Experienced Divorce Representation Throughout Maryland
Divorce is a life-altering event with far-reaching consequences. When facing a divorce in Maryland or Washington, DC, you must address complex issues pertaining to your assets, finances, and raising your children.
These issues can be highly emotional, legally complicated, and immensely impactful for your future. Securing workable and fair arrangements in your marital settlement agreement is essential for your peace of mind, financial security, and the well-being of your children.
Our compassionate divorce attorneys at the Law Offices of Thomas Stahl understand the stakes. We are here to help you avoid mistakes, comprehend the laws and court policies relevant to your situation, and provide the experienced legal representation you need to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Call Law Offices of Thomas Stahl at (443) 331-2770 to request a consultation with a Columbia, MD, & DC divorce attorney. You can also reach us via our online contact form.
Divorce Issues in Columbia, MD & DC
Our team provides proven professional experience combined with the compassion you need when facing difficult family law issues.
To complete your divorce, you and your spouse will need to resolve the following issues:
Child custody and visitation: This involves legal and physical custody. Legal custody authorizes parents to make major decisions about the child’s life, while physical custody determines where the child will reside.
Child support: This is the financial support parents must provide their children after divorce.
Marital asset and debt division: Assets and debts are divided according to “equitable distribution,” which means fair but not necessarily 50/50.
Alimony: This involves tailored legal strategies to secure fair spousal support agreements where needed.
Grounds for Divorce in Maryland & DC: A Simplified Guide
Maryland: No-Fault Grounds (Effective October 1, 2023)
Six-month separation: The couple has lived separately for at least six months, even if they are under the same roof but lead separate lives.
Irreconcilable differences: One spouse believes the marriage should end due to irreconcilable reasons.
Mutual consent: Both spouses agree to divorce and have a written agreement resolving all issues.
Important note: Maryland no longer offers “limited divorce” (similar to legal separation). All divorces are now “absolute,” ending the marriage entirely.
Washington, DC: No-Fault Divorce
Residency requirement: You must have been a resident for at least one year before filing for divorce.
Irreconcilable differences: The only ground for divorce in DC. One or both spouses must state that they no longer wish to be married. This simplifies the process, removing the need to prove fault or misconduct.
Divorce Timeline: How Long Will It Take?
The duration of a divorce in both Columbia and Washington DC varies depending on several factors, including:
Type of divorce: Uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on all issues, are typically faster than contested divorces.
Complexity of the case: Cases involving child custody, property division, or alimony disputes often take longer to resolve.
Court backlog: The court’s schedule and current workload can influence the overall timeline.
Washington, DC, Timeline
Uncontested divorce: It can be finalized within a few months if all issues are resolved and court scheduling is not delayed.
Contested divorce: The timeline is unpredictable and can take significantly longer than an uncontested divorce, potentially lasting over a year.
Maryland Timeline
Uncontested divorce: It can be finalized in as little as two to three months after filing, but it often takes around six months.
Contested divorce: It can take anywhere from six months to several years, depending on the complexity of the issues and the parties' willingness to compromise.
Mutual consent divorce: The fastest option in Maryland, requiring a waiting period of only 45 days after filing if certain conditions are met.
While it’s impossible to predict the exact duration of a divorce, uncontested divorces generally take less time than contested ones. Working with an experienced divorce attorney can help you navigate the process efficiently and potentially shorten the timeline.
Aside from disputes related to child custody, asset division, and financial support, divorce can also be complicated by the following:
High asset cases: Divorces involving significant wealth or complex financial holdings, such as multiple properties, investments, and business interests, require detailed financial analysis and valuation, often leading to more intricate negotiations.
Hidden assets: If one spouse suspects the other of hiding assets or income, it can lead to mistrust and require forensic accounting to uncover the truth.
Domestic violence: Cases involving allegations of domestic violence require careful handling and can impact custody and support decisions.
Retirement accounts: Dividing retirement accounts, pensions, and other long-term savings can be complicated due to tax implications and the need for specific legal documents like Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs).
Business ownership: Valuing and dividing business interests can be particularly complex, especially if both spouses are involved in its operation.
LGBTQ+ issues: Legal challenges specific to LGBTQ+ couples, such as parental rights and marriage recognition, add complexity.
Our experienced team is well-versed in all of the above divorce issues and can provide effective representation to resolve them.
Proactive Legal Planning for Major Life Changes
We encourage proactive legal planning during major life changes to ensure your family's rights are protected.
Trustworthy Advocacy
We are committed to doing things the right way, without shortcuts. Our meticulous approach earns the trust of both our clients and the courts, ensuring that your case is presented with precision and integrity.
Compassionate Family Law Representation
We provide compassionate legal advocacy for families and couples, guiding you through life's toughest transitions with care and expertise.
Here for You Every Step of the Way
We stand by your side throughout the entire legal process, providing trusted support from start to finish.
Take Your Best First Step in Divorce Resolution Today
Navigating a divorce in Maryland or Washington, DC, can be overwhelming. Our experienced divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Thomas Stahl provide compassionate legal guidance to help you pursue a successful resolution.
Founding Attorney Thomas Stahl, a recognized Super Lawyer since 2013, and his team are dedicated to securing divorce agreements that protect your interests and pave the way for a brighter future.
Call (443) 331-2770 or submit our online contact form to consult a Columbia, MD & DC divorce attorney today.
Tom is a fierce, compassionate advocate for his clients with a tremendous amount of experience. I would strongly recommend his services to anyone looking for a divorce/family attorney.
Andrew A.
“I would highly recommend Tom for your divorce family case.”
“Tom always made me feel protected and assuring that things would be ok even when it felt things were at the bottom for me. I have Tom to thank for bringing justice to my custody battle.”
David S.
“I have no doubt I am in good hands.”
“Nothing but five stars to express my gratitude for the assistance this group of lawyers had been providing me for the past two years. The staff has a strong sense of legal experience. Always professional and clearly experts at their craft.”
