Hampton, Maryland Divorce Lawyers

Attorneys Providing Experienced Guidance Throughout the Divorce Process in Hampton

Divorce is one of the most significant transitions a person can face. It will legally terminate their marriage, requiring them to disentangle all aspects of the life they have shared with their spouse. Multiple types of financial issues will need to be addressed as the couple divides the property they own and determines whether ongoing financial support will be paid. Issues related to children may also play a role in the proceedings as a couple determines how they may share child custody.

Understanding how the legal process of divorce works can make a difference for someone who is preparing for divorce. Knowing what steps will be taken during the process, what information will be needed, and how decisions may be made can help ensure that a person can approach their divorce with confidence.

The lawyers at Silverman Thompson can provide the guidance needed to ensure that you will be fully prepared to address the issues that may arise during the divorce process. We will explain what is happening and why at each stage of your divorce, and we will advocate for your interests throughout your entire case. With our help, you can ensure that every issue will be handled correctly from start to finish.

Preparing for Divorce

Before the legal process begins, there are certain steps you can take to make sure you will be in the right position for success during your divorce. Some of the most essential steps will involve building a complete financial picture of your situation. You can gather documentation of your assets and liabilities, such as recent bank account statements, retirement account balances, mortgage statements, vehicle titles, tax returns, and any documentation related to any business interests you own. With a complete financial picture at the outset, you will have a stronger foundation for negotiations and, if necessary, litigation.

You may also take steps to document issues related to your children. You may keep records of your involvement in your children's daily lives, school activities, medical appointments, and routines, which may become relevant as you make decisions about how child custody will be handled going forward.

Beginning the Divorce Process

Your divorce will begin when either you or your spouse files a Complaint for Absolute Divorce in the Circuit Court of the county where you live. Once the complaint is filed, it must be served to the other spouse. That spouse will need to file a response. The court may take steps to address any requests for relief made in the complaint or response, and the divorce will then move forward.

Discovery

The early phases of your divorce will involve gathering information that may be relevant to your case. You and your spouse can take steps to obtain financial records, documents, and other information related to your marital property, your incomes, your children, or other details that may affect the decisions made during your divorce.

Our lawyers can help you use discovery tools to obtain information. These may include interrogatories in which we will send questions to your spouse's attorney or ask for the production of certain documents. If necessary, we can conduct depositions to have your spouse or another witness provide sworn testimony about issues that may be addressed during your case. If your spouse has not voluntarily provided a complete financial disclosure, or if additional information will be needed about financial issues, we can use subpoenas to obtain records from banks, employers, or other parties.

Reaching a Resolution Through Negotiations or Mediation

In many cases, divorces can be resolved through the negotiation of a marital settlement agreement. A negotiated settlement will give you and your spouse control over the outcome of your divorce, since you will need to be in full agreement over all terms. By resolving divorce-related issues outside of the courtroom, you may be able to minimize conflict, and you can find creative solutions that will meet the needs of both parties rather than being forced to accept decisions made by a judge.

Direct negotiations between the attorneys who represent each side is one of the most common ways to reach agreements on the terms of a divorce settlement. Our lawyers will be fully prepared to negotiate on your behalf. We will make sure you understand the assets you own and the options for deciding how those assets will be divided. We will also advise you on your options for creating a parenting plan that addresses all issues related to child custody, making sure you can put solutions in place that will protect your children's best interests going forward.

Mediation may also be an option for negotiating a divorce settlement. You and your spouse may agree to work with a neutral mediator, who can help you discuss the outstanding issues in your case, identify common ground, and find solutions that you will both be satisfied with. With mediation, you can maintain complete control over the outcome of your case, with you and your spouse agreeing on all terms of your divorce. Our attorneys can help you prepare for mediation sessions, assist with negotiations, provide guidance on your options, and review the terms of your settlement to ensure that it will be legally sound.

Divorce Litigation

If there are certain issues that cannot be resolved through negotiations or mediation, the remaining disputes in your case may be addressed in a divorce trial. A judge will listen to arguments made by each side, review evidence presented during the trial, and make the final decisions on the terms of your divorce.

Our lawyers have experience representing clients in divorce trials and other types of litigation. We understand how judges approach the issues that may be addressed during a divorce and the factors they may consider when making decisions about property division, alimony, child custody, or other matters. We know how to present your case effectively, and we will advocate for solutions that will meet your needs.

Contact Our Hampton, MD Divorce Attorneys

As you prepare for your divorce, having the right attorney on your side can give you confidence that the issues in your case will be handled correctly. At Silverman Thompson, we can serve as your legal advocate, making sure you will be ready to negotiate with your spouse and find effective solutions. We will walk you through every stage of the divorce process and make sure you can set the stage for success in the next chapter of your life. Set up your consultation with us by contacting our Hampton divorce lawyers at 410-385-2225.