Maryland Attorney for Legal Separation Agreements
After being married for a time, a couple may decide that it is best if they separated. However, when a couple decides to separate, there are many factors that will have to be considered. For example, a couple may have to resolve the issue of childcare and other expenses. If you or a family member need assistance with handling a legal separation, you should consult with an experienced Maryland attorney for legal separation agreements today.
Rice, Murtha & Psoras understands how it can be difficult to manage a legal separation, and we welcome the opportunity to address your specific needs. We recognize how legal separation can affect a family, and we are here to offer you the legal representation that you deserve for your case. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss the details of your legal separation, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 431-0911. You may also use our online submission form to contact us and schedule your free consultation.
How Legal Separation Agreements Work in Maryland
There are many couples that determine that married life with their spouse was not the experience they expected. When this happens, a couple may weigh their options about what to do with their failing marriage, which may lead to the decision to pursue a legal separation.
A legal separation agreement is typically a written or oral contract between two spouses that states that each spouse will live separately from each other. Living separately from each other does not mean that a couple can remain in different areas of the home. Instead, it means that the couple must live in different homes. Note, however, that a legal separation does not end the marriage. As a result, the couple cannot remarry other people or engage in sexual relationships with other people, as this will constitute adultery.
To learn more about drafting a legal separation agreement in Maryland, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Maryland legal separation attorney as soon as possible.
Factors that Affect Legal Separation Agreements in Maryland
When drafting a legal separation agreement, a couple should understand the many factors that must be considered. A legal separation cannot be carried out by simply moving out of the marital home; the couple should negotiate the following issues prior to executing the legal separation agreement.
Support for Children Born During the Marriage
When writing a legal separation agreement, one of the most important factors you should consider is providing for children born during the marriage. For example, if the couple seeks to share custody of the children, the couple will have to determine what days each parent will get to see the child. Additionally, the parents should also consider the following when legally separating with children:
- Education decisions for the child
- Healthcare matters for the child
- Whether all children will remain with one spouse or be shared through joint custody
- Whether other legal decisions for the child will be made by one or both spouse (e.g., religion)
Spousal Support
When performing a legal separation, the issue of spousal support may also arise. Spousal support is typically paid by one spouse to another for a limited period to provide time for the spouse to become financially independent. There are a number of factors that can help determine whether one spouse should receive spousal support. For example, a spouse may need spousal support if they were a stay-at-home parent and did not work for a number of years in order to care for one or more children.
Spousal support may also be considered for the following:
- To ensure spouse continues to live the lifestyle they were accustomed to during the marriage
- Assist the spouse while they secure an education or training to reenter the workforce
- Large gaps in earning potential or income for each spouse
This is not an exhaustive list. There are other issues a spouse may consider when fighting for spousal support benefits.
Health Insurance Benefits
It is normal for a spouse or an entire family to get health insurance benefits from the healthcare provided to one spouse by their employer. When a couple decides to separate, one spouse may worry about how they will receive healthcare or whether children from the marriage will receive healthcare. That is why it is necessary to include a provision that allows a spouse and any children from the marriage to receive healthcare benefits from the other spouse.
Division of Property
The division of property is not solely reserved for divorce proceedings. If a couple chooses to separate, they must enter negotiations that consider which spouse will claim ownership of various types of property. For example, one spouse may want to remain in the marital home or may want to lay claim to a specific vehicle. The division of property during a legal separation may also affect divorce proceedings in the future.
When drafting your legal separation agreement, it would be prudent to work with an experienced attorney to ensure your interests are considered.
Work with Our Dedicated Maryland Lawyer for Legal Separation Agreements
If you need legal assistance to manage your legal separation, you should speak with an experienced Maryland lawyer for legal separation agreements. The Maryland family law attorneys at Rice, Murtha & Psoras possesses years of legal experience handling family law claims, and we would be pleased to work with you. You do not have to handle your legal separation case alone. Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 431-0911. You may also use our online submission form to schedule your free consultation.