As an equitable distribution state, Maryland family court judges often take a simplified 50-50 approach when dividing assets between a divorcing couple. It is important to note that equitable does not mean you will receive an even split down the middle. In some situations, you may not want an equal share, especially in cases where an ex-spouse caused the majority of your marital debt.

Another situation that can arise that may require the judge to deviate from an equal division of property involves individually titled assets, like a bank account. Judges are prohibited from changing a title to property which means if your spouse kept the family bank account in their name only, this asset would remain their own, even if both of you contributed to it with marital funds.

To resolve this inequitable situation, the court may issue you a monetary award. These judgments help address such inequalities that may arise in the asset division stage of divorce and comes with all the enforcement options as any other court-ordered judgment. If you received such a decision, but your spouse refuses to pay, you must seek out the divorce attorneys at The Law Office of Thomas Stahl right away to resolve the matter quickly.