Cambridge, MD Divorce Lawyers

Qualified DivorceAttorneys Representing Clients in Cambridge, Maryland

Whether you are considering filing for divorce or you are already in a pending divorce, you may have a heavy burden of stress on your shoulders. Without careful planning, a contested divorce can take anywhere from months to years to resolve. A Cambridge, Maryland divorce lawyer can provide you with legal advice and advocacy to serve your best interests throughout your case.

If you are considering hiring a divorce attorney, you should look for an experienced legal professional who is highly familiar with issues of family law. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our team of attorneys has represented clients in divorce cases for decades, so we can work with you to develop a strong legal strategy.

Should I Take My Divorce to Court?

Every divorce presents differently. If you and your spouse agree on a majority of the relevant issues, such as property division, spousal support, and child custody, you could agree to settle outside of court. These kinds of divorces are often referred to as "uncontested" since they involve minimal conflict. As a rule, uncontested divorces tend to be less expensive than taking your divorce to court. Additionally, uncontested divorces can be resolved in less time.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can help you get an uncontested divorce, providing you with counsel and assisting with negotiations if any disagreements arise. We can also help you pursue mediation, another alternative to a litigated divorce. In mediation, you and your spouse can discuss any points of contention in your divorce with a certified mediator, who will propose solutions built on cooperation and compromise.

Understanding No-Fault Divorces in Maryland

The state of Maryland only recognizes no-fault divorces. This means that you cannot get divorced on the grounds of marital misconduct such as cruelty, abandonment, or infidelity. Instead, you can file a divorce based on irreconcilable differences, mutual agreement, or six months of living a separate life from your spouse.

Though Maryland does not allow for fault-based grounds for divorce, fault can still impact the legal proceedings. Specifically, the judge can consider the circumstances that led up to the divorce when deciding how to split up marital property or whether or not to award one party with alimony.

This means that if you caused the breakdown of your marriage through adultery or abuse, you could be penalized for it in court. However, marital misconduct is only one of many factors that a judge will consider in your divorce, and the final ruling will be based on what is fair and equitable.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

As a precaution, many married or engaged couples opt to sign prenuptial or postnuptial agreements in case they ever get divorced. These agreements can preemptively settle certain matters, especially issues related to property or wealth. If you have an agreement with your spouse, it is important that you review the document ahead of time to make sure that the terms are legally enforceable.

First and foremost, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements cannot include any terms about child custody or child support. This is to ensure that the child's best interests are not adversely affected by an agreement between the parents. Furthermore, a marital agreement could be denied by a judge if the terms are found to be unreasonably detrimental to one party. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can represent you in disputes about prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, whether you are looking to enforce or contest the document.

Meet With a Cambridge, Maryland Divorce Attorney Today

At Zide Law Group, LLC, our Cambridge, MD divorce lawyers are here to provide you with strong legal advice and aggressive representation. Call us at 410-760-9433 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation today.