P. A. Davis Law Office, LLC

Divorce in Maryland and D.C.

We Help Families With Their Challenging Family Law Matters
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d Joyful Marriages

Your Divorce Lawyers


No matter where you are . . .

Divorce is always stressful. 

And we understand.

Always on your side.

From the firm's perspective, having many decades of collective experience working with divorce clients who trust and rely on us is a privilege. It is our honored role to apply our deep knowledge and expertise in helping you through such a difficult time. We will listen to your concerns, advise you, protecting your rights for the best outcomes.


We work as a team, bringing ideas to the table, collaborating to make sure objectives are met in the best way possible, and getting the job done. Not only are we skilled at in the law, but also the intangible talents in each one of us come together for a greater client experience. 

Pawnee. A. Davis

Divorce in Maryland


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Absolute Divorce

In Maryland, an absolute divorce can be contested or uncontested. As of October 1, 2023, limited divorces, fault divorces, and divorces based on 12 months of separation are no longer available.


Divorce in Maryland now can be based on (1) 6-Month Separation in which spouses do not share a room and bed; (2) Irreconcilable Differences; and (3) Mutual Agreement.


Unless divorce is based on Mutual Agreement, litigants must still present evidence and testimony for the court to decide how to identify, value, and distribute marital property, debts, and other marital issues.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce is distinguishable from an uncontested divorce in that it assumes that the married couple has not been able to agree on every single term and condition that must be decided for a court to grant a divorce.


There is a lot to be considered when ending a marriage. What is marital and non marital property has to be  determined. Sometimes this is not easily determined. In some instances, property needs to traced to its source. The ownership of the property needs to be determined. The values of property must also be determined.


Maryland and DC are equitable distribution jurisdictions,  and you or your spouse may have certain entitlements, such as a marital award, that you are not aware of.


The divorce laws and the facts in your case in your jurisdiction will determine your entitlements and how strong your divorce claims may be. We are vested in protecting your interests.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce can be quicker, simpler, and avoid a lot of stress and emotional pain that you otherwise may experience in a contentious divorce case. An uncontested divorce can be quick and simple if you and your spouse are in agreement on every single term and condition. These terms and conditions involve the family home, retirement, investments, alimony, child custody, and child support, which all must be resolved in a divorce. 


Depending on your particular circumstances and the details of your marital estate (assets, property, liabilities, and debts), if you and your spouse have discussed the "who," "what, "when," and the value of each major item in the marriage you may be able to save a lot of time, stress, and money.


It is suggested that you use an attorney to draft a legally enforceable separation agreement and draft divorce papers to ensure you do not miss any details that could cause unnecessary delay or mistakes.

 

We are experienced in negotiating fair and beneficial settlements for our clients.



Divorce in D.C.



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Absolute Divorce

D.C. divorce law differs a bit from Maryland divorce law, but general principles are the same. The court will an absolute divorce, legal separation, or annulment depending on the circumstances. 


An absolute divorce in D.C. can be contested or uncontested, just like in Maryland. A difference is that, in D.C., spouses must have voluntarily agreed to be separated for at least 6 months before filing for divorce or they can be involuntarily separated, not by agreement, for 12 months before filing for divorce.

Annulment

An annulment is one way to terminate a marriage, but is only available under certain limited circumstances that must be proved; that at least one of the spouses wedded under fraud or coercion, insanity, incapacitation, or  was already married.

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Legal Separation

If spouses do not want to make their divorce final, they may seek a legal separation, in which they may distribute the marital estate as well as child custody and support. A legal separation is useful for those who wish to have a trial separation, or wish to keep health or tax and financial benefits.

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