Columbia, MD Contested Divorce Lawyer

Skilled Attorney Handling Contested Divorces in Columbia, Maryland

During the divorce process, many couples run into disagreements that can slow down legal proceedings. This is a normal and sometimes expected part of ending a marriage. What matters is resolving the dispute without losing sight of your goals. To ensure that your best interests are protected, consider working with a Columbia, Maryland divorce attorney who can advocate for your needs.

At DM Family Law, we are well aware of the disagreements that can slow down the divorce process, and we will work diligently to help you reach an amicable resolution. If needed, we can also help you prepare for litigation in a court of family law.

What Issues Come Up During Contested Divorces?

Everyone has their own priorities when it comes to divorce. You and your spouse might be stuck on a single issue that prevents you from reaching a settlement, or there might be several problems that serve as sources of friction. Common contested divorce issues may include:

• Property Division: In your divorce, you and your spouse might disagree about how you want to divide up the marital property you have acquired over time, or how you want to divide up the debts you have accumulated. In high asset divorces, you and your spouse might both covet more valuable, complex assets.
• Child Custody: If you and your spouse share any children, you might have conflicting ideas over who the child should stay with and how they will be raised.
• Alimony: If you have a financial need for alimony and your spouse does not want to pay for it (or vice versa), you might struggle to reach a settlement.
• Marital Agreements: During your divorce, you and your spouse may disagree over whether or not a signed agreement is enforceable.

At DM Family Law, we know how much these issues may matter to you. Our lawyer will strategize with you to work toward a favorable outcome, keeping in mind what is at stake for you.

Is It Better to Settle or Litigate a Contested Divorce?

There is no right way to effectively resolve a contested divorce. The right approach will vary depending on the specifics of your situation, and at DM Family Law, we will take the time to understand your circumstances before pursuing the best option for you.

In many contested divorces, reaching a settlement outside of court is an ideal option. Settling tends to be much less expensive than taking your divorce to court, which may be optimal if you want to preserve the wealth in your marital estate. However, if you are divorcing a narcissistic or abusive spouse, trying to reach a settlement may not be a productive use of your time.

Alternative Methods of Dispute Resolution in a Contested Divorce

If you and your spouse cannot resolve a disagreement by yourselves, you may have other options aside from going to court. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that can allow you to handle your disagreements without the need for costly, time-consuming litigation.

In mediation, you and your spouse can choose a location outside of court to hold a meeting where you will discuss your outstanding issues. A certified mediator will attend the meeting, acting as a neutral party who will suggest creative solutions and propose compromises to satisfy both sides. At DM Family Law, we can go over your case to see if mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution is right for you.

Contact a Columbia, Maryland Contested Divorce Attorney

Getting through a contested divorce requires a strong grasp of the law. At DM Family Law, we offer comprehensive counsel and representation to assist with your case. To schedule a free consultation with our Columbia, MD contested divorce lawyer, contact our Columbia contested divorce lawyer or call our offices at 443-545-8100 today.