Bel Air, MD Divorce Attorney
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Going through a divorce is never easy. This lengthy process can be overwhelming, stressful, and challenging for most couples. This is especially true in cases involving property division, child custody, and child support. However, you don’t have to go through this time alone. If you are considering filing for divorce in Bel Air, MD, we can help.
At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we understand how frustrating this process can be. We also understand how nuanced and complicated navigating Maryland’s family courts can be. That is why we dedicate all of our efforts to providing you with the quality legal representation you deserve. Call our Bel Air, MD divorce attorneys today for your free, confidential consultation. Our phone number is (410) 431-0911.
Understanding Divorce in Bel Air, MD
Before filing for divorce in Bel Air, MD, it is essential to understand your options. Unlike many other states around the U.S., you can file for two different types of divorce in Maryland: a partial or limited divorce and an absolute divorce. A limited divorce allows the legal separation of a couple without ending the marriage. Moreover, a limited divorce does not allow either of the spouses to remarry while their limited divorce is pending.
On the other hand, an absolute divorce is a process by which a couple ends their marriage. Once the court grants an absolute divorce decree, the parties can remarry and continue their lives separately. Once the divorce decree is granted, the property acquired jointly during the marriage becomes property in common, subject to be divided equally.
Unlike other states, Maryland has four grounds on which one of the spouses can file for an absolute divorce. One of the spouses can file for divorce based on mutual consent, adultery, imprisonment, and insanity. In limited divorce cases, one of the spouses can file their petition based on separation, cruelty and excessively vicious conduct, or desertion. Under Maryland law, you must base your divorce on any of the mentioned grounds and meet all filing requirements.
The Divorce Process in Bel Air, MD
The divorce process in Maryland is no different from other states. Typically, a divorce requires filing a petition, assets discovery, property, division, and other considerations. However, unlike other states, Maryland’s divorce process can be lengthy and exhausting, especially if it involves high-value asset division, contentious custody battles, and child support negotiations. To provide you with some perspective, a divorce in Bel Air, MD, can take up to a year to finalize.
Typically, what separates Maryland from other states in the U.S. is how strict courts are in terms of meeting the specific grounds for an absolute divorce. In Maryland, divorce laws are incredibly nuanced, detailed, and challenging for those who want to file for divorce. Depending on your specific situation, it could take years before you are able to file for divorce in Bel Air, MD.
For example, if you are filing for an absolute divorce based on insanity, your spouse must have been in a mental institution for three years. On top of this requirement, either you or your spouse must be a Maryland resident for at least two years before filing your petition. If you are divorcing based on separation, you must live separated from your spouse for two years and must not engage in sexual intercourse during that time all the way until divorce is finally granted.
Many couples can’t wait that long to separate and live away from each other. If an absolute divorce process seems lengthy, you can always file for a limited divorce. It is always essential to remember limited divorces are not final and do not end your marriage. However, a limited divorce can provide you with the time to prepare for a formal, absolute divorce.
Additional Aspects to Consider During a Divorce in Bel Air, MD
Every year, thousands of people file for divorce for different reasons. However, there are many elements to consider during and after the divorce process ends. Some of the most crucial factors to consider when filing for divorce in Bel Air, MD include:
Property Division
Property division is an essential part of every divorce, especially if there are high-value assets involved. Sometimes, property division can be solved quickly if there were prior agreements such as prenups or post-nuptial agreements. However, things can get complicated if one or both spouses run a business or have acquired many married properties. It is essential to have an experienced Bel Air, MD divorce attorney by your side who can oversee the process and make sure you get the assets that belong to you.
Custody
Custody is probably one of the most contentious aspects of the majority of divorces. This is particularly true if the events that led to the divorce created tension between the ex-couple. Many people tend to believe that the court will always favor one party over the other when determining custody. However, the court will always look after the child’s best interests when assigning custodial responsibilities. If you are going through a custody battle in Bel Air, MD, we can help you fight for your rights as a parent.
Child Support
Child support is one of the most critical aspects during a divorce. Generally, the non-custodial parent will be ordered to pay child support to the custodial parent. The court understands that both parents must participate in their children’s upbringing and provide them with whatever they need to develop healthily and safely. The court takes child support exceptionally seriously, meaning they will frown upon parents who delay, accrue, or otherwise refuse to pay their child support. It is always in your best interest to hire an experienced Bel Air, MD divorce attorney who can also guide you through your child support process.
Bel Air, MD Divorce Attorney Offering Free Consultations
If you or a loved one is going through a divorce process in Bel Air, MD, we can help. Backed by years of hands-on experience, our Bel Air, MD divorce attorneys can guide you and help you through your divorce process in Maryland. Call the Maryland family law attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras today and schedule your free, confidential consultation. Our phone number is (410) 431-0911.