A Quick Overview of Legal Separation in Maryland
If you and your spouse have decided to pursue a separation, a Maryland separation agreement is usually the best way to assure all the big issues of divorce are taken into consideration and clearly spelled out.
Glen Burnie divorce attorneys can help you draft a separation agreement, also known as a property settlement, which will determine how you and your spouse will resolve things such as child support, alimony and asset divisions.
The Importance of Separation Agreements
A marital separation agreement lays out the rules and responsibilities that each spouse agrees to uphold and will help avoid conflict down the road. Having an agreement is not required by law, but it will be of immense help in dealing with the intricacies of divorce.
A separation agreement will lay the foundation for the divorce settlement and will provide benefits, such as:
helping the couple avoid long and arduous court proceedings;
minimizing contention over divorce issues;
helping each spouse maintain a sense of control over matters of importance; and
and reducing costs (contested divorces and litigation increase costs).
Drafting a Maryland Separation Agreement
Separation agreements are binding legal documents that should be drafted by Glen Burnie divorce attorneys who know how to account carefully for all the details of a separation and ensure that it complies with applicable Maryland divorce laws. Youll be able to decide how to handle each issue during the divorce and take the needs of all the family members into consideration.
In the legal document for separation, Maryland attorneys will help you address issues such as:
property and debt division;
child support payments and schedules;
custody details and visitation schedules;
insurance issues; and
and income taxes.
Things can get somewhat complicated and convoluted when you get down to the nitty-gritty of dividing marital property. For example, some spouses try to hide assets; they may transfer property or money to a family member until after the divorce, or they may attempt to spend it all somewhere like Perryville Casino.
If you own a business together, it can further complicate matters and will require appraisals and negotiation all the more reason to make sure you have a lawyers help to draft the agreement.
Understanding the Courts View
For a separation, Maryland courts generally favor the use of a written legal agreement prior to divorce proceedings. They view the agreements as peaceful alternatives to heated, contested divorces. If both parties enter into an agreement, the courts almost always approve it during the divorce proceedings, which helps matters run more smoothly.
Its not necessary to file your agreement with the courts, but it will be enforceable by law. You can make changes later, but only if both you and your spouse agree to it and the agreement is amended by Glen Burnie divorce attorneys, or if theres a court order that grants a modification.
Enlisting the Help of a Divorce Attorney
Its generally not advisable to attempt to write up an agreement for separation in Maryland on your own or use fill-in-the-blank forms. There is a lot of fine print contained in a separation agreement thats easy to overlook, and you dont want to leave any loopholes or gaps that could create arguments and unnecessary strife down the road.
Once signed and notarized, it will become a binding agreement that you and your spouse must adhere to, so its important to obtain professional legal advice before signing any paperwork.
Glen Burnie divorce attorneys will act as your advisors during the entire process and look out for your best interests. They will keep you informed of all the laws you need to be aware of, and can provide you with valuable advice when you need alternative ways to resolve issues.
Plus, theyll help you negotiate issues that are important to you, so that youll be able to move forward with confidence and sense of security.
Contacting Glen Burnie Divorce Attorneys
The Glen Burnie divorce attorneys at Jimeno Gray understand the nuances of divorce, child custody and alimony in Maryland. Glen Burnie divorce attorneys are ready to help you with your family law needs and answer any questions that you may have. Contact us today for a consultation 1-410-590-9401.’