Essex, MD Divorce Lawyers

Reliable Divorce Lawyers Representing Residents of Essex, Maryland

Even at the best of times, trying to resolve a divorce on your own can feel like an impossible task. Negotiations can grind to a halt when disputes about financials or property arise, leading to months of heated arguments without a resolution. With the legal assistance of an Essex divorce attorney, you can work toward a long-term solution to the end of your marriage.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we have more than 50 years of combined experience handling divorces throughout the state of Maryland. We are ready to adapt our approach to suit your needs, whether you want to settle your divorce outside of court or proceed to intense litigation.

Alimony in Maryland Divorces

Alimony is a legal method of getting financial support from your spouse in your divorce. However, alimony is not automatically awarded, even if you earn much less than your partner. To receive alimony, you must make a petition to the court based on your financial need. If you do not petition for alimony before the divorce proceedings have concluded, you will lose your opportunity to obtain financial support.

Alimony can be awarded during your divorce proceedings (known as alimony pendente lite) or for a period of time after your divorce. In either case, an award of alimony is intended to help you become self-supporting while you obtain the necessary education or training you need to earn a stable living. In rare cases, alimony can be awarded indefinitely if becoming self-supporting is not a feasible option.

The amount awarded in alimony payments and for how long is at the judge's discretion. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can represent you in your concerns about alimony, no matter where you stand in the dispute.

What Does Equitable Distribution Mean in Maryland?

During your divorce, you and your spouse will have to come to an agreement about property division. If you cannot resolve your issues outside of court, you may have to take your property division dispute to a judge.

In court, the judge will divide your marital estate by way of equitable distribution. This means that all of your marital assets (consisting of property you acquired during the marriage) will be divided up according to what the courts consider fair and just to both you and your spouse. The courts can factor in your financial circumstances, contributions to the marriage, and reasons for the divorce when allocating property, among several other factors.

If you are litigating your property dispute in court, our lawyers can argue for a favorable share of marital property on your behalf.

Is Mediation Worthwhile in My Divorce?

As part of your divorce, you may be ordered by a judge to attend mediation. This can be a preferable alternative to going to court, as it involves fewer legal fees and it allows for faster resolutions.

Mediation offers a completely different structure to courtroom litigation. Rather than presenting arguments to a judge, a couple going through mediation can talk through their issues and reach a compromise for a fair divorce settlement. To facilitate this process, a certified mediator will help to keep the peace between the parties and propose solutions that respect the rights of both spouses.

If you are interested in attending mediation, our attorneys can help you reach a settlement outside of court.

Meet With an Essex, MD Divorce Lawyer Today

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can provide you with practical guidance and representation for a multitude of family law issues. Our Essex divorce attorneys can help you strategize for a favorable outcome through skilled negotiation. Call us at 410-760-9433 or reach out to us online to schedule an initial consultation today.