Eldersburg Divorce Lawyer Serving Clients Throughout The Greater Baltimore Area

Divorce may very well be the most challenging legal matter a person ever endures in their lifetime. Dissolving a marital contract requires making sure that both parties are treated equally under the law and the best interests of the children are taken into full consideration. The complexities of divorce proceedings can be overwhelming for individuals who are already dealing with emotional stress and uncertainty about their future.

If someone is considering filing for divorce, they should put their future in the hands of a lawyer who understands the process and has experience taking care of the details. The Law Office of Leo J. Keenan III, P.A., recognizes that while clients may feel they want to get through the process right now, the divorce judgment will continue to have a significant impact on their lives for years to come. This is why having experienced legal representation is crucial for protecting one’s long-term interests.

As a Maryland divorce lawyer with more than 35 years of experience, divorce attorney Leo J. Keenan III can protect clients’ parenting rights and financial interests. He has helped hundreds of men and women through the process and has an excellent reputation for providing exceptional client service and responsive communication. He keeps clients fully informed and educated about the process and empowers them to make the right decisions.

Comprehensive Divorce Guidance

Mr. Keenan has extensive experience in all areas of Maryland divorce in county courts throughout the Baltimore area. Clients can call for an appointment to discuss divorce issues such as:

• Child custody and parenting rights
• Child support obligations
• Marital property and separate property
• Alimony, spousal support

Contact Mr. Keenan today to schedule a free consultation for any of these divorce issues.

A Basic Overview Of The Divorce Process

Every divorce is different, and no two strategies for reaching a fair settlement are the same. Here is a basic outline of the process:

• Either spouse retains an attorney to serve the other spouse with a formal complaint demanding a divorce, the reasons for the divorce and a summons requiring a response.
• The served spouse retains an attorney to answer the complaint, and the complaint is filed with the appropriate court.
• The served spouse has a limited number of days to respond with an answer regarding the relief (divorce) requested. If no response is made, the petitioner will be granted the divorce for the reasons stated in the complaint.
• The attorneys for both parties begin the “discovery” phase of the litigation, in which all relevant documents and financial information will be exchanged and reviewed to determine an appropriate strategy for negotiating a fair settlement regarding custody, property division, child support and alimony, if any is to be sought.
• The court will expect the parties to seek an agreement through a negotiated settlement, which may include the use of an independent mediator to facilitate a resolution to complex or disputed issues.
• When (or if) the parties reach a settlement, the agreement is submitted to the assigned judge for review and adjudication to sign off as a legal judgment, which both parties must adhere to.
• If the parties cannot reach an agreement out of court, or if the judge will not sign off on the settlement, the unresolved issues will proceed to court, usually a trial in which the judge or master listens to testimony and evidence as attorneys on both sides present their arguments.
• The judge’s decision is open to appeal to a higher court.

Understanding this process can help clients prepare for what lies ahead and work more effectively with their attorney to achieve the best possible outcome for their situation.

Family Law FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about divorce proceedings in Maryland.

What Are The Residency Requirements For Filing For Divorce In Maryland?

To file for divorce in Maryland, one of these requirements must be met:

• Either spouse has lived in Maryland for at least one year before filing
• Both spouses are current Maryland residents (no time requirement)
• If the grounds for divorce occurred in Maryland, either spouse can file immediately after establishing residency

The divorce must be filed in the county where either spouse currently resides.

How Long Does It Typically Take To Finalize A Divorce In Maryland?

Maryland divorce timelines vary based on complexity and cooperation between parties. Uncontested divorces can take 30 to 90 days after filing. Contested divorces involving property division, custody disputes or alimony often take six months to two years. The mandatory waiting period and court scheduling also affect timing.

Are There Alternatives To Going To Court, Such As Mediation, For Resolving Divorce Disputes?

Yes, Maryland offers several alternatives to traditional litigation. Mediation allows couples to work with a neutral third party to resolve disputes. Collaborative divorce involves both parties working with their attorneys to reach agreements outside court. These options often save time and money and reduce emotional stress for families.

What Should I Do If My Spouse Does Not Respond To The Divorce Complaint?

If the spouse fails to respond within the required timeframe (usually 30 days), the petitioner can request a default judgment. This means the court may grant the divorce based on the terms in the original complaint. However, the petitioner must still prove their case and meet all legal requirements before the judge issues the final decree.

Experienced Eldersburg Divorce Lawyer For Contested Divorce And Complex Divorce

From offices in Eldersburg, the Law Office of Leo J. Keenan III represents clients in divorce litigation in Carroll County, Baltimore County, Frederick County and Howard County, Maryland. Contact Mr. Keenan by calling 410-970-4306 or completing the firm’s convenient online form to schedule a free consultation. Ask about after-hours appointments. The firm also assists people in Spanish.