Maryland Divorce Lawyer

Going through a divorce is one of life’s most challenging experiences, requiring both emotional strength and skilled legal representation. When you need a Maryland divorce lawyer, Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C. provides the experienced advocacy and compassionate guidance you deserve. Our attorneys have been practicing family law exclusively since 1995, developing deep expertise in Maryland divorce law and a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.

Our firm has earned recognition as a four-time winner of “Best of” Howard County for Family Law, including back-to-back awards in 2024 and 2025. This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence and our clients’ satisfaction with our legal services. We understand that every divorce case is unique, which is why we take a family-centered legal approach focused on obtaining equitable and fair resolutions for each client’s individual circumstances.

Comprehensive Divorce Legal Services

At Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C., our divorce attorneys handle all aspects of Maryland divorce proceedings, from initial filing through final resolution. Our team includes highly experienced trial attorneys who are not afraid to take your case to court when necessary to protect your interests and secure the results you deserve.

Our comprehensive divorce services include property division, spousal support determination, child custody arrangements, and child support calculations. We work diligently to address complex financial matters, including business valuations, retirement account divisions, and debt allocation. Whether you’re facing a contested divorce requiring litigation or seeking an amicable resolution through mediation or collaborative divorce, our attorneys have the skills and experience to guide you through the process.

Attorney Jolie Weinberg specializes in collaborative divorce approaches, working passionately to achieve equitable solutions while prioritizing children’s well-being. For clients seeking traditional representation, attorneys like Lisa Pryor, Amos Whitney, and Theodore Warner bring decades of combined experience to complex divorce cases, ensuring clients remain informed throughout the process and understand their options at every stage.

Understanding Maryland Divorce Law

Maryland divorce law provides two grounds for divorce: absolute divorce and limited divorce. An absolute divorce permanently ends the marriage and allows both parties to remarry, while a limited divorce is similar to a legal separation. Most clients seek absolute divorce, which can be granted based on mutual consent, separation for at least six months, or other statutory grounds including adultery, desertion, or cruelty.

The divorce process in Maryland typically begins with filing a complaint in the appropriate circuit court. If you and your spouse have lived separately for the required period and can agree on all issues, you may qualify for an uncontested divorce, which can be resolved more quickly and cost-effectively. However, when disagreements exist regarding property division, custody, or support, contested divorce proceedings may be necessary.

Property division in Maryland follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial circumstances, contributions to the marriage, and the circumstances leading to the divorce. Our family law attorneys work meticulously to identify, value, and advocate for fair distribution of all marital assets and debts.

Child Custody and Support Considerations

When children are involved in divorce proceedings, their best interests become the court’s primary concern. Maryland recognizes two types of custody: legal custody, which involves decision-making authority for major life decisions, and physical custody, which determines where children live. Courts may award joint custody, sole custody to one parent, or various shared custody arrangements based on the family’s specific circumstances.

Our attorneys understand that child custody disputes are often the most emotionally charged aspects of divorce cases. We work closely with clients to develop custody arrangements that serve children’s best interests while protecting parental rights. This includes addressing school choices, healthcare decisions, extracurricular activities, and holiday schedules.

Child support calculations in Maryland follow established guidelines based on both parents’ incomes and the amount of time children spend with each parent. However, various factors can influence these calculations, including healthcare costs, daycare expenses, and special needs considerations. Our experienced legal team ensures accurate income calculations and advocates for appropriate support amounts.

Spousal Support and Financial Security

Spousal support, also known as alimony, may be awarded in Maryland divorces to help maintain financial stability for the lower-earning spouse. The court considers multiple factors when determining spousal support, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, earning capacity, age, health, and contributions to the marriage.

Maryland recognizes different types of spousal support, including temporary support during divorce proceedings, rehabilitative support to help a spouse become self-supporting, and indefinite support in long-term marriages or cases involving significant financial disparity. Our attorneys work to ensure fair spousal support determinations that consider both parties’ needs and circumstances.

Attorney Amos Whitney has particular expertise in complex spousal support modifications and terminations, helping clients navigate changing circumstances that may warrant adjustments to existing support orders. Whether you’re seeking spousal support or defending against excessive support requests, our team provides skilled advocacy based on thorough understanding of Maryland law.

Maryland Divorce FAQs

How long does a divorce take in Maryland?

The timeline for divorce in Maryland varies significantly based on whether the case is contested or uncontested. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all issues can be finalized in as little as 30 days after filing. Contested divorces typically take six months to two years or more, depending on the complexity of issues involved and court scheduling.

Do I need to be separated before filing for divorce in Maryland?

While separation is not always required, many couples choose to live separately for at least six months before filing for mutual consent divorce. This separation period can demonstrate that the marriage is irretrievably broken and may make the divorce process smoother, especially when combined with written separation agreements.

How is property divided in Maryland divorce cases?

Maryland follows equitable distribution principles, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on various factors rather than simply split equally. The court considers the length of marriage, each spouse’s financial contributions, age, health, and circumstances leading to the divorce when determining property division.

Can I modify child custody or support after divorce?

Yes, custody and support orders can be modified when there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the child’s best interests or the parents’ financial situations. Common reasons for modifications include job changes, relocation, changes in the child’s needs, or significant changes in parenting time.

What should I expect during divorce mediation?

Divorce mediation involves working with a neutral third party to resolve disputes outside of court. The process is typically less adversarial and more cost-effective than litigation. Our attorneys can represent you during mediation or help you prepare for the process to ensure your interests are protected while working toward resolution.

Serving Throughout Maryland

• Columbia
• Ellicott City
• Baltimore
• Rockville
• Frederick
• Gaithersburg
• Bowie
• Hagerstown
• Annapolis
• Towson

Contact a Maryland Divorce Attorney Today

If you’re facing divorce proceedings in Maryland, don’t navigate this challenging time alone. The experienced divorce attorneys at Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C. are ready to provide the skilled representation and compassionate support you need. Our family-centered approach ensures that your individual concerns are addressed while working toward an equitable resolution that protects your future and your children’s well-being. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how our dedicated legal team can help you move forward with confidence during this difficult transition.