Fulton, MD Divorce Lawyer

Fulton, MD Divorce Attorney

Going through a divorce can lead to feelings of uncertainty about the future. The prospect of dividing your estate and establishing new parenting schedules with your children can be daunting. The end of one chapter of your life can lead to a brighter future when you rely on the legal services of a Fulton divorce lawyer.

Throughout your divorce, a Fulton family law attorney can defend your parental rights. When your marital estate is divided equitably, your lawyer can take steps to make sure that your spouse only receives what they are lawfully entitled to and no more.

At The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we are committed to providing personalized legal support during one of life’s most challenging transitions. Our Fulton divorce lawyers will take the time to understand your individual needs and offer strategic advice to protect your rights and interests. With our legal team by your side, you can confidently navigate the divorce process, knowing that your future and financial stability are in good hands. Reach out to us today for a consultation and let us help you achieve the best possible outcome.

What Happens During a Divorce in Fulton

During a divorce, the courts ensure that both parties follow state laws when dividing the marital estate and establishing child custody rights for both parents. A judge will not sign the final divorce decree until these and other important matters are resolved. Ideally, both parties will come to a mutual agreement that is approved by the court.

In cases where both parties cannot agree on certain matters, a judge makes those decisions based on the interests of the parties involved. During a divorce, both spouses are required to divide the marital estate into two categories.

Marital assets include anything acquired during the marriage that is jointly owned by both spouses. All marital assets and properties are required to be equitably divided between the two spouses before the divorce can be finalized. Debts acquired during the marriage are also divided.

Any debts, property, or assets that belong outright to one spouse are considered non-marital assets. Gifts and inheritance are generally considered non-marital assets. Anything acquired before marriage and after separation will likely be classified as non-marital property. Non-marital assets are not divided during the divorce process.

Child custody rights and visitation schedules must be established during the divorce if the spouses have children. Both parents have fundamental rights that cannot be diminished by the courts. As long as a parent is fit (generally defined as having no history of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment), they have the right to meaningful time with their children following a divorce.

When both parents can agree to the terms of those rights, the courts will generally honor those agreements. Child custody cases can quickly become contentious, often requiring the work of family law attorneys to resolve areas of disagreement.

To navigate the complexities of child custody arrangements and protect your parental rights, consulting a child custody lawyer in Fulton can be crucial in ensuring a fair and favorable outcome for you and your children.

Why You Need Legal Representation

There are few times in life when someone stands to lose much, if not most, of their life savings and meaningful access to their children. Having legal representation during a divorce in Fulton can ensure that you have a strong ally who will fight to protect your rights.

The courts must follow certain procedures and ensure due process for parents, but enforcing those rules and laws often requires legal representation.

Your attorney can listen carefully to your goals and concerns before developing a strategy that works to protect your rights. If your spouse makes false allegations against you, your attorney can use evidence to rebut those accusations.

Having legal representation can also prevent your spouse from dragging out the divorce. One important job of any family law attorney is to find ways to keep the case moving closer to settling.

An experienced lawyer can work with your soon-to-be-ex’s attorney to find common ground on contentious subjects. If needed, your lawyer can work to set up a mediation as a means of resolving differences. A mediator is a neutral third party who is trained in conflict resolution. They can build consensus even during high-conflict situations.

FAQs About Fulton, MD Divorce Law

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Maryland?

The cost of a divorce lawyer in Maryland is dependent on the hourly fee of the attorney and the time and resources their law firm has to put into representing a client. Most family law attorneys require an up-front payment called a retainer. The retainer is debited as the lawyer completes the work necessary to finalize the divorce.

What Is the New Law for Divorce in Maryland?

In late 2023, Maryland streamlined the divorce process by eliminating the concept of limited divorce. The changes introduce two primary grounds for an absolute divorce: a six-month separation and irreconcilable differences. This shift moves Maryland to a no-fault divorce state, making it easier for individuals to dissolve their marriages without proving misconduct.

What Qualifications Should I Look for in a Family Law Attorney?

A family law attorney should be a staunch supporter of your goals and rights. Beyond protecting your rights in court, your lawyer should be open, honest, and transparent. Clients have a right to remain informed about the court process, and communication skills are an important asset for any lawyer.

You can check past client reviews to see how well they have served past clients going through a divorce in Fulton.

What Is a Spouse Entitled to in a Divorce in Maryland?

A spouse is entitled to an equitable share of the marital estate. During the divorce process, the courts will require both parties to divide assets into two classifications: marital property and non-marital property.

The division of marital property isn’t always 50-50 because a judge may deem an even split of assets to be unfair to one party. The expectation is generally that the marital assets and debt are more or less evenly split between the spouses.

How Long Do You Have to Be Separated Before Divorce in MD?

Maryland requires one of three grounds for divorce: separation for six months, irreconcilable marriage, or mutual consent. As long as the marriage is deemed irreconcilable or both spouses agree to the divorce, there is no longer a need for a separation period. If you have questions about your eligibility for divorce, contact a family law attorney who can review your case.

Schedule Your Fulton Divorce Consultation Today

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally challenging time in your life. With legal representation, you can protect your parental rights while ensuring that the division of your marital estate does not unfairly benefit your spouse.

The legal team at Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, has helped many Fulton residents finalize their divorce agreements on favorable terms. Our lawyers can help you transition to a brighter future. To schedule your divorce consultation, please contact our office online today.