Adoptions and challenges to adoptions
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
• Annulment and void marriages
• Legal separation
• Mothers’ and fathers’ rights in custody and other areas
• Grandparents’ rights
• Domestic violence and orders of protection

If your family law issue does not appear above, please feel free to contact us and get the benefit of our attorneys’ extensive knowledge and experience.

Pathways To Divorce In Maryland, A No-Fault State

There are various reasons why spouses might seek to end their marriage legally. Maryland is a “no-fault” state when it comes to divorce. Previously, one spouse could bring litigation alleging fault by the other spouse, but this is no longer an option or even necessary. Instead, a no-fault divorce – the only kind of divorce – is available if one or more of the following applies to the circumstances:

• The spouses have lived apart for six months (which can be either under the same roof in some situations or in accordance with a court order).
• At least one of the spouses asserts that there are irreconcilable differences.
• The parties, with mutual consent, submit to the court a settlement agreement covering property division and alimony if there will be spousal support, child custody and documentation that the child support guidelines will be followed unless there are compelling reasons to override them.

A divorce by mutual consent does not require a six-month separation period as long as the parties have a signed settlement agreement. Family law mediation is often the most efficient and beneficial method for arriving at the necessary agreement.

About Separation Before Divorce

Separation is typically a precursor to divorce, but having a separation agreement doesn’t require a couple to seek divorce. A separation agreement doesn’t amount to an absolute divorce. However, it outlines the legal results and responsibilities of each person living separately, including child custody, child support, division of property and, in some cases, spousal support.

Separation agreements, once signed, are legal and binding. However, the court can adjust child custody and child support if the child’s well-being is in question. Once a couple has been legally or otherwise separated for six months, they may seek a no-fault divorce or choose to retain their legal marriage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Divorces

Here at Trevillian Law, we know you have questions when you’re looking for a Severn divorce attorney. Our experienced team would be more than happy to answer them at a consultation. You can also get started below with quick answers to some of the questions we see most often:

How do I file for divorce in Maryland?

You need to file the proper documents with a Maryland circuit court. These may include but are not limited to form CC-DR-020 (Complaint for Absolute Divorce) and form CC-DCM-001 (Civil Domestic Information Report).

Do I need a divorce lawyer to file for divorce?

It is not legally mandatory, but remember that divorce laws are very complex and you may have a lot at stake – from fair division of your assets to time with your children. A proficient divorce attorney can help you file all the correct forms, adhere to specific deadlines and explore your options if there is a dispute.

How are assets and property divided in a Maryland divorce?

Marital property, which is usually almost everything obtained during a marriage, needs to be split equitably or fairly. Separate property, such as items brought into the marriage or some direct gifts and inheritances, stays with the person who owns it.

Can I modify a divorce decree in Maryland?

Yes. For instance, child support payments may be modified after the loss of a job or child custody orders may be modified if a parent moves. But it’s important to always follow standing court orders. Do not break them without first getting the modification and a new order.

What are the new divorce laws in Maryland?

One of the newest changes to the Maryland divorce process is that limited divorces can no longer be used. These allowed separated couples to technically remain married while dividing assets, child custody rights and things of this nature. Moving forward, couples would need to get an official, full divorce for the court to address these issues.

Consult With A Severn-Based Family Law Attorney

For more than 30 years, we have been providing family law services to families in Severn, Anne Arundel County and the surrounding areas. Our experienced Maryland divorce attorneys offer the most reliable and efficient legal representation possible to every one of our clients throughout Annapolis, Bowie, Catonsville, Ellicott City, Glen Burnie, Millersville, Odenton, Pasadena, Severna Park and other Greater Baltimore cities.

Whether you need assistance with a contested divorce or child custody and support, our legal professionals at Trevillian Law offer a level of legal family law experience and services that may be tough to find elsewhere in Severn and Glen Burnie. Contact us today via email or by calling 410-609-9987 for a legal consultation to get started.