Ellicott City, MD Divorce Lawyer

Experienced Divorce Attorney Representing Clients in Ellicott City, Maryland

Every divorce comes with a different set of hurdles and complications. Whether you expect your divorce to be contested or not, you should consider seeking legal representation to make sure that your best interests are protected. An Ellicott City, Maryland divorce attorney can represent you in negotiations in and outside of court, speaking up for your rights at every juncture.

At DM Family Law, Attorney David Marquardt has helped numerous clients through divorces, from amicable separations to highly disputed courtroom battles. You can trust our firm to provide you with honest, compassionate, and strong representation throughout your case as we work toward a favorable resolution on your behalf.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Maryland?

Currently, there are only three recognized grounds for divorce in Maryland:

• Irreconcilable Differences: If you and your spouse are completely unable to mend your relationship, you can end your marriage based on irreconcilable differences.
• Mutual Consent: You and your spouse can seek a divorce based on mutual consent if you sign a settlement agreement deciding on all major issues.
• Six-Month Separation: You can divorce your spouse if the two of you have lived separately and apart from each other in the six months leading up to your divorce filing.

Maryland does not recognize fault-based grounds for divorce such as infidelity or abandonment. However, marital misconduct can still play a role in how the divorce proceedings play out. For example, the judge is allowed to consider "the circumstances that contributed to the estrangement of the parties" when making a decision about alimony.

How Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements Can Affect Your Divorce

If you and your spouse signed a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, the terms included in the document could dictate how your divorce is handled. A marital agreement can be used to settle different divorce-related issues, such as the division of property and debts or alimony. Many couples also sign marital agreements to safeguard inheritance rights for their heirs, especially if there are children from a previous marriage.

There are some limitations to what marital agreements can include. Under no circumstances can a marital agreement include terms about child custody or child support. Also, you cannot include any clauses about taking legal action for the alienation of affections.

A prenup or postnup could be contested in court for various reasons, such as if one party was coerced into signing the document. At DM Family Law, we can represent you in a dispute regarding a marital agreement.

Ways to Resolve a Divorce in Maryland

Some people tend to associate the word "divorce" with aggressive litigation, but this is not always the case. Many couples can resolve their divorce through informal negotiation outside of court, which can save everyone time and money.

If you and your spouse are not able to resolve a disagreement on your own, you could try mediation instead. This involves sitting down with a certified mediator who will try to help you and your spouse come to a mutually agreeable settlement. To succeed in mediation, you must be willing to compromise and find common ground with your spouse. At DM Family Law, we can advise you of how to speak up for your rights in mediation.

If you have no choice but to pursue litigation, Attorney David Marquardt will make extensive preparations to build your case. Our firm will seek the best possible outcome, whether it comes down to a settlement or a judge's verdict.

Meet With an Ellicott City, Maryland Divorce Attorney

If you need help with your divorce, DM Family Law is here for you. Our Ellicott City, MD divorce lawyer can advocate for your needs, providing you with compassionate counsel. To arrange a free initial consultation, call us at 443-545-8100 or contact our Ellicott City, MD divorce lawyer.