How Much Does a Contested Divorce Cost in Maryland?

Skilled Divorce Litigation Attorneys in Rockville, MD

A divorce can be expensive to get through, especially if you and your spouse disagree on key issues. When spouses disagree about how a divorce should be handled, it is referred to as contested, and they can take much longer to resolve than an amicable, uncontested divorce.

At Salvado Law Offices, we have over 30 years of proven legal experience in issues of divorce and family law. Resolving a contested divorce often requires careful negotiation and skilled arguments, whether you are in disagreement about child custody, asset division, or some other issue. Throughout your case, we will look for ways to keep costs down and resolve your contested divorce as efficiently as possible.

Complex Property Division Can Affect Divorce Costs

If you and your spouse have complex properties to divide up in your divorce, you may have to spend a long time dividing these assets up, which can incur more payments. Some of these complex properties may include:

• Family businesses
• Real estate
• Stock portfolios
• Retirement accounts

To uncover all of these assets and get a fair valuation of their worth, outside professionals like forensic accountants may get involved. This can drive up the costs of your divorce, especially if it entails more time in the courtroom.

At Salvado Law Offices, we understand how important property division can be in your divorce. We can help you argue for a fair and equitable distribution of your marital property, considering the duration of the marriage, your contributions to the marriage, your economic circumstances, and other relevant factors.

The Costs of Child Custody Disputes

When a child custody case goes to court, both parents can expect to pay more money as a result. During a contested custody case, the judge will have to determine what arrangement would serve the child's best interests.

If you and your parent cannot agree on what is best for your child, the judge may appoint a guardian ad litem to gather information about the child's home life for a formal recommendation. Additionally, the judge may call in expert witnesses like child psychologists to inform their final decision. The fees for the guardian ad litem and other outside professionals may be split between the parents, in addition to court fees.

At Salvado Law Offices, we will work diligently to reduce the costs of your child custody evaluation. If at all possible, we can negotiate with your co-parent and their attorney to reach an agreement that does not require court intervention.

How Can I Reduce the Cost of a Contested Divorce?

There is no denying that contested divorces can be expensive. However, there are still measures you can take to avoid incurring unnecessary fees.

If you and your spouse are open to the idea, you could consider mediation to resolve your disagreements. In mediation, you can resolve your divorce without having to constantly return to court for multiple hearings, which can save you significant time and money. Alternatively, you and your spouse could try collaborative law, another less expensive option that involves hiring attorneys to reach a settlement in a non-adversarial setting.

At Salvado Law Offices, we can help you explore all of your options to resolve your contested divorce and pursue the best course on your behalf. If all else fails, we are ready to provide you with strong representation in divorce litigation.

At Salvado Law Offices, we are here to uphold your parental rights while advocating for a healthy solution for your child's upbringing.