Glen Burnie, MD Divorce Attorney

Experienced Divorce Lawyer for Clients in Glen Burnie, Maryland

No matter how long you were married for, a divorce can come as a drastic shift in your life, with serious implications for your home, your finances, and the custody of your children, if you have any. Throughout this period of intense change, you could benefit from the counsel and representation of a Glen Burnie, Maryland divorce lawyer.

At DM Family Law, we are more than qualified to handle your Maryland divorce. Attorney David Marquardt has over two decades of experience in family law, granting him keen insights into how divorces are handled. Throughout your case, Attorney Marquardt will discuss your options with you and pursue the best course of action on your behalf.

What Happens to the Marital Home in a Divorce?

If you and your spouse shared a house together, you may have some pressing questions about what will become of the residence during the divorce. To answer this, you will first have to determine whether the home is marital or separate property.

If you bought the house during the marriage, it will likely be considered marital property. If you acquired the house prior to the marriage, it could be considered separate property, but if marital funds were invested into it, it could then become marital property. Some married couples sign prenuptial or postnuptial agreements to protect a home from being divided in the event of a divorce.

When both spouses have a claim to the home as marital property, they can choose to sell it and divide up the proceeds as they see fit. One spouse could also continue living in the home and buy out the other's interests. However, this will also require refinancing the mortgage to get your spouse's name off of the property. If you choose to go down this route, you should first make sure that you can afford the expenses associated with maintaining the house by yourself.

Will I Have to Pay Spousal Support in My Divorce?

Nobody is guaranteed alimony after a divorce in Maryland. This means that you will not have to pay alimony unless your spouse specifically requests it during your divorce, and even then, it must be approved by the courts. Before making a final decision about an alimony award, the courts can consider different factors, including:

• The circumstances behind the breakdown of the marriage
• The length of the marriage
• Both spouses' contributions to the marriage
• The lifestyle established during the marriage
• The age and health of both spouses

At DM Family Law, we can represent you on either side of an alimony dispute, making sure that your financial needs are not overlooked by the court.

Who Will Get Custody of the Children in My Divorce?

In Maryland, the courts base all custody decisions on what is best for the child. However, the courts also recognize that the child can benefit by having both parents in their lives. In many cases, parents are able to share custody without any issues after a divorce in what is known as a joint custody agreement.

Joint custody is not always the right solution. If your spouse has a history of domestic violence, petitioning for sole custody may serve your child's best interests. Custody can also be modified after the final divorce decree if the change is necessary for the child's well-being.

Meet With a Glen Burnie Divorce Lawyer

Having a legal advocate at your side is important for protecting yourself during your divorce. Our Glen Burnie divorce attorney can handle your case with a personalized approach, taking the time to understand your unique circumstances while developing a well-reasoned legal strategy. To schedule a free consultation with DM Family Law, call our offices at 443-545-8100 or reach out to our Glen Burnie divorce attorney.