Pasadena, MD Divorce Lawyer

Knowledgeable Divorce Attorney Advocating for Clients in Pasadena, Maryland

Getting a divorce can come as a dramatic change to your life, especially if you were married for many years prior. To protect yourself during the legal proceedings, you will have to plan carefully. Without preparation, a contested divorce can burden you with needless legal fees as litigation drags on. A Pasadena divorce lawyer can help you navigate the legal proceedings efficiently, pursuing an ideal outcome on your behalf.

If you are looking for an experienced divorce lawyer, DM Family Law can provide you with exceptional counsel and representation. Attorney David Marquardt has over two decades of experience handling divorce issues for his clients, including property division, child custody, and more.

Will I Get Alimony in My Divorce?

A divorce can put a severe strain on your finances. To remedy this, you can request an award of alimony, which is paid out by your spouse for a period of time during or after your divorce. Keep in mind that if you do not request alimony during the divorce proceedings, you cannot request it retroactively.

Alimony is awarded based on financial need. Depending on your case, you may be awarded alimony while your divorce is still ongoing, until you can support yourself financially, or for an indefinite period at the court's discretion.

A court order of alimony can also be modified at a later date. For instance, if you become financially independent or move in with a new partner, your alimony could be terminated early. At DM Family Law, we can help you petition for an appropriate amount of financial support based on your needs.

How Is Property Split Up in Maryland Divorces?

Dividing up property can be one of the most complicated, contentious parts of your divorce. But before you can start splitting up your assets, you and your spouse will have to determine what is and is not marital property.

In Maryland, property obtained during the marriage is considered marital property. This may include your house, vehicles, and other significant purchases you made with your spouse. Additionally, any income acquired during the marriage may be considered marital assets, which means that your retirement contributions could be subject to division.

Separate property typically consists of assets that you owned before the marriage. However, separate property can become marital property when it is mixed with marital funds. This sometimes happens to family-owned businesses when a spouse contributes to its growth with their own income. In this example, the contributing spouse may have to be paid out for their interest in the business.

Spouses have a fair degree of control over how assets are divided. If you have a marital agreement in place, you can divide your property according to the terms of the document. Alternatively, you could settle property division outside of court in a mutual agreement. Finally, if you cannot reach an agreement, your marital assets will be divided according to what the courts consider fair and equitable.

Child Custody Disputes in a Divorce

If you and your spouse share any children, you will have to make an important choice regarding the custody arrangements. At DM Family Law, we can help you come up with a parenting plan that details where your child will live and how important decisions will be handled. If your child is at risk with the other parent due to a history of abuse or neglect, we can also help you seek sole custody.

Contact a Pasadena, MD Divorce Lawyer

Even an uncontested, amicable divorce can be challenging to manage on your own. At DM Family Law, we can support you throughout your case, seeking an ideal outcome to your final divorce decree. Call us at 443-545-8100 or contact our Pasadena divorce lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation.