Rockville Divorce Lawyer
Professional Guidance Through Your Divorce
If you are seeking a divorce, our Rockville, MD divorce lawyer is here to help you. We know that a divorce can be a difficult, emotional, and stressful time, and our attorneys are here to help lead you through the divorce process withe the compassionate and dedicated assistance that you need. For more information on how we can assist you, contact The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright today.
Table of Contents
- Professional Guidance Through Your Divorce
- Common Issues Addressed in a Divorce
- Rockville Divorce FAQs
- The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright, Rockville Divorce Lawyer
- Contact Our Rockville Divorce Lawyer Today
Common Issues Addressed in a Divorce
A Rockville, MD divorce lawyer understands that divorce is often a complex and emotionally charged process since it involves the legal dissolution of a marriage and the division of shared life. Although every divorce is unique and has its own set of circumstances, there are several critical issues that many couples must address to ensure that both spouses can move forward with a sense of fairness and clarity. Each of these issues requires careful consideration, as they can significantly impact the future well-being of spouses and children. The legal team at The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright can help.
Child Custody And Parenting Time
One of the most emotionally charged aspects of a divorce involves the children. If there are minor children, both parents must come to an agreement on how custody will be arranged. There are two primary types of custody: physical custody (where the children live) and legal custody (who makes decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and overall well-being). In many cases, parents share joint legal custody, meaning they both have a say in important decisions, even if the child primarily resides with one parent.
Deciding parenting time is another critical matter, particularly if one parent is awarded sole physical custody. A schedule should be made to ensure that the non-custodial parent maintains a meaningful relationship with the children. In some situations, parenting time may be supervised if there are concerns about the safety or well-being of the children. If that is a concern you have, your Rockville divorce lawyer can help ensure your child will be protected.
Ideally, both parents should agree on a schedule that benefits the child’s best interests, but if an agreement cannot be reached, the court may intervene to establish one.
Asset And Debt Division
Dividing the marital estate is another potentially contentious issue in a divorce. Assets and debts accumulated during the marriage are generally subject to equitable distribution, meaning they are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally.
Marital property can include a wide range of assets such as the family home, retirement accounts, vehicles, businesses, and personal belongings. In some cases, the division of assets may include determining the value of property and liquidating assets to ensure both parties receive a fair share.
Debts incurred during the marriage, such as mortgages, credit card debt, or loans, must also be divided. The couple may be required to sell certain assets to settle joint debts or allocate responsibility for specific debts between the two parties. Factors such as the length of the marriage, the financial contributions of each spouse, and any prenuptial agreements can influence how assets and debts are divided.
Child Support
Under Maryland law, each parent is legally responsible for the financial well-being of a child, even if the parents do not reside together. Child support is the financial contribution one parent must make toward the child’s expenses, typically housing, food, healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities. The parent who does not have primary physical custody is generally required to pay child support. This amount is calculated using the “income shares” model.
The court will also consider any special needs of the child, and the costs associated with healthcare, education, and other activities when determining the amount of child support.
Modifications to child support can also be made if circumstances significantly change, such as a change in income or custody arrangements.
Alimony
Alimony, or spousal support, is intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living post-divorce. Courts may award alimony based on various factors, such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial and non-financial contributions, the recipient spouse’s needs, and the paying spouse’s ability to pay.
There are several types of alimony, including temporary, rehabilitative, and permanent alimony. Temporary alimony may be awarded during the divorce proceedings to help one spouse while the divorce is finalized, while rehabilitative alimony is typically meant to support a spouse while they acquire the skills necessary to become self-sufficient.
Permanent alimony may be awarded in long-term marriages. Some factors, like the recipient spouse’s earning capacity and whether they contributed to the family by staying home or supporting their spouse’s career, are considered when determining whether alimony is appropriate. Courts will also evaluate the standard of living during the marriage and whether one spouse’s actions (such as infidelity) impacted the marriage and the division of resources.
Rockville Divorce FAQs
How do you get a divorce?
To obtain a divorce, one of the spouses must allege that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for a period of at least six months. If both spouses agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken, then they may file a joint petition for divorce. If one spouse does not want to get divorced, then he or she will file an answer to the petition and raise any defenses that he or she thinks are appropriate.
What is a divorce lawyer?
A divorce lawyers Rockville MD from The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright helps clients with issues related to the end of their marriage, including child custody disputes and financial matters. Divorce lawyers usually work for individual clients rather than for insurance companies.
Divorce lawyers may also help clients negotiate prenuptial agreements or represent them if an agreement is breached.
A divorce lawyer is a family law attorney who specializes in divorce cases. In addition to divorce, divorce lawyers can practice many areas of family law including:
- Adoption
- Child Custody and Visitation
- Child Support
- Divorce
- Guardianship
- Paternity
- Spousal Support (Alimony)
What should I do if my spouse files for divorce?
If your spouse files for divorce, respond within the time frame set out in the summons and complaint (usually 30 days). Consult with a divorce lawyer in Rockville MD from The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright to discuss your rights and obligations. You can also seek emergency temporary orders from the court relating to custody and parenting time, support, exclusive use of property, etc., while your case is pending.
When you’re going through a divorce, it’s important to have a strong advocate on your side who can protect your rights and help keep emotions from getting in the way of making sound decisions. A divorce lawyer in Rockville MD from The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright will not only be knowledgeable about the legal matters surrounding the proceedings but will also be someone who is compassionate and understanding about what you’re going through.
How much will it cost?
The cost of a divorce will depend upon whether you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement on all issues or whether it becomes necessary to retain attorneys and go to court. The Court has jurisdiction over matters involving children and property. However, there are many issues involving children and property over which the Court does not have jurisdiction.
If you have children or complex financial matters involved in your case, it will be even more important for you to find a qualified and experienced divorce lawyer in Rockville, MD who will represent your interests.
How long does it take to get a divorce?
In most cases, divorces can be finalized in 60 days or less. However, there are many factors that affect how long your divorce will take. Your state’s laws, your spouse’s willingness to cooperate, and the complexity of your finances all play a role in the time it takes to end your marriage.
In general, an uncontested divorce can take as little as 30 days from start to finish. A contested divorce can take up to 6 months (or even longer). This is why a divorce lawyer in Rockville, MD from The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright is so important to protect your assets.
Divorce Glossary
If you’re facing the end of your marriage, a Rockville, MD divorce lawyer can help protect what matters most. At The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright, we assist clients with matters involving children, property, and finances, working to resolve each issue with clarity and fairness. This glossary explains several key legal terms we often address during the divorce process.
Child Custody Agreement
A child custody agreement outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children after a divorce. In Maryland, custody is divided into two types: legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives). Parents can have joint legal custody even if the child primarily lives with one parent. Courts aim to support the child’s best interests, which may involve regular visitation schedules, shared holidays, and arrangements for transportation between households. When parents can’t agree, the court steps in to establish a custody order based on stability, safety, and continuity in the child’s life.
Equitable Distribution
Equitable distribution is the legal method Maryland uses to divide marital property and debts during divorce. This does not mean everything is split evenly, but rather fairly based on the circumstances. Marital property typically includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage—homes, retirement accounts, credit card debt, and even businesses. The court considers various factors when determining fairness, such as the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and any prenuptial agreements. Property owned before the marriage or acquired as a gift or inheritance is generally excluded from this division unless commingled.
Parenting Time Schedule
A parenting time schedule is the formal arrangement detailing when each parent spends time with their child. This schedule is critical when one parent is granted primary physical custody. It often includes weekday visits, weekend stays, holidays, and vacations. A detailed plan can help reduce confusion and prevent conflict. Courts prioritize consistent and meaningful contact with both parents, unless safety is a concern. In some situations, supervised visitation may be required. The schedule can be mutually agreed upon or ordered by the court if an agreement isn’t reached.
Child Support Order
A child support order is a court-issued requirement for one parent to contribute financially to the care of their child. In Maryland, support is calculated using an income shares model that considers the earnings of both parents, the number of children, and the time each parent spends with them. Additional costs like healthcare, education, and special needs may also factor into the amount. Support continues until the child reaches the age of majority or becomes emancipated. If circumstances change significantly, such as a change in income or custody, a request can be made to modify the support amount.
Spousal Support Determination
Spousal support, commonly known as alimony, may be granted when one spouse requires financial assistance during or after a divorce. Maryland courts consider multiple factors when deciding whether to award alimony, including the length of the marriage, each party’s earning potential, and the standard of living during the marriage. There are several types of alimony: temporary (during proceedings), rehabilitative (short-term), and indefinite (ongoing). Rehabilitative alimony is common when a spouse needs time to gain education or training. Courts assess both financial need and the paying spouse’s ability before issuing an order.
At The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright, we help clients work through difficult issues like custody and support with practical solutions. Call us today to speak with a Rockville, MD divorce lawyer about your situation.
The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright, Rockville Divorce Lawyer
20 Couthouse Sq Unit 212, Rockville, MD 20850
Contact Our Rockville Divorce Lawyer Today
If you are considering ending your marriage, make sure your financial future and parental rights are protected. Call The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright today to schedule a confidential consultation with a dedicated Rockford divorce lawyer and find out how we can help.
