Separation and divorce can be disrupting and difficult time in your life, filled with doubt, fear, and uncertainty. However, with the help and support, of The Umeh Law Firm, LLC., it does not have to be. When terminating your marriage, we can help you:
TYPES OF DIVORCE
In Maryland you may dissolve in marriage through a divorce and there are two types of divorces. A Limited Divorce and an Absolute Divorce. In a couple’s separation is supervised by the court. A limited divorce does not end the marriage, it means that the divorce is not permanent. Some people call this legal separation. In an absolute divorce however, the marriage is permanently terminated/dissolved. Once a decree of absolute divorce is issued and entered by the court, the parties are free to remarry. With the decree also comes to dissolution of all martial issues of the parties. Matters such as custody, future financial support payments, name change, and retirement and property interests may also be addressed in a divorce decree.
GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE
No Fault Grounds
Fault Grounds
Fault Grounds in a divorce may be a factor in determining the right to alimony. Fault Grounds may also be a factor in awarding custody of the children only if the court determines that the behavior had a harmful effect on the children.
Defenses to an Absolute Divorce
For fault-based grounds in an absolute divorce, particularly when an adultery claim is made, an offending spouse can claim certain defenses. The defenses to fault-based divorce include:
Reconciliation is no longer, on its own, a defense to a ground for divorce.
DIVORCE ASSETS DIVISION
Marital and Non-Marital Property
With a few important exceptions, “marital property” is all the property that you or your spouse acquired during the marriage. Marital property normally includes things such as bank accounts, houses, businesses, cars, furniture, appliances, stocks, bonds, jewelry, pensions, retirement plans, and IRAs acquired during the marriage.
Exceptions to marital property include gifts, gifted to only one of you from a third party; inheritances; mutually agreed upon items; or items bought solely with money from a gift, an inheritance, or money that you agreed was not marital property, such items are “non-marital property.”
If you and your spouse cannot agree how to divide your property, the court will decide what is marital property, how much that property is worth, and each spouse’s portion. The court will also look at any marital debts (for example, mortgages and credit cards) when determining the value of the marital property.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Alimony (Spousal Support)
Alimony is a recurring payment by a former spouse to another to allow a dependent spouse to become self-supporting. A former spouse may receive alimony payments either Pendente Lite (temporarily), Rehabilitative and/or indefinitely.
Alimony awards may be modified if requested and circumstances have significantly changed
Attorney Umeh will zealously protect your rights in court and offer support and advocacy every step of the way. Kaosy Umeh, Esq., is a well-established and highly regarded Maryland divorce attorney serving:
The Umeh Law Firm, LLC
11720 Beltsville Drive, 500 A12, Beltsville MD, 20705
1-855-UMEH-LAW 1-855-863-4529
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