There is no disputing that divorce can be an expensive proposition in the State of Maryland – for both parties. However, family courts in Maryland do everything possible to ensure that both of the divorcing parties are provided with legal representation and that the costs associated with divorce proceedings are allocated fairly, given each party’s financial circumstances. In some instances, one spouse may be required to pay the legal fees of the other spouse, depending upon each spouse’s financial arrangements at that time.
There are several grounds for divorce in Maryland, ranging from adultery and desertion to abuse to no-fault options. If you are contemplating a divorce or are in the midst of divorce proceedings, it is important that you have an experienced Maryland divorce attorney on your side representing you throughout the process. A divorce lawyer will be able to file the necessary pleadings with the court and ensure that the process is carried out as efficiently as possible.
Types of Divorce Expenses
There are different things you might need to pay for in a Maryland divorce, such as:
- Court filing fees
- Attorney’s fees
- Costs of experts, mediation, consulting, and other resources used to resolve your divorce matters
Many attorneys charge hourly fees for divorce cases, so the expenses will depend on how complicated your case is and how long it takes to resolve. The sooner you can reach an agreement with your spouse through negotiation or mediation, the less your case might cost. If you have an uncontested divorce, your attorney might charge you a flat fee up front.
No matter how your attorney charges fees, you should be fully informed of their fee structure and amounts prior to their representation. This should all be spelled out in the representation agreement, and you should be sure to ask any questions you have before you sign the agreement. There should not be surprises when it comes to your legal fees.
Keeping Costs Low
Your divorce attorney should know strategies to keep your divorce costs low when possible. This can include engaging in negotiations and representing you through mediation to reach an agreement before you file your divorce petition. While some cases require expert assistance and other resources, these are not necessary in every case.
If your spouse is being unreasonable and refuses to agree on certain issues, the matter might go to trial. If the court then finds in your favor, your attorney might be able to request attorney’s fees from your spouse since they were the one who insisted on going to court.
Find the Right Maryland Divorce Attorney for Your Case
Divorce proceedings can be complicated for everyone involved. However, an experienced Maryland divorce attorney will be able to streamline the entire process and make it more manageable – both mentally and financially. If you are contemplating filing for divorce – or if your divorce case is currently pending – a knowledgeable divorce attorney will be able to manage your case and can assist you with bringing the case to a resolution in an efficient manner.