Crofton, MD Divorce Lawyer

Skilled Divorce Attorney for Residents of Crofton, Maryland

Few people look forward to the prospect of getting a divorce and all of the legal complications that come with it. Although divorce is a difficult process, seeking legal representation can make things much easier on you. A Crofton, MD divorce lawyer can serve your needs during the legal proceedings, working toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Regardless of whether you ended your marriage on good terms or not, you can benefit from the services of a skilled attorney. At DM Family Law, we have the skills and experience to help safeguard your rights during your divorce. Attorney David Marquardt prioritizes integrity, honesty, and compassion, working to resolve divorces amicably whenever possible.

The Difference Between Contested and Uncontested Divorces in Maryland

In family law, a divorce is considered contested when there are issues between the spouses standing in the way of reaching an agreement. Most contested divorces tend to revolve around one or more of these issues:

By contrast, a divorce is considered uncontested when both spouses can agree on all major issues. These kinds of divorces are often characterized by compromise and cooperation. As you might expect, uncontested divorces are usually less expensive than contested divorces, since there is less involvement from the court and therefore fewer legal fees.

Going through a contested divorce does not have to be a painful experience. If you and your spouse are willing to work together, you can explore other options instead of proceeding straight to litigation. For instance, you could try mediation, which involves agreeing to meet with a third party outside of court to try to reach a point of compromise with your spouse. At DM Family Law, we can go over your options to resolve your divorce amicably.

When Is Alimony Awarded in Maryland Divorces?

The purpose of an alimony award in divorce proceedings is to provide one spouse with the means to get back on their feet. Since divorce can come as a major shift in finances, this is sometimes a necessary measure to avoid hardship.

If you petition for alimony and the judge agrees that it is appropriate, the courts can compel your spouse to provide you with support. Your alimony payments might only last during the legal proceedings—known as alimony pendente lite—or they may last until you attain the necessary education or training you need to become self-supporting. In rare cases, indefinite alimony can be awarded to a spouse who may struggle to find employment after the divorce.

How Is Property Division Handled in Maryland?

There are many ways you and your spouse can choose to divide up your property in a divorce. Usually, this starts by drawing a distinction between assets that are yours (separate property) and assets of the marriage (marital property). You and your spouse can reach a property settlement outside of court, which can save you both time and money compared to litigation.

If you are not able to reach a property settlement, the courts will divide your marital estate according to the principle of equitable distribution, factoring in both parties' contributions to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and the economic circumstances of both parties, among many other considerations. At DM Family Law, we can represent you in court to advocate for a favorable split of property or assist with negotiations outside of court.

Contact a Crofton Divorce Attorney

The prospect of divorce may be intimidating, but you do not have to manage it by yourself. At DM Family Law, we can provide you with trustworthy advocacy and counsel to help you navigate your divorce from start to finish.

Attorney David Marquardt is a solo practitioner, so you can take comforting knowing that your case will be handled by a dedicated legal professional. Call us at 443-545-8100 or contact our Crofton divorce lawyer to arrange a free consultation.

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