Columbia Divorce Lawyer

When facing the difficult decision to end your marriage, choosing the right divorce attorney can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing your future. At Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C., we have been practicing family law exclusively since 1995, providing experienced and knowledgeable representation to clients throughout Howard County and surrounding areas. Our attorneys understand that divorce involves more than just legal paperwork; it affects every aspect of your life, from your financial security to your relationship with your children.

Our firm has earned recognition as a four-time winner of “Best of” Howard County for Family Law, including back-to-back honors in 2024 and 2025. This recognition reflects our commitment to obtaining equitable and fair resolutions for each client’s individual issues and concerns. With highly experienced trial attorneys who are not afraid to take your case to court when necessary, we provide the aggressive representation you need while maintaining a family-centered approach to legal practice.

Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C., helps individuals and couples navigate their way through the Maryland divorce process that best meets their needs. Our Columbia divorce lawyers represent clients throughout Maryland, but especially Howard County communities such as Columbia, Ellicott City, Fulton, Maple Lawn and Clarksville. Call our office in Columbia to discuss the circumstances surrounding your divorce, including whether you need to seek a contested divorce or whether you will be to proceed on an uncontested basis, and to share your thoughts and concerns surrounding the custody and support of your children, as well as issues such as alimony and the division of your marital property.

Comprehensive Divorce Legal Services

Divorce proceedings in Maryland require careful navigation of complex legal requirements and court procedures. Our experienced divorce attorneys handle all aspects of marital dissolution, from initial filing through final decree. We represent clients in both contested and uncontested divorces, collaborative divorce proceedings, and mediation services. Our team includes attorneys like Jolie Weinberg, who has extensive experience in collaborative divorce, working passionately to achieve equitable solutions while keeping children’s well-being paramount.

The divorce process typically begins at the Howard County Circuit Court, located at 8360 Court Avenue in Ellicott City. Our attorneys are familiar with local court procedures and have established relationships with judges and court staff, which can benefit our clients throughout the legal process. We handle all necessary documentation, including complaints for absolute divorce, financial disclosure statements, and settlement agreements.

Property division represents one of the most complex aspects of Maryland divorce cases. Our attorneys work diligently to identify and value all marital assets, including real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. We negotiate aggressively to ensure our clients receive their fair share of marital property while protecting separate assets acquired before marriage or through inheritance.

Grounds For Divorce

In a divorce proceeding, the judge dissolves the marriage, so the parties are legally free to remarry. The court can also make custody determinations, award child support or alimony, divide the marital property, award other attorney fees, and take other steps in a divorce. Maryland is an equitable division state, which means that while an equal division of marital property is common, such a division is not guaranteed. The Court is free to divide marital property in an equitable manner, based on a number of factors that the attorneys argue to the judge.

Grounds for divorce include:

• A 6-month separation
• Irreconcilable differences
• Mutual Consent

Although Maryland is no longer a fault-based divorce state, the circumstances that contributed to the estrangement of the parties remains a factor for determining a potential alimony award and for the division of marital property.

Contested or Uncontested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on getting divorced and also agree on all issues related to the marriage, such as child custody, visitation and access, child support, alimony and property division. Our attorneys help couples in uncontested divorce matters draft a Separation and Property Settlement Agreement, which is a legally binding document setting out their understanding of how the issues in their divorce will be handled. The parties still need to file for divorce and attend a hearing before the judge to finalize the divorce, but the terms of the Separation Agreement will control matters addressed such as custody and support.

If the parties don’t agree on the reason for the divorce or are not in agreement on all the related issues, the divorce is considered contested. In this case, they’ll need to resolve their issues through mediation or collaborative practice or litigate their divorce in court before a judge. A contested divorce can be time-consuming, complicated, and expensive. When the issues are resolved, the divorce then becomes uncontested, and a final divorce may be obtained. At Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C., our goal is to represent your interests and help you find the best path forward to an uncontested divorce, without creating unnecessary conflict or fanning the flames of an already heated dispute.

Child Custody and Support Matters

When children are involved in divorce proceedings, their best interests become the court’s primary concern. Our family law attorneys have extensive experience handling child custody disputes, developing parenting plans that serve children’s needs while protecting parents’ rights. Attorney Ethan Dellinger has helped numerous families navigate complex custody battles, ensuring parents maintain meaningful relationships with their children following divorce.

Maryland courts consider numerous factors when determining child custody arrangements, including each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s own preferences when age-appropriate. Our attorneys work closely with clients to present compelling evidence supporting their custody requests, whether seeking primary physical custody, joint custody, or modified visitation arrangements.

Child support calculations in Maryland follow specific guidelines based on both parents’ incomes and the number of children involved. Our attorneys ensure accurate income calculations and proper consideration of additional expenses such as health insurance, childcare costs, and extracurricular activities. We also handle child support modifications when circumstances change significantly after the initial order.

Alimony and Spousal Support

Alimony determinations require careful analysis of numerous factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage. Our attorneys have successfully handled complex alimony cases, including situations requiring modification or termination of existing support orders. Attorney Amos Whitney has particular expertise in alimony matters, having helped clients navigate challenging support modifications and enforcement issues.

Maryland recognizes several types of alimony, including temporary support during divorce proceedings, rehabilitative alimony to help a spouse become self-supporting, and indefinite alimony in long-term marriages or cases involving significant income disparities. Our attorneys work to ensure fair alimony determinations that consider our clients’ actual needs and abilities to pay.

The duration and amount of alimony depend heavily on specific case circumstances. Factors such as the standard of living during marriage, each spouse’s age and health, and contributions as a homemaker all influence court decisions. Our experienced attorneys present comprehensive evidence to support our clients’ positions, whether seeking alimony or defending against unreasonable support requests.

Columbia Divorce FAQs

How long does a divorce take in Maryland?

Maryland divorce timelines vary depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested. Uncontested divorces may be finalized within a few months, while contested cases involving complex asset division or custody disputes can take a year or more. Maryland requires a waiting period before granting absolute divorce, which depends on the grounds for divorce cited in the initial complaint.

What are the residency requirements for filing divorce in Maryland?

To file for divorce in Maryland, either you or your spouse must be a resident of the state. If the grounds for divorce occurred outside Maryland, the filing spouse must have resided in Maryland for at least one year before filing. If the grounds occurred within Maryland, there is no specific residency time requirement.

Can I get a divorce without going to court?

Many Maryland divorces can be resolved without a trial through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative divorce processes. However, even uncontested divorces typically require at least one court appearance for the final hearing. Our attorneys work to minimize court appearances when possible while ensuring all legal requirements are met.

How is property divided in Maryland divorce cases?

Maryland follows equitable distribution principles, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Courts consider factors such as each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and each party’s financial circumstances. Separate property acquired before marriage or through inheritance typically remains with the original owner.

What factors do courts consider when determining child custody?

Maryland courts prioritize the child’s best interests when making custody decisions. Factors include each parent’s ability to maintain stable housing and employment, the child’s relationship with each parent, any history of domestic violence, and the child’s adjustment to current living arrangements. The court may also consider the child’s preferences if they are mature enough to express reasoned opinions.

Serving Throughout Columbia

• Wilde Lake
• Harper’s Choice
• Oakland Mills
• Long Reach
• Hickory Ridge
• River Hill
• Kings Contrivance
• Owen Brown
• Dorsey’s Search
• Town Center

High-Quality Advice and Representation in Your Columbia or Howard County Divorce

The decision to pursue divorce requires careful consideration and experienced legal guidance. At Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C., our dedicated  Columbia divorce attorneys provide compassionate yet aggressive representation to protect your interests throughout the divorce process. With nearly three decades of exclusive family law practice and recognition as Howard County’s best family law firm, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to handle even the most complex divorce cases. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate this challenging time while protecting your rights and your future.

For help with divorce in Howard County, call Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C., at 410-997-0203, or reach out online to speak with one of our experienced and dedicated divorce lawyers. We represent clients throughout Maryland, but especially Howard County communities such as Columbia, Ellicott City, Fulton, Maple Lawn and Clarksville.