Clarksville, Maryland Divorce Lawyers

Reliable Divorce Attorneys Serving Clients in Clarksville, MD

Getting a divorce can come with numerous complications. If you and your spouse reach a point of disagreement, the legal proceedings could slow down for months, wasting your time and your money. With the help of a skilled Clarksville divorce lawyer, you can work toward a productive solution to the end of your marriage.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can provide you with invaluable counsel and representation to help you through your divorce. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of shared experience, giving us clear insights into the divorce process and allowing us to strategize around your needs. We will take the time to understand your priorities so that we can act as strong legal advocates for you.

How Is Property Divided in Maryland Divorces?

There are different ways to divide up your property in a divorce. If you have an existing prenuptial or postnuptial agreement with your spouse, your property will be divided according to the terms of the document. If you do not have an agreement in place, you could reach a property settlement outside of court by negotiating with your spouse, making compromises to reach a mutually agreeable outcome. When all else fails, however, you may have to turn to litigation to divide up your property.

When a property division case goes to court in Maryland, the judge will allocate your property according to the principle of equitable distribution. Note that "equitable" does not necessarily mean equal. Instead, your marital property will be shared in a fashion that is fair to both you and your spouse. To ensure an equitable division of property, the courts may consider your economic circumstances, contributions to the marriage, and the circumstances that led to the divorce, among other factors.

Will I Have to Pay Alimony in My Divorce?

Alimony is not automatically given in Maryland divorces. Rather, a spouse must actively petition for it before the divorce is finalized. If your spouse does not request alimony during the divorce proceedings, you will not have to make any payments.

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is typically intended to provide one spouse with the means to become financially stable after a divorce. When considering whether or not to award spousal support, a judge can factor in the time it will take for the receiving spouse to get a decent-paying job with the right education or training. If a judge decides to grant alimony, it will last for a set period, but in rare cases, it may be extended indefinitely.

Who Will Get Child Custody in the Divorce?

Child custody can be a sensitive subject in a divorce, and the question of who will get possession of the children is complicated. Oftentimes, parents can share joint custody over their children after a divorce, splitting up parenting time and decision-making responsibility between themselves. However, any child custody arrangement must put the child's best interests before any other factors.

If your spouse poses a risk to your child's safety or well-being, you could petition for sole custody rights. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our lawyers can take the time to review your family's circumstances and make a compelling argument to the judge for your child's healthy upbringing with a suitable custody arrangement.

Meet With a Clarksville Divorce Attorney Today

With a reliable attorney at your side, you can work through the struggles in your divorce. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our Clarksville, Maryland divorce lawyers are ready to fight for you, supporting your best interests with informed advocacy and aggressive negotiation strategies. To get started with an initial consultation today, you can call our offices at 410-760-9433 or reach out to us online.