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La Plata Divorce LawyersA divorce is going to change your life in a lot of ways, but with the right counsel, you can come up with a settlement tailored to your needs. At the La Plata law offices of Devine & Fanning, we help individuals throughout Southern Maryland with the complicated and often emotional divorce process. Focused on family law matters since 1993, attorney Bill Fanning understands what you have at stake and knows how to help you prepare for the future. Never Losing Track of Your Goals
Contact Devine & Fanning Today ♦ 301-753-4316There are two types of divorce in Maryland. You can get a limited divorce, which is similar to a legal separation, or an absolute divorce, which will put an end to your marriage. Within the context of an absolute divorce, there are ways to obtain an at-fault and a no-fault divorce. Typically, when both parties agree to a no-fault divorce, there must first be a voluntary separation. Once you have been apart for two years with no cohabitation, you can obtain a no-fault divorce. You can obtain an at-fault divorce even faster, if you can prove one of the following grounds for divorce: - Adultery
- Abandonment
- Cruelty of treatment
- Desertion
Once you have grounds for a divorce, you should start working on a settlement. This is where you really need an experienced attorney to help you create a plan for the future regarding: - Marital Property Division: Maryland is an equitable distribution state, which means the court splits property fairly, not equally. Any property acquired during the marriage is treated as marital property and then divided.
- Spousal Support/Alimony: There is no guarantee that spousal support will be a part of your settlement. There are a number of factors involved, including the length of the marriage, the circumstances of the divorce, the health of the parties, and income.
- Child Custody: Legal custody determines who has decision making power, while physical custody determines where your child will live. It is also important to determine a visitation schedule as part of your custody plan.
- Child Support: There are statutory guidelines for child support in Maryland. Deviations are possible, but difficult to obtain. We can help you explore your options.
Contact UsLocated next to the Charles County Courthouse in La Plata, our offices are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. We also offer evening, weekend, and off-site appointments, so we can meet with you at your convenience and discuss your situation. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.  
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