Crofton Divorce Attorneys

Lawyers for Uncontested and Contested Divorces in Crofton, MD

When your marriage is coming to an end, the issues that will need to be addressed during the divorce process can quickly become complicated. Determining the right way to approach the legal issues involved in your case is not always easy. The right steps to take during your divorce will depend on your family's circumstances, the assets you own, other financial issues that may affect you, and whether you will be able to cooperate with your spouse to negotiate agreements.

At Silverman Thompson, we can help you determine whether you may be able to resolve your divorce by negotiating a settlement or whether your case may involve contested proceedings before a family court judge. By assessing your situation, explaining your options, and guiding you through the issues that will need to be addressed, we can help you decide on how various matters may be handled and make sure you take the right steps to protect your interests.

Uncontested Divorce

Many divorces can be completed after the parties reach agreements on every issue involved in their case. Depending on a couple's circumstances, issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support may need to be addressed. Once a marital settlement agreement is created that details the decisions made for all outstanding issues, a final hearing can be held, and the divorce can be finalized.

Uncontested divorce is the preferred path for many couples for several reasons. It is usually faster and more efficient, allowing a couple to finalize their divorce once agreements have been reached on all issues involved in their case. Settlement negotiations may also help reduce emotional difficulties by reducing stress and uncertainty. Spouses will have control over the outcome of their case, and they will not need to leave decisions up to a judge. An uncontested divorce may also help a couple cooperate in the future, which can be important when they will be co-parenting their children.

Even if a divorce is uncontested, legal representation is still important. Our attorneys can make sure a divorce settlement will include all required terms while addressing all of the issues involved in a case. We will ensure that a marital settlement agreement is comprehensive, fully addresses all decisions that have been made, and will stand up legally if its terms are challenged later.

Contested Divorce

A divorce may become contested when the parties cannot reach agreements on one or more issues. This may happen because of a disagreement about the value of certain assets, how child custody will be handled, whether alimony will be appropriate, or other matters.

A case may begin as an uncontested divorce, but it may become contested if circumstances change or if negotiations break down. In some cases, couples may reach partial agreements, but they may be unable to resolve disputes over certain issues. When a contested divorce proceeds to litigation, the outstanding issues in a case will be addressed, and a judge will make the final decisions over the terms of the couple's divorce.

Situations That May Lead to Contested Divorce Proceedings

Disputes over financial matters are a common reason for contested divorces. A couple may disagree about the methods used during a business valuation or how business interests will be divided. They may also disagree about the division of retirement assets, ownership of real estate property, or other types of assets. In some cases, one spouse may accuse the other of hiding assets or engaging in asset dissipation, and these issues may need to be addressed by the court to ensure that property can be divided fairly and equitably.

Custody disputes are another reason why a divorce may be contested. Parents may have different views about how their children will be raised, and each parent may believe that they should have primary or sole custody of their children. Parents may also need to address concerns related to one parent's conduct and take steps to ensure that children's health, safety, and well-being will be protected.

Helping Clients Choose the Right Approach During Divorce

Deciding whether an uncontested divorce may be resolved through settlement negotiations or whether litigation will be needed during a contested divorce is not always easy. Our attorneys can provide an honest assessment of a case, helping a client understand how different types of disputes may be resolved. We will make sure clients understand the realistic costs and timelines that may be involved in each approach while also providing guidance on the potential outcomes of a case.

We can help clients prepare for negotiations and make sure they will be able to protect their rights and interests as they work to reach agreements. However, we will be prepared to handle matters in the courtroom when necessary. This can help ensure that our clients will be able to negotiate workable agreements, but they can rest assured that we will be ready to present their cases in family court and advocate for their best interests.

At all times, we will keep our clients informed about developments in their cases and advise them on the next steps they need to take. We will explain the effects of the decisions they make and assist them in resolving issues that may arise. Our goal is to resolve all divorce-related issues effectively while providing our clients with a foundation for ongoing success after they complete their cases.

Contact Our Crofton, Maryland Divorce Lawyers

As you determine how divorce-related issues may be handled, the lawyers at Silverman Thompson can assist you. We will make sure you are ready to address the legal concerns that may play a role in your case, and we will guide you through negotiations or other legal procedures while protecting your rights. Set up a consultation today by contacting our Crofton divorce attorneys at 410-385-2225.