Silver Spring Divorce Lawyer
When facing the difficult decision to end your marriage, having an experienced Silver Spring divorce lawyer by your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing your future. At Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C., our family law attorneys have been practicing exclusively in Maryland family law since 1995, bringing decades of experience to help clients navigate the complexities of divorce proceedings in Montgomery County.
Our firm has earned recognition as a four-time winner of “Best of” Howard County for Family Law, including back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing exceptional legal representation and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients throughout the divorce process.
Understanding Maryland Divorce Laws
Maryland divorce law requires couples to meet specific residency requirements and establish grounds for divorce before proceeding with their case. In Silver Spring, divorce cases are typically filed at the Montgomery County Circuit Court, located at 50 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. Our attorneys are intimately familiar with the local court procedures and can guide you through each step of the process.
Maryland recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce. The most commonly used no-fault ground is a 12-month separation, though mutual consent divorce is also available for couples who can reach agreements on all issues. Fault-based grounds include adultery, desertion, cruelty, and other specific circumstances outlined in Maryland law.
Our family law attorneys understand that every divorce situation is unique. Whether you’re dealing with complex property division, child custody disputes, or alimony considerations, we take a family-centered legal approach to obtain an equitable and fair resolution for each client’s individual issues and concerns.
Property Division and Asset Protection
One of the most challenging aspects of divorce involves the division of marital property and assets. Maryland follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means that marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally, between spouses. This includes real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property acquired during the marriage.
Our experienced divorce attorneys work diligently to identify and value all marital assets, including those that may be hidden or undervalued by the opposing party. We collaborate with financial experts, appraisers, and other professionals when necessary to ensure that our clients receive their fair share of the marital estate.
For many Silver Spring residents, the family home represents their most significant asset. Our attorneys help clients understand their options, whether that involves selling the home and dividing the proceeds, one spouse buying out the other’s interest, or exploring creative solutions that work for both parties.
Child Custody and Support Matters
When children are involved in a divorce, their best interests become the court’s primary concern. Maryland courts consider numerous factors when making custody determinations, including each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s preferences when age-appropriate.
Our family law team has extensive experience handling both contested and uncontested custody cases. We understand that maintaining strong parent-child relationships is crucial for the entire family’s well-being. Our attorneys work to develop custody arrangements that serve the children’s best interests while protecting our clients’ parental rights.
Child support calculations in Maryland follow specific guidelines based on both parents’ incomes and the custody arrangement. Our attorneys ensure that support orders are calculated correctly and fairly, taking into account all relevant factors including healthcare costs, childcare expenses, and extraordinary needs.
We also handle post-divorce modifications when circumstances change significantly. Whether you need to modify custody arrangements due to a job relocation or adjust support payments because of income changes, our team can help you navigate the modification process effectively.
Silver Spring Divorce FAQs
How long does a divorce take in Montgomery County?
The timeline for divorce in Montgomery County varies depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested. Uncontested divorces with mutual consent can be finalized relatively quickly, sometimes within a few months. Contested divorces involving disputes over custody, property, or support typically take longer, often six months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the issues involved.
Can I get alimony in my Maryland divorce?
Maryland courts may award alimony based on several factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, age and health of both parties, and the standard of living during the marriage. Alimony can be temporary, for a specific duration, or in rare cases, permanent. Our attorneys evaluate each client’s situation to determine the likelihood of receiving or paying alimony.
What if my spouse refuses to cooperate with the divorce process?
If your spouse refuses to participate in the divorce proceedings, you can still proceed with an uncontested divorce by default. The court can grant the divorce and make decisions about property division, custody, and support even without your spouse’s active participation. Our attorneys ensure that all legal requirements are met and your interests are protected throughout this process.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Silver Spring?
The cost of divorce representation varies based on the complexity of your case and whether it requires trial litigation. Our firm offers transparent fee structures and works with clients to understand the financial aspects of their case from the beginning. We believe in providing value through our extensive experience and successful track record in Maryland family law.
Should I try mediation before going to court?
Mediation can be an effective way to resolve divorce disputes outside of court, often saving time and money while reducing conflict. Our attorneys have experience with both collaborative divorce processes and mediation. We help clients determine whether alternative dispute resolution methods are appropriate for their situation or if litigation is necessary to protect their interests.
Serving Throughout Silver Spring
- Downtown Silver Spring
- Takoma Park
- Four Corners
- Wheaton
- Colesville
- Hillandale
- White Oak
- Burtonsville
- Fairland
- Cloverly
Contact a Silver Spring Divorce Attorney Today
Going through a divorce is never easy, but having the right legal representation can provide peace of mind and protect your future interests. Our highly experienced trial attorneys are not afraid to take your case to trial when necessary to get the results you deserve. At the same time, we explore all options for resolution that serve our clients’ best interests and those of their families. Contact Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C. today to schedule a consultation with a skilled divorce attorney who will fight for your rights and help you move forward with confidence.
