Preparation for Divorce in Frederick

Divorce is a challenging process that requires thought and planning at every stage. In addition to the tremendous emotional stress involved, parties to a divorce can face complex issues affecting their children, finances, property, business interests, and more.

Preparation for divorce in Frederick involves several important considerations, and our knowledgeable divorce attorneys can help. You can reach out to the dedicated legal team at Rolle & DeLorenzo to learn more.

Understanding the Divorce Process

Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage and resolving issues related to property division, assets and debts, child custody, child support, and spousal support (also known as alimony). Because of the permanent impacts on each spouse, it is essential to begin preparing as soon as you anticipate divorcing in Frederick. While some information will be shared through the discovery process as a divorce case proceeds, spouses should have an idea of any issues involving property and children.

How Does a Divorce Case Start?

State law requires at least one party to the divorce to be a resident of Maryland. If the grounds for divorce occurred in the state, you must be a resident at the time of filing. Otherwise, at least one of the parties must have resided in the state for at least six months before filing.

Grounds for divorce under Maryland Code, Family Law § 7-103(a) include:

• Six-month separation between the parties
• Irreconcilable differences (fundamental problems causing breakdown of the marriage)
• Mutual consent (agreement between both spouses)

Once divorce paperwork is filed, it must be served on the other party. That party will then be required to file a response to the divorce complaint. Our Frederick attorneys can guide you through these steps and help you prepare for divorce, whether you are the filing party or not.

Division of Property in a Divorce

Divorce requires a fair distribution of the parties’ assets, liabilities, real estate, retirement accounts, and any other property involved with the marriage. Before a divorce case commences, you can prepare by:

• Collecting pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and identifying all retirement accounts, investment accounts, and other assets known to you
• Listing all known liabilities, such as mortgages, loans, credit card accounts, and other debts
• Calculating your monthly living expenses, including utility costs and other bills
• Reviewing all real property and vehicles you own or share title to, regardless of when you came into possession of them

Understanding your financial position before divorce starts can help you emerge in a stronger position after the divorce process ends. Our experienced Frederick divorce attorneys can help you plan financially for the steps ahead.

Issues Involving Children During Divorce

If you and your spouse have any children born during the marriage, you will need to plan for issues involving child custody and support. If you are both in agreement on how you will handle child custody and visitation, our attorneys can help you put that agreement into writing as part of the divorce settlement. If child custody and support will be contested, that involves an entirely different level of planning. A Frederick family law attorney with a proven background in handling child custody matters can help you prepare for this part of the divorce.

Contact Our Frederick Attorneys About Preparing for Divorce

Divorce is a complex process in many ways, but early planning can help simplify the process. Preparation for divorce in Frederick involves a complete review of your financial affairs, property ownership, debts, and potentially issues involving children. The knowledgeable divorce lawyers at Rolle & DeLorenzo are here to help. Call our team today to schedule your free consultation.