Divorce Lawyer In Rockville

As a dedicated family law attorney in Rockville, I understand that divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences you will ever face. My name is Greg Abney, and I am passionate about helping clients get through this difficult time of transition. I founded my firm, Abney at Law, P.C., to provide personalized attention and support for my clients in Montgomery County and throughout south-central Maryland. When you work with me, your case becomes my case. 

Getting A Divorce In Maryland

Every marriage is unique, and consequently, every divorce has its own set of circumstances. Some couples can work together amicably to resolve issues, while others face high-conflict situations. Depending on your unique circumstances, there are several possible paths to get a divorce in Maryland:

• Uncontested divorce: In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on how to resolve the issues in their divorce.
• Contested divorce: In a contested divorce, you and your spouse cannot agree on one or more issues in your divorce, requiring court intervention.
• Collaborative divorce: You and your spouse work together with your respective attorneys to reach a mutually beneficial agreement without having to go to court.
• Mediation: A neutral third-party mediator helps facilitate negotiations between you and your spouse to help you reach a settlement agreement on your contested issues.
• Litigation: Attempts to reach a settlement and resolve your disputes have failed, requiring a judge to make decisions on your contested issues.

As your divorce attorney, I can guide you through any of these processes. Whether you and your spouse agree on most issues or need help resolving conflicts, I’m here to protect your interests and work toward the most cost-effective resolution for your situation.

What Issues Need To Be Resolved In A Divorce?

Divorce involves more than just ending a marriage. Several key issues must be addressed:

• Property division: Maryland follows an equitable distribution model when dividing property in a divorce. This means that marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally.
• Spousal support:  Alimony, also known as spousal maintenance or support, may be awarded to one spouse based on factors such as the length of the couple’s marriage and each spouse’s financial situation.
• Child custody: If you have children, determining physical and legal custody arrangements is crucial.
• Child support: Maryland has guidelines to calculate child support based on both parents’ incomes and the custody arrangement.
• Debt allocation: Marital debts must be divided between spouses.

I can help you understand how these issues apply to your situation and work to protect your rights throughout the process.

Mistakes To Avoid During The Divorce Process

There are hundreds of mistakes that you can make when you are going through the divorce process. Here are a few of the most common:

• Signing agreements without consulting a lawyer: It’s nearly impossible for you to know all the legal implications of a written agreement in a divorce. I have seen people sign agreements that the court would never have issued due to their unfair nature – and yet the agreements ended up being enforceable.
• Missing important deadlines: Without a lawyer on your side, you are unlikely to know all the court rules, procedures and deadlines.
• Trusting your spouse with all of the financial records: When it comes to divorce, the person you married is no longer on your side. You can’t rely on him or her to provide you with an accurate picture of your marital finances and assets, so you should make copies for yourself.
• Posting too much on social media: It may be tempting to complain about your spouse or other parties on social media platforms, but it’s never a good idea. In fact, it’s best if you avoid posting or sharing anything that could be used against you. For example, a post about a new job could potentially lead to increased alimony payments, or a photo of you at a party with alcohol could lead a judge to question how responsible you are as a parent.

An experienced divorce lawyer can review your documents and keep you on track for strict deadlines. An attorney can also facilitate an independent investigation into your financial situation, especially if your spouse is self-employed. Working with an experienced divorce lawyer is the best way to protect your interests in your divorce.

How Can Mediation Help Divorcing Couples Reach A Settlement Agreement?

Mediation can be a valuable tool for couples seeking a more cooperative approach to divorce. In mediation:

• A neutral third party (mediator) facilitates discussions between you and your spouse.
• You have control over the outcome, rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
• The process is often faster and less expensive than litigation.
• Mediation can help preserve relationships, which is especially important if you have children.
• Discussions are confidential, unlike court proceedings.

As your attorney, I can represent you during mediation or review any agreements reached during mediation to make sure that your interests are protected.

What Happens When A Divorce Case Goes To Trial?

While many divorces are settled out of court, some cases do go to trial. When a case goes to trial, a judge will make final decisions on your unresolved issues. You will need to present evidence supporting your side of the case and possibly testify in court. A trial can be lengthy and expensive. In addition, the outcome of a trial is less predictable than in negotiated settlements. Also, trials are public proceedings, which may impact your privacy. But sometimes, a trial is necessary to protect your rights and preserve your interests. If your case goes to trial, I’ll thoroughly prepare you for what to expect and vigorously advocate for your interests in court.

Consult A Montgomery County Divorce Attorney

Divorce can be overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. I offer one-on-one initial consultations to discuss your situation and explore your options. To schedule an appointment, you can call Abney at Law, P.C., at 301-850-4972 or send me a message through my website. I want to help you secure a brighter future.