Baltimore, MD Divorce Lawyers

Experienced Divorce Attorneys Representing Clients in Baltimore, Maryland

You may feel a heavy weight on your shoulders while contemplating your divorce. Transitioning out of your marriage can come as a drastic change, and the outcome of your divorce might affect your living situation for years to come. A Baltimore divorce lawyer can be a strong advocate in your time of need, negotiating for a fair settlement or verdict on your behalf.

Working with a qualified attorney can make the legal proceedings much easier. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we are highly familiar with divorce law, and we will work to protect your best interests throughout your case. We will provide you with personalized legal services geared toward resolving your issues and making your divorce as smooth as possible.

Debt in Your Divorce

You may be surprised to learn that certain debts are considered marital property, meaning that you could be responsible for paying off your spouse's bills in the final divorce decree. Common examples of marital debts include car loans, credit card bills, student loans, and other debts that were accrued during your marriage.

A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement could set aside certain debts as the sole responsibility of one party. If you have an agreement in place, we can review it to make sure that the agreement is valid and we can argue for its authenticity in court.

Alternatively, you could choose to file for bankruptcy in your divorce to avoid harassment and collection efforts from creditors. Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can allow you to quickly liquidate your assets to pay off your debts, while Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets you restructure your debts in a more manageable repayment plan to be completed over multiple years.

There are different benefits and drawbacks to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13, so it is important that you know what to expect with either type of bankruptcy. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can sit down with you to discuss your options for dealing with marital debt.

Will I Get Spousal Support in My Divorce?

There is no guarantee of spousal support in a Maryland divorce. To petition for spousal support, you must show that you have a clear need for financial assistance. Generally, an award of spousal support is intended to help struggling divorcees get the training or education they need to earn a reasonable wage. In especially long marriages, however, the court may consider an award of permanent spousal support, though this is rare.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can review your economic circumstances and support you in a petition for alimony based on your needs.

What Property Will I Get in My Divorce?

The division of property in your divorce will depend on whether you settle outside of court or proceed to litigation. Outside of court, you and your spouse can reach your own agreement about how you want to split up your marital assets, including the marital home, any vehicles, your bank accounts, and investments.

If you go to court, however, the judge will divide up your assets according to a principle known as equitable distribution. This does not necessarily mean that your property will be divided in half. Instead, the judge will consider what is most fair to both parties. Whether you decide to negotiate for your marital property outside of court or proceed to trial, Zide Law Group, LLC is ready to stand up for you with skilled negotiation and aggressive litigation.

Contact a Baltimore Divorce Attorney Today

If you have any reason to feel apprehensive about a pending divorce, our Baltimore, MD divorce lawyers can help. To schedule an initial consultation with Zide Law Group, LLC, call our offices at 410-760-9433 or reach out to us online today.