Glen Burnie, MD Property Division Attorneys

Knowledgeable Lawyers Handling Property Division in Glen Burnie Divorces, Maryland

Property division is among the subjects people often dread the most during divorce. After years of married life, you may have some valid concerns about what you will end up with in your divorce as you wonder where the line is drawn between marital and separate property. A Glen Burnie divorce attorney can provide you with crucial advocacy and counsel in a dispute over property division, making sure that you are fairly represented.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we have decades of combined experience handling complex divorce cases with vast marital estates. When you work with our team of attorneys, you can take comfort in knowing that we will fight for your rights to your fair share of property in your divorce.

Can I Handle Property Division Outside of Court?

It is very possible to handle property disputes outside of court, and in many cases, it is advantageous to do so. By agreeing to settle outside of court, you can avoid paying the heavy legal fees that come with litigation, protecting the value of your marital estate.

Of course, negotiating for a mutually agreeable property settlement is easier said than done. If you and your spouse are open to a civil discussion, you could consider sitting down with a certified third-party mediator who can help you compromise on asset division. A mediator can help you come up with solutions to the property dispute and help to keep the discussion on track.

Additionally, if you have a marital agreement that specifies how you and your spouse will divide property in the event you get divorced, you could resolve the matter of property division without aggressive litigation. However, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement could still be challenged in court for allegations of fraud or coercion. Our divorce attorneys can explore your options to settle outside of court, pursuing the most efficient route on your behalf.

What Is the Difference Between Marital and Non-Marital Property?

When a divorce goes to court in Maryland, the judge will make a distinction between marital and non-marital (separate) property. As a rule, marital property refers to assets that you acquired during your marriage. Common examples of marital property include real estate, vehicles, and anything else bought with marital funds. Debts incurred by either spouse during the marriage are also generally treated as marital obligations, even if only one spouse is named on the account, and would be subject to division between both spouses.

An asset will likely be considered separate property if it was acquired before your marriage. This also applies to property that you received as an inheritance or as a gift. However, keep in mind that separate property can become marital property if it is mixed with joint funds, otherwise known as comingled.

How Does Equitable Distribution Work in Maryland?

After getting a full picture of your marital estate, the judge will divide up your property using a legal principle known as equitable distribution. This method of division prioritizes fairness rather than a symmetrical split. Instead of an equal distribution, where the full value of the marital estate is calculated and divided 50/50 between the spouses, an equitable distribution focuses on what would be considered fair, taking into account various factors.

Judges consider several aspects when determining what is equitable to both parties. Some of these include:

• Any existing award of spousal support
• The health and age of each spouse
• Each spouse's economic circumstances
• The duration of the marriage
• The reason for the collapse of the marriage
• Contributions (monetary or otherwise) to the marriage

At Zide Law Group, LLC, our attorneys can advocate for you in property litigation, aggressively negotiating for a favorable share of property.

Meet With a Glen Burnie, MD Property Division Lawyer

Negotiating for assets is arguably one of the most critical parts of your divorce. When your estate is on the line, working with a skilled Glen Burnie divorce attorney is a necessity. The team at Zide Law Group, LLC consists of true counselors of the law, handling all ranges of family law matters. We use our strong litigation and analytical skills to fight for the best outcome for you.

To schedule an initial consultation with our team of lawyers, call our offices at 410-760-9433 or contact us online.