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he state of Maryland is an equitable distribution state, which means property distribution is determined by what the Circuit Court considers fair. Under Maryland divorce law property division may not be equal, depending on the circumstances of the divorce.
he state of Maryland is an equitable distribution state, which means property distribution is determined by what the Circuit Court considers fair. Under Maryland divorce law property division may not be equal, depending on the circumstances of the divorce.
During Maryland property division, the Maryland divorce court first goes through a discovery process to determine what property and debt is marital. The divorce court then assigns a monetary value to the marital property and debt that is then distributed between the two spouses in an equitable manner. When making property awards, the Maryland divorce court will consider the following factors:
- Monetary and nonmonetary contributions of each spouse to the well-being of the family
- Contributions by either spouse that lead to the acquisition of real property
- How and when marital property or interest in property was acquired, including the effort expended by each party in accumulating the property
- Value of property interests of each spouse
- Circumstances contributing to the divorce
- Length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s age
- Physical and mental condition of each spouse
- Any alimony award or other provision the divorce court ordered with respect to family use of personal property or the family home
- Other relevant factors the divorce court considers necessary or appropriate when making an equitable property division
Maryland Family Law Attorney Dondi West can further explain how the circumstances of your divorce will affect Maryland property division. Contact a Maryland divorce lawyer to protect your property and assets.
