Divorce in Maryland

Divorce is one of the most significant legal and personal transitions a person can experience. Whether a marriage has lasted two years or twenty years, the decisions made during the divorce process can affect finances, property, parenting arrangements, and future stability for years to come.

Attorney Neveen Kurtom represents individuals throughout Maryland in both contested and uncontested divorce matters. From negotiating settlement agreements to litigating complex disputes involving custody, support, business interests, and high-value assets, Mrs. Kurtom helps clients navigate the divorce process with confidence and clarity.

Every divorce is different. Some cases can be resolved through negotiation and settlement, while others require court intervention to protect a client's rights and interests. Regardless of the circumstances, the goal remains the same: helping clients move forward with a fair and practical resolution.

Understanding Divorce in Maryland

Maryland law allows spouses to obtain an absolute divorce based upon specific legal grounds. Following recent changes in Maryland law, the most common grounds for divorce include:

Irreconcilable Differences

Many divorces today proceed on the basis that the marriage has suffered an irreparable breakdown and there is no reasonable expectation of reconciliation.

Six-Month Separation

Parties may also obtain a divorce after living separate and apart for at least six months.

Mutual Consent

When spouses reach a complete agreement resolving all issues related to property, support, and children, they may be eligible to obtain an uncontested divorce based upon mutual consent.

While the legal grounds for divorce may appear straightforward, many cases involve complex disputes concerning custody, support, property division, and financial issues that require careful planning and experienced legal guidance.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties reach an agreement regarding all issues.

These agreements often address:

• Child custody and parenting schedules

• Child support

• Alimony

• Division of property

• Retirement accounts

• Debt allocation

• Use and possession of the marital home

Many uncontested divorces can be resolved more efficiently and at a lower cost than fully litigated cases.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce occurs when the parties disagree regarding one or more issues.

Common disputes include:

• Child custody

• Legal decision-making authority

• Child support

• Alimony

• Valuation of assets

• Division of retirement accounts

• Business interests

• Real estate

• Hidden or undisclosed assets

In contested matters, the court may ultimately decide the disputed issues after hearing evidence and testimony.

What Issues Must Be Resolved in a Divorce?

Many people think divorce is simply the legal termination of a marriage. In reality, divorce often involves numerous related issues that must be addressed before the case can be concluded.

Child Custody

If minor children are involved, custody is often one of the most important and emotional aspects of a divorce. Maryland courts focus on the best interests of the child when determining legal and physical custody arrangements.

Important considerations often include:

• Parenting schedules

• Holiday and vacation schedules

• Educational decisions

• Medical decisions

• Communication between parents

Child Support

Both parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially.

Maryland Child Support Guidelines are used to calculate support obligations, although disputes frequently arise regarding income, childcare expenses, healthcare costs, and shared custody arrangements.

Alimony

Alimony is not automatic in Maryland.

Courts consider numerous factors when determining whether alimony should be awarded, including:

• The length of the marriage

• Each party's income

• The standard of living established during the marriage

• The ability of the receiving spouse to become self-supporting

• The financial needs and resources of each spouse

Because Maryland does not use a specific formula for alimony, these cases often require careful financial analysis and advocacy.

Property Division

Maryland follows the principle of equitable distribution.

Equitable does not necessarily mean equal. Instead, the court seeks a fair distribution of marital property after considering numerous statutory factors.

Property issues may involve:

• The marital home

• Retirement accounts

• Investment accounts

• Business interests

• Stock options

• Cryptocurrency holdings

• Vehicles

• Personal property

Identifying, valuing, and dividing marital assets is often one of the most financially significant aspects of a divorce. Maryland courts generally treat assets acquired during the marriage as marital property, regardless of whose name appears on the title.

What Judges Often Focus On in Divorce Cases

Many clients begin the divorce process believing that the court will focus primarily on who was responsible for the breakdown of the marriage.

In reality, judges are often more concerned with practical questions, such as:

• What assets exist and how should they be valued?

• What arrangement best serves the children?

• Does either spouse need financial support?

• Is the proposed resolution fair and workable?

• What evidence supports each party's position?

While emotions often drive conflict during a divorce, successful outcomes are usually achieved by focusing on evidence, financial information, and realistic solutions.

High-Asset and Complex Divorce Cases

Certain divorces involve more sophisticated financial issues that require additional investigation and analysis.

Attorney Neveen Kurtom represents clients in cases involving:

• Closely held businesses

• Professional practices

• Executive compensation

• Stock options and restricted stock

• Cryptocurrency

• Significant retirement assets

• Real estate portfolios

• Hidden assets

Complex financial cases often require extensive discovery, valuation experts, and strategic planning to ensure that all marital assets are properly identified and addressed.

Settlement vs. Trial

Not every divorce needs to end in a courtroom trial. Many cases are resolved through:

• Attorney negotiations

• Mediation

• Settlement conferences

• Marital settlement agreements

However, when settlement is not possible, clients need an attorney prepared to present their case before a judge. Attorney Neveen Kurtom has extensive experience representing clients in both negotiated settlements and contested litigation. The firm works toward efficient resolution whenever possible while remaining prepared to advocate aggressively when necessary.

Why Clients Choose Neveen Kurtom

Divorce involves more than legal paperwork. It involves important decisions that can affect children, finances, housing, and future opportunities. Clients choose Attorney Neveen Kurtom because she combines practical advice, strategic advocacy, and personalized attention. She understands that every family's situation is different and works closely with clients to develop solutions tailored to their specific goals and circumstances.

Whether a case involves a straightforward uncontested divorce or complex litigation involving custody, alimony, and significant assets, clients receive dedicated representation focused on protecting what matters most.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering divorce or have been served with divorce papers, understanding your rights and options is the first step toward protecting your future.

Contact the Law Office of Neveen Kurtom at (301) 356-4423 to discuss your situation and develop a strategy tailored to your specific needs.

Have A Question?