Columbia, MD Divorce Attorney

Supportive Lawyers Helping With the Divorce Process in Columbia

The legal challenges of divorce can be a heavy burden to shoulder. Many people do not look forward to the prospect of litigating a divorce in court, dreading the tedious hearings and the associated legal fees. Whether you are going through a divorce or considering filing for divorce, a Columbia family law attorney can help you strategize the best ways to achieve your goals.

At Salvado Law Offices, we have experience handling high-conflict, complex divorces. When you work with us, you will receive legal services that are tailored to your needs. Our attorneys can help you address financial concerns and other legal issues arising from the end of your marriage.

Mediation

If you are looking to avoid the hassle of litigating your divorce in court, you might be interested in participating in mediation with your spouse. In some cases, a judge may order a couple to attend mediation to resolve any outstanding issues, but you can also enter into mediation voluntarily.

Mediation is a much more informal process compared to litigation. Instead of a courtroom hearing, mediation takes place in a venue of your choosing where you and your spouse can discuss the key issues in your divorce. Mediation is overseen by a neutral third party who will guide the discussion, keeping tensions low and proposing creative solutions.

A mediator does not have the final authority to approve a settlement. You and your spouse will make the final decisions about all issues in your case. If you and your spouse can reach an agreement through mediation, you can put your names on your settlement and finalize the terms of your divorce.

Our attorneys can help you pursue alternatives to taking your divorce to court, including mediation or private settlement negotiations. However, if negotiations break down, we are more than ready to represent your best interests before a judge.

Division of Property

During a divorce, discussions related to asset division can get tense. You will need to draw a distinction between marital and separate property, and all marital property will need to be divided fairly. You may be able to reach an agreement with your spouse about the division of your assets, which may include the marital home, bank accounts, cars, furniture, investments, and debts.

If your divorce goes to court, the judge will have the final say about how your assets will be split between you and your spouse. As a general rule, Maryland follows the principle of equitable distribution in divorce, which means that your assets will be allocated in a fair fashion. Unless it was received as a gift or inheritance, most property you or your spouse have acquired during your marriage will be assumed to be marital property.

Child Custody

Disputes about child custody are often at the forefront of divorces. Parents may have opposing ideas regarding how custody will be handled, and if you cannot reach an agreement outside of court, a judge will determine the child's best interests and make a custody decision. "Best interests" may take the following factors into consideration:

• The fitness of each parent to take care of the child
• The financial resources available to each parent
• The child's preferences
• The child's existing relationships with other family members
• The age, health, and gender of the child

This is not an exhaustive list, as the court will evaluate your family's circumstances carefully. A judge might also enlist a guardian ad litem (GAL) to interview the child and the parents to determine what is in the child's best interests. An attorney at Salvado Law Offices can help you advocate for a favorable custody arrangement, making a case for your fitness as a parent and fighting to protect your parental rights.

Meet With a Columbia, Maryland Divorce Lawyer

Every divorce comes with different hurdles to overcome. At Salvado Law Offices, we stand ready to protect your rights through strong counsel and skilled advocacy. To arrange a consultation, call our office at 301-933-1814 or get in touch with us online.