Maryland separation agreements
For couples ending their marriage on fairly amicable terms, there is an awkward period when the reality of the future sets in—full of hope, confusion, and maybe a lot of frustration. In the absence of other grounds, couples must live separately for 12 months before a filing for absolute divorce.
In the meantime, a couple can negotiate a limited divorce—expressed through the preparation of a binding separation agreement. While an absolute divorce formally dissolves the marriage relationship and allows a person to remarry, limited divorce does not provide final settlement on property issues or allow for remarriage.
In my practice, I serve many clients and couples seeking to move through divorce as gracefully and inexpensively as possible. Mediation serves that purpose well, as does negotiation through lawyers when needed. Items to discuss and include in a separation agreement include:
- Marital property. House, equity, and home maintenance.
- Personal property. Cars, collections, appliances, and furniture.
- Debts. Separate accounts, debts, and equitable division of both .
- Support. Alimony amount, duration, conditions, and payment process.
- Children. Custody, visitation, and child support.
- Legal fees. Court, filing, and other costs.
- Conduct during separation. Are there special limits, dating agreements, or other arrangements to put in place?
- Insurance. Medical insurance and deductibles, tax deductions, maintenance of life insurance, and revision of estate planning documents.
If considering divorce, call our Baltimore divorce lawyers when you are ready to take the next step. We can help. Contact Huesman, Jones and Miles at our Hunt Valley office at (443) 589-0150 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with one of reputable Baltimore County divorce lawyers.
