Rockville Divorce Lawyers

Attorneys for Asset Division, Spousal Support, and More in Rockville, Maryland

If you are considering ending your marriage, you may be facing significant emotional, financial, and legal challenges. The decisions made during your divorce can have a lasting impact on your life. By working with a skilled family law attorney, you can ensure that your rights will be protected throughout the process, and you can receive guidance that will help you make informed decisions. Whether you need to negotiate a fair settlement regarding your money and property, reach agreements about the custody of your children, or address any other divorce-related concerns, Salvado Law Offices can provide you with knowledgeable representation and personalized attention.

We recognize that divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences anyone can go through. Our goal is to ease the stress of this difficult time by providing compassionate representation that focuses on protecting your rights. Whether you need help addressing financial concerns or determining the best way to resolve disputes with your spouse, our attorneys are here to assist you. With our extensive experience in Maryland family law, we can help you develop legal strategies that will help you achieve your goals.

Asset Division in a Maryland Divorce

The division of marital assets can be one of the most contentious parts of a divorce. Maryland follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital property is divided fairly between spouses, but this does not always result in an equal split. Our attorneys work closely with our clients to ensure that all marital assets are accurately identified and valued. We provide careful attention to every detail when it comes to dividing property, including:

• Real estate: The family home, vacation properties, and other real estate holdings must be considered during divorce proceedings. Whether you or your spouse wish to sell certain properties or whether one of you plans to maintain ownership of your family home, it is essential to understand the value of each piece of real estate and how it will affect the overall division of assets.
• Investments: Stocks, bonds, and other types of investments acquired during your marriage are considered marital property. Determining the current and potential future value of these investments is a key factor in ensuring that you receive a fair share of your marital property.
• Retirement accounts: Pensions, 401(k)s, and other retirement savings that have accumulated during your marriage must be divided according to equitable distribution guidelines. Depending on the circumstances, a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) may be needed to ensure that the division of these assets will not result in tax penalties or other losses.
• Business interests: If either spouse owns a business, determining the value of this asset can be complex. Our attorneys can work with financial experts to determine the fair market value of business interests and ensure that they are handled appropriately during your divorce. We can provide guidance how how business assets and other property may be divided to ensure that a business owner can continue operating their business, or we can help you understand your options for selling a business and dividing the proceeds with your spouse.
• Personal belongings: Marital property may also include valuable items such as vehicles, furniture, art collections, and jewelry. We can help you divide these assets in a way that aligns with your financial goals while also considering sentimental value and other priorities.

Child Custody and Visitation

In many cases, some of the most difficult aspects of a divorce will involve determining how custody of children will be handled. In Maryland, the best interests of children will be the most important factor considered when addressing child custody issues. Courts will consider multiple factors, including existing parent/child relationships, how well each parent will be able to meet children’s needs, and the stability of home environments.

There are two general categories of issues addressed in child custody cases, and these are commonly referred to as legal custody and physical custody. Issues related to legal custody will involve each parent's level of authority when making decisions about their children’s education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody generally pertains to the time children will spend living or staying with each parent. Custody can be granted solely to one parent or shared between both parents. Our attorneys help parents create workable parenting plans that meet their children’s needs and protect their parental rights. If necessary, we can provide representation in court to advocate for favorable custody arrangements that will provide for children's best interests.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

In some cases, one spouse may be entitled to financial support from the other spouse, either on a temporary basis while the divorce is pending or permanently after the divorce is finalized. The purpose of alimony is to help ensure that both spouses can continue to live at a standard that is comparable to what they became accustomed to while they were married.

Resolving Divorce-Related Disputes

There are multiple ways to resolve disputes during a divorce, and depending on the circumstances, you may be able to negotiate agreements, or you may need to pursue litigation in court. The options for resolving divorce disputes include:

• Mediation: You and your spouse may choose to work with a neutral third party who will help you negotiate agreements. This option allows for more control over the outcome, as it encourages cooperation and communication.
• Collaborative law: In a collaborative divorce, both spouses will hire attorneys, and they will work together to reach a settlement without going to court. This process is typically less adversarial than litigation, and it allows for creative solutions to resolve disputes.
• Litigation: If negotiations break down, and you cannot reach agreements on some or all of the issues in your divorce, a trial may be necessary. If your case proceeds to litigation, a judge will make decisions about issues such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. Our attorneys are experienced litigators who will provide the representation you need during litigation, helping you achieve a positive outcome to your case.

Contact Our Rockville, MD Divorce Attorneys

Salvado Law Offices can help you protect your rights and resolve the complex legal issues that you will need to address when dissolving your marriage. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience needed to guide you through each step of the divorce process. Contact us today at 301-933-1814 to arrange a consultation.