Owings Mills Divorce Lawyers

Attorneys Helping Clients Resolve Disputes During the Divorce Process in Owings Mills, MD

When getting a divorce, multiple types of complex issues will need to be addressed. The steps couples may take to resolve these issues and finalize their divorce will depend on the circumstances of their case and their willingness to cooperate. Some couples may take steps to negotiate settlements with the help of their attorneys. Others may benefit from using mediation to discuss the issues in their case and reach compromises. When disputes cannot be resolved, litigation may be necessary.

An experienced attorney can provide guidance on the best methods to use in a particular case. At Silverman Thompson, we work to ensure that our clients are fully prepared to handle the issues that may arise during divorce cases. We can help address financial issues, ensure that parents can put workable child custody arrangements in place, assist with settlement negotiations, and provide effective representation in court when necessary.

Negotiating a Divorce Settlement

For most divorcing couples, negotiating a settlement will be the ideal way to resolve divorce-related issues. A marital settlement agreement that a couple works together to create will address every issue involved in their case, including property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. When a couple is able to create their own settlement, they will have more control over the outcome of their case, and they can often complete their divorce more quickly while avoiding the stress and uncertainty of litigation.

Effective negotiations will not just require couples to be willing to discuss the issues in their case and reach agreements. It is important to have a full understanding of all assets a couple owns, which will require an honest financial disclosure from both parties. Our attorneys can help clients build a strong foundation for negotiations by gathering and analyzing financial records, making sure appraisals or business valuations are performed when necessary, and providing guidance on the steps a person can take to protect their financial interests.

Throughout the negotiation process, our lawyers will advise clients on how to handle issues as they develop. We will make sure clients understand whether the proposed terms of a settlement follow Maryland law and how to avoid ambiguity and reduce the possibility of future disputes. We will advocate for terms that will provide for our client's needs going forward.

Mediation

Some couples may benefit by using mediation to negotiate a marital settlement agreement. During mediation, a couple will work with a mediator who will serve as a neutral third-party to help them hold productive discussions while encouraging productive problem-solving. The mediator will not make decisions for the parties or act as a judge. All decisions about a divorce settlement will be made by the spouses, and they will need to agree on the final terms.

The mediator can help each party understand the other's perspective and identify areas of potential agreement while suggesting compromises. They will work to guide discussions toward effective solutions. This can help a couple reach agreements voluntarily while minimizing disputes and avoiding the need for court involvement.

When mediation begins, the mediator will usually meet with both parties either together or in separate sessions. They will take steps to understand each party's priorities and concerns. They will then work with the couple to address the disputed issues in their case, helping them explore their options and take steps to resolve any outstanding matters.

Legal representation will still be important during mediation. Our lawyers can help our clients approach mediation the right way, advising them on what issues will need to be addressed and helping them evaluate proposals. We can review tentative agreements before they are finalized, and we will make sure the decisions made will be set down in a marital settlement agreement that meets all legal requirements.

Mediation can be effective when both parties are willing to approach discussions in good faith, disclose complete and accurate financial information, and work to reach agreements through cooperation and an ability to compromise. Our team can help ensure that clients approach mediation the right way so they will be able to resolve issues effectively and complete the divorce process efficiently.

Litigation

When a couple cannot resolve certain issues through negotiations or mediation, they may need to take their case to the courtroom. A divorce trial will involve a variety of complex legal procedures, and the right steps will need to be followed to prepare for litigation and argue a case successfully.

Our attorneys will make sure all necessary information is gathered as we prepare for divorce litigation. We will build a complete and accurate picture of the marital estate to ensure that issues related to property division will be addressed correctly during a divorce trial. We can work with financial professionals and other experts, ensuring that witnesses will be prepared to testify. We can also present evidence and make compelling arguments to help our clients achieve their goals during litigation.

When providing representation during a divorce trial, we know how to cross-examine witnesses, challenge the opinions of financial professionals or other experts, and present complex financial information in a way that will help a judge evaluate the issues involved in a case effectively. We have successfully represented clients in multiple types of contested proceedings, and we know how to win these types of cases.

Contact Our Owings Mills, Maryland Divorce Attorneys

At Silverman Thompson, we can provide the skilled legal representation you are looking for as you prepare for your divorce. We can help you determine whether you may be able to negotiate a settlement or whether litigation may be necessary. Regardless of the approach taken during your case, our attorneys will advocate for your interests at every stage of your divorce and help you complete the process successfully. Contact our Owings Mills divorce lawyers at 410-385-2225 and arrange your confidential consultation.