Chevy Chase, MD Divorce Attorney

Reliable Divorce Lawyer Negotiating on Behalf of Clients in Chevy Chase, MD

Each divorce case is unique. No two divorces will involve the same issues or be resolved in exactly the same way. Each individual getting divorced has his or her own priorities and preferences, and his or her own idea of what is fair. Often, it is best for the parties to reach out-of-court agreements regarding each issue they must resolve and file an uncontested divorce. More flexible and creative solutions than those a court would come up with are on the table in an out-of-court divorce. In other cases, it may be better to proceed with litigation. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you decide how to approach your divorce.

Diamant Gerstein, LLC is adept in helping warring spouses resolve their divorces out of court - and equally adept in divorce litigation if that is best for you. We take each divorce on a case-by-case, issue-by-issue, basis. Our attorneys will take the time to understand what your individual needs are, and what your children need as well. We answer our phone calls personally, so you can always reach your lawyer directly when you need us.

How is Marital Property Divided in Maryland?

Anything you or your spouse acquired after marriage, with few exceptions, is considered marital property. You and your spouse can choose how to divide your marital assets in almost any way you want if you can agree. If the court will be making decisions, it will aim to divide your property in a way that is fair and equitable, considering factors like:

• Each spouse's contributions - including nonmonetary contributions - to the marriage.
• The value of all assets owned by each spouse.
• Each party's individual economic circumstances.
• The cause of the divorce.
• How long the marriage lasted.

Will I Pay or Receive Alimony?

Alimony is not as common as it was when married women were almost universally homemakers with few career options. Now, both parties are generally expected to support themselves after a divorce. However, alimony can still be awarded if one spouse does not have a reasonable opportunity to self-support right away. Alimony can be awarded on a temporary basis, often when the receiving spouse needs time to get education or job training before re-entering the workforce.

Who Gets Custody of the Children?

In nearly all cases, both parents will share child custody, although it may not be a 50/50 split. It is normally best for the parents to work together to create a plan for co-parenting, as this shields children from family conflict and shows them that their parents will still work together to help them. Our lawyers are skilled in helping parents create co-parenting agreements, even when it means negotiating child custody with a narcissist.

If the court is asked to decide child custody, it will consider factors like:

• Which parent was the child's primary caregiver.
• The child's preference, taking into consideration the child's age and maturity.
• Any custody agreements that are already in place.
• Each parent's ability to care for the child.
• Each parent's character and reputation.
• Where the parents live in relation to each other and the child's school or other places he or she needs to visit regularly.

What Special Considerations Are There in a High-Net-Worth Divorce?

Special issues in high-asset divorce include:

• Hidden assets - There is a higher potential for hidden assets when the parties are wealthy. If you suspect that your spouse is concealing money or property, your lawyer can take steps to search for hidden assets.
• Dividing complex assets - Spouses with substantial wealth are more likely to share difficult-to-divide assets like a business or a stock portfolio.
• Dividing high-value assets - It is not possible to divide, for example, a multi-million dollar painting. There may be conflict over who gets to keep certain high-value items.

Contact an Experienced Chevy Chase, MD Divorce Lawyer

Diamant Gerstein, LLC is dedicated to helping people achieve the most favorable result possible in their divorces. Our knowledgeable Chevy Chase, MD divorce attorneys will do all we can to help you win on the issues that are important to you. Contact us at 301-560-2685 for a confidential consultation.