Family law issues can be frustrating and heartbreaking, especially when your children are involved. As much as you would like to keep disagreements and decisions within the family, many family law matters require court intervention. That is why we recommend working with a family lawyer in Parole, Maryland. At Hershon Legal, we know Maryland divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, domestic abuse, and restraining order laws, as well as the ins and outs of the local court system.
Let me help you through this emotional time. My firm is based in Annapolis, and I represent individuals throughout the surrounding area, including Parole and Anne Arundel County, MD. Give me a call at 443-926-1702 or use the online form to request an initial consultation.
Separation and Divorce in Parole, Maryland
Separation and divorce are often bittersweet. It is common for spouses to agree that divorce is the best way forward. But that does not make the changes any easier on you and your children. Hershon Law is here to get you started with the divorce process.
I will:
- Help you prepare for divorce by gathering financial documents.
- Draft and file the divorce paperwork in the appropriate court.
- See that your spouse is served with the divorce papers OR respond to divorce papers you receive from your spouse.
- Tackle practical details, like who remains in the family home and pays the bills.
Many issues need to be dealt with right away, including a temporary financial arrangement, child custody, and child support. As a Parole, MD family law lawyer, I can help you settle these issues with your spouse or represent you in court.
Grounds for Divorce
It is important to thoroughly prepare for a divorce, including deciding on why you are asking to dissolve your marriage. Maryland law requires you to establish grounds for a divorce, such as:
- Adultery
- Desertion for at least one year
- Imprisonment
- One-year separation
- Insanity
- Cruelty
- Vicious conduct toward you or a minor child
- Mutual consent
When you and your spouse pursue divorce based on mutual consent, you must complete a settlement agreement. I will talk with you about what has been going on and why you are ready to file for divorce. I will explain your options and the differences between seeking a divorce based on mutual agreement versus proving fault in court.
Limited Divorce
In an absolute divorce, your marriage is dissolved. You and your spouse are free to marry other people. But a limited divorce settles certain issues and says you and your spouse live apart while keeping the legal marriage intact.
You can pursue a limited divorce based on:
- Cruelty
- Vicious conduct toward you or a minor child
- Desertion
- Separation
Parole, Maryland Divorce Court
For a court to grant you a divorce, it has to have jurisdiction over you. That means you will almost always file for divorce in the county where you live, though you also can file in the county where your spouse lives. If you live in Parole, MD, you will file for divorce at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, located at 8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401.
Property Division
Dissolving your marriage is a financial process. You have to completely separate your intertwined finances, including bank accounts, savings accounts, retirement savings, investment accounts, real estate, vehicles, valuable personal property, and more.
To begin this process, you must determine which property is joint versus separately owned. The property you own yourself remains yours, while the jointly owned property is divided equitably between you and your spouse. I can help you determine ownership of property and the value of the marital property that must be divided. Then I can represent you in receiving a fair property division, either through mediation or in court.
Child Custody in Parole, Maryland
When you and your spouse share children, you two or the court must decide who will retain legal and physical custody of your minor children. Legal custody is the right to make important, long-term decisions for a child, including about their education, religion, and medical care. Physical custody is who the child lives with.
The judge will evaluate what is in the best interest of the child when determining child custody. Both types of custody can be shared or granted to one parent. They do not need to be assigned the same way. For example, one parent might retain sole legal custody while sharing joint physical custody.
I can help you and your spouse create a parenting plan that is right for your family. If you and your spouse cannot see eye to eye on custody, we can ask the judge to decide.
Child Support in Parole, Maryland
Child support is calculated based on a predetermined formula. It is a separate issue from child custody. The judge will apply the state child support guidelines, which consider several factors, including:
- Each parent’s gross income
- Alimony
- Child support in a separate case
- Physical custody of the children
- Number of overnights each parent has with the children
- Cost of the children’s daycare, health insurance, and additional medical expenses
Talk with me about how to get the right child support amount. It requires making sure each parent’s income is calculated accurately.
Alimony in Parole, Maryland
In Maryland, alimony can be rewarded during the divorce process and after the divorce is final. Post-divorce alimony can be rehabilitative, which means it helps a spouse get on their feet. It might last for a few years. In rare cases, a judge will award indefinite alimony when a spouse cannot support themselves, or there would be unconscionably different standards of living. Let me know right away if you are interested in requesting alimony or are worried about paying alimony to your spouse.
Other Parole, Maryland Family Law Matters
Hershon Legal handles all types of family law matters, including:
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Child custody modifications
- Child relocations
- Child support modifications
- Restraining orders
