No one enters a marriage planning for it to end in divorce. Unfortunately, many marriages fail and people need to take the necessary steps to move forward and get a divorce.
This can be complex, considering the various legal and financial issues involved. That includes property division, child custody, child support, alimony and parenting time. For many, it is undoubtedly overwhelming.
From the outset, people need to be aware of how to prepare for their case, what to expect, have help determining if there is common ground between the parties to reach an agreement, get an estimate of how long it will take and have their small and large questions answered.
Common questions people will have as they prepare to divorce
Maryland law calls for equitable distribution of the marital property in divorce.
Equitable means fair, not equal. Many times, people do not realize this and are disappointed to learn the property is not split in half.
In child custody, some assume that the mother automatically gets preferential treatment. That is not the case. The court makes its decision based on the child’s best interests. Child support hinges on how the child will be cared for. A child with special needs will require a different level of support.
Maryland decides alimony questions according to a list of factors. For example, the court will will take it into consideration if one spouse was a stay-at-home parent while the other was the primary breadwinner and the stay-at-home parent needs time to gain education and find suitable employment.
Since every case is different, it is vital to have tailored help and information regarding what can be achievable.
Getting answers
The last thing people need when they are going through a divorce is to feel lost. It’s important to learn about the process and what to expect.