Are you or someone you know going through a divorce in Gaithersburg, Maryland? If so, having an experienced family lawyer by your side is essential. Jezic & Moyse have been practicing family and divorce law for years and are highly regarded experts in the field.
With an approach that centers on compassionate care, we work with clients of all backgrounds to get them through this difficult time as smoothly as possible. From the initial consultation to getting favorable outcomes from litigious proceedings, working with Jezic & Moyse will be a valuable step towards achieving closure during this challenging period of life.
What to Expect During the Divorce Process in Gaithersburg, MD
As your divorce progresses, there may be several steps for you and your spouse to take. These steps may vary depending on the type of divorce you are pursuing and whether or not you have children. Here’s a list of what to expect during the Maryland divorce process:
- Filing the complaint: The first step in a Maryland divorce is to file a complaint with the court. You will need to have all of the necessary information and documents prepared before filing, such as financial documents and any prenuptial agreements that may be relevant.
- Serving the other party: After you have filed your complaint, the other party must be served with a copy so they can respond. You will need someone else to serve your spouse. You can either use the Sherriff’s Office, a private process server, or a family friend.
- Returning an answer or counterclaim: Once served, your spouse has 30 days to file an answer in response to your initial complaint. An answer is a response admitting or denying the claims in the initial complaint. In contested cases, a counter complaint is also filed making similar allegations. Once you receive the counter complaint, you will then need to file an answer as well.
- Settlement negotiations: Depending on the case, parties may begin settlement negotiations before or after the filing of paperwork. During this process, you and your spouse will attempt to find common ground on one or all of the issues in the case. This may be done through counsel, a court-ordered mediation, or a private mediator. Items to discuss include property division, alimony, child custody, child support, etc.
- Mediation: If you cannot reach an agreement in settlement negotiations on your own, you may need to enter mediation. In divorce mediation, a neutral third-party mediator will help facilitate conversations between both parties to help resolve any unresolved disputes.
- Finalizing the divorce: If you and your spouse agree on all issues, you may file a Marital Settlement Agreement with the court. This document will highlight all the terms of the agreement and can help lead to an uncontested divorce. However, if you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement, the Court will have a Merits Hearing, where both parties can present evidence and their case as to why the Court should provide them with the relief requested. Once the court has the final Merits Hearing, the Court will issue a Judgement of Absolute Divorce, finalizing the divorce. Once this is done, your divorce will be finalized, and both parties will be legally divorced.
Reasons to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Gaithersburg, MD
It can be challenging to navigate the complicated legal process of divorce. Here are some reasons why you should hire a divorce lawyer to guide you:
Knowledge and Experience
Divorce attorneys know family laws and experienced negotiating skills which will give you an advantage when resolving issues related to your divorce. They know how to properly file paperwork with the court system and what documents need to accompany each document for it to be accepted.
Objectivity
During a divorce, emotions can often get in the way and cloud judgment. A family attorney will bring an objective perspective to the table, helping to ensure that your interests are protected throughout the process while still looking out for both parties involved. This can help speed up the divorce process and prevent costly mistakes from being made.
Legal Advice
Having an experienced divorce lawyer can be beneficial when it comes to understanding the legal ramifications of your decisions. It’s important to understand the law and how it applies to your situation, and a good attorney can provide valuable insight into your options.
Negotiation Skills
Divorce lawyers are adept at negotiating on their client’s behalf to reach a favorable outcome. They can discuss the details of your divorce with your ex-spouse efficiently and effectively, ensuring that both parties get what they need from the settlement.
Choosing a qualified divorce lawyer is an important decision. They should be experienced in family law, willing to carefully listen to your case, and provide sound advice on how best to proceed.
Amicable resolution with family lawyers in Gaithersburg, MD
We know that divorce can be an incredibly complex and emotionally trying process. That is why it is so important to have a knowledgeable, experienced family lawyer at Jezic & Moyse on your side.
From asset division, spousal support arrangements, marital debts, and more — our attorneys are prepared to listen to your unique needs and work diligently to ensure positive outcomes for your case.
Don’t leave your legal rights disregarded — seek the help of dedicated experts who prioritize clarity and fairness during the divorce process. Schedule a consultation with one of our family attorneys at Jezic & Moyse today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have to Be Separated to Get a Divorce in Maryland?
In Maryland, you don’t have to be separated before you can get a divorce. Separation is defined by living separate lives even if living under the same roof.
Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer?
While Maryland doesn’t require you to hire a lawyer for your divorce proceedings, having help from a skilled divorce lawyer in Gaithersburg is advisable. These proceedings can be complex due to multiple factors, such as property division, child custody, and retirement assets, so a lawyer’s assistance can relieve the stress of navigating it all on your own.
Will I Need to Appear in Court for My Divorce?
In Maryland, testimony will have to be taken prior to a Judgement of Divorce. As such, even with an agreement, you will need to appear one time for a short 15 minutes hearing. However, if the case is contested, there will be many court appearances.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Maryland?
No two divorce cases are identical, so the timeline for finalizing your divorce might look different than someone else’s. Generally, the simpler the divorce, the faster it wraps up. For example, un-contested divorces may be finalized within four months to twelve months, while divorces with additional considerations, like child custody, often take longer to finalize.