Annapolis Divorce Attorney
If youve already started the divorce process in Maryland, youve likely had to undergo one of the states lengthy separation periods. If not, youve had the burden of proving your grounds for divorce, such as for adultery or desertion.
Before you invest a lot of time in the divorce process in Maryland, it may help to talk to an Annapolis divorce attorney , who can help you understand a little bit more about the basics, such as what it means when you face an uncontested divorce versus a contested divorce.
The Basics of an Uncontested Divorce in Maryland
An uncontested divorce means that you and your spouse have been able to draft a written Separation or Divorce agreement. This document is at the very core of an uncontested divorce and sets both of your preferences for property division, child custody and support. If you and your spouse can part ways amicably, this allows you to have a bit more control over such vital issues.
When you go the route of an uncontested divorce, you can create your divorce agreement at any time.All that you must do to prove to the courts you have reason to divorce is have an Annapolis divorce attorney draft your agreement and then undergo a 1-year voluntary separation period. The cost to do this can be significantly less than a trial in a contested divorce, plus, your hearing may be quite short. An uncontested divorce can be kept confidential and there is no way for your spouse to appeal the agreement.
The Basics of a Contested Divorce in Maryland
Sometimes, creating a divorce agreement is just not possible because of the volatile nature of your relationship and your inability to agree on how your marriage will be dissolved.
When you face a contested divorce in Maryland, there are a few key differences, such as:
Cost this can cost significantly more (upwards of $20,000).
this can cost significantly more (upwards of $20,000). Time it may take several weeks for your trial to be finalized and even up to a year to get your court date.
it may take several weeks for your trial to be finalized and even up to a year to get your court date. Privacy if you have a contested divorce that goes to trial, the proceedings are open to the public.
if you have a contested divorce that goes to trial, the proceedings are open to the public. Control a judge will decide how property will be divided and custody arranged, not you and your spouse.
A knowledgeable Annapolis divorce attorney understands the emotional stress that accompanies the divorce process in Maryland and will work hard to preserve your legal rights during this vulnerable time.
What to Expect When Your Contested Divorce Goes to Trial
After the initial divorce proceedings have begun and you and your spouse have not been able to reach a divorce agreement (either with the help of your lawyers and/or mediation), you may find yourself facing a divorce trial. Expect this process to take longer than an uncontested divorce. While its generally easier for a couple to abide by an agreement they set rather than a court-mandated agreement in a contested divorce, sometimes this is not possible.
At the trial stage of the divorce process in Maryland, expect the following to occur:
Pre-trial conferences this is where the judge will make sure that the discovery stage is complete. A schedule will then be set for other pre-trial procedures.
this is where the judge will make sure that the discovery stage is complete. A schedule will then be set for other pre-trial procedures. Pre-trial filings before the actual trial begins, you and your spouse will have to submit documents and attend hearings in regards to witness testimony and evidence that will be presented during trial.
before the actual trial begins, you and your spouse will have to submit documents and attend hearings in regards to witness testimony and evidence that will be presented during trial. Trial this is the step in the divorce process in Maryland in which witnesses take the stand and a judge decides issues such as property distribution, alimony, visitation and custody.
this is the step in the divorce process in Maryland in which witnesses take the stand and a judge decides issues such as property distribution, alimony, visitation and custody. Post-trial in this optional step of the divorce process in Maryland, parties can submit documents explaining the position they took during the trial.
in this optional step of the divorce process in Maryland, parties can submit documents explaining the position they took during the trial. Judgment the judge will render a decision in your Maryland divorce.
the judge will render a decision in your Maryland divorce. Appeal if one party does not agree with the judges decision, an appeal can be filed in a higher court in an attempt to have the lower courts decision reversed.
The divorce process in Maryland can be tedious and complicated, filled with emotional exhaustion and turmoil but very necessary to end a tainted marriage. Whether your divorce is uncontested or contested, it is best that you have the assistance of an Annapolis divorce attorney to help you through every step of the divorce process in Maryland.
Contacting an Annapolis Divorce Attorney’