When you begin the process of divorce, you enter what could become a sad and confusing experience. Well-meaning friends and family members may come to you with the best intentions, offering guidance and advice. They may even share horror stories about their own experiences, or those they have heard about elsewhere, but the myths that surround divorce can be upsetting.
The following information can help you separate fact from fiction.
- You won’t have to split the house because your spouse’s name is not on the mortgage. It is likely that your home will be considered an asset, even if your name is the only name on the mortgage. All assets must be considered in a divorce, so your home could be included in the settlement.
- Your spouse moved out, so they have no rights to the house. Your home is still an asset of the marriage, even if your spouse leaves the premises to reside elsewhere.
- When you leave the home, you no longer need to pay or contribute to the mortgage. In many cases, the mortgage will remain a joint responsibility because the mortgage is a joint debt. You must continue to pay, unless your attorney advises you otherwise.
- A father will only be able to see the children on weekends. That’s not necessarily so. Although it may seem that the husband always winds up with the most limited time with the children, this is open to negotiation. There is no set amount of time that either parent can spend with the children, and today fathers’ rights are considered more than ever before.
- Common law marriages have the same rights as traditional marriages. Common law marriage is not a legal term in Maryland, it is a social label for people who have lived together for a long time. Even if you have children and a home, your significant other is considered a boyfriend or a girlfriend, as far as the courts are concerned. However, separating can be as complicated as it would be in a traditional marriage, so legal advice is advised.
You can rely on friends and family members for moral support, but when it comes to the serious matter of divorce, you will be better off contacting an experienced divorce lawyer for guidance.
Towson Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Offer Exceptional Legal Counsel for Divorce
To be sure you have the most up-to-date information you need and to make the best decisions for yourself, contact a divorce lawyer in Towson at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. Our team will help ensure you take the best legal course of action for your unique situation. We handle every aspect of divorce including spousal support, child custody, and child support. Our offices are located in Towson and Hunt Valley, Maryland to serve residents throughout Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County, including the towns of Baltimore, Towson, Essex, Columbia, Pikesville, and Bel Air. Call 443-589-0150 to schedule your divorce consultation today, or submit an online inquiry.
