Howard County Divorce Attorney

Are you unable to reach an agreement or having difficulty with your divorce proceeding? A Howard County divorce attorney with the Coover Law Firm, LLC, is here to help.

Divorce can sometimes be relatively straightforward, especially if both sides agree to the divorce terms. However, things can quickly become complicated when divorcing spouses cannot agree.

In either situation, you must consult our experienced Howard County divorce attorney as soon as possible to protect your interests. Decisions made in the early stages of the divorce can significantly impact the outcome and have lasting consequences.

Fred L. Coover, Esquire, has served families in the Columbia area and beyond for over 35 years. He understands the ins and outs of the law and aggressively advocates for his clients to protect their interests. Call Coover Law Firm, LLC today at (410) 553-5042 to arrange a time to discuss your unique situation. In the meantime, learn more about the purpose of the initial consultation with a divorce lawyer.

Why choose Coover Law Firm, LLC

When your family’s future is riding on the outcome of a divorce case, experience matters. With over 35 years of experience helping people in Howard County and beyond obtain favorable legal outcomes, Attorney Fred Coover has seen it all and knows how to get results.

Mr. Coover spends much of his free time engaging with local, state, and national legal associations, meaning he is always up to date on the latest developments in family law. He has been serving on the Executive Council of the Maryland State Bar Association Resolution of Fee Disputes Committee since 2001, and his professional membership with the Howard County Bar Association gives him unique insight into local matters.

At Coover Law Firm, LLC,  we hold ourselves to a strict set of ethical standards that put our clients first. When you work with us during your divorce, you will be placed at ease by our compassionate and respectful attitude and dedication to protecting your rights. It is all part of our commitment to helping you reach a better tomorrow.

How can our Howard County Divorce Attorney help?

It pays to have a trusted legal partner during the divorce process. At Coover Law Firm, LLC, we stand by our clients every step of the way and always strive to protect their rights and interests. Depending on the circumstances of your case, this may involve:

• Discussing your legal options with you
• Addressing how to serve divorce papers
• Filling out and submitting the divorce petition
• Gathering evidence to support your case
• Negotiating with the other party to reach an agreement outside of the Court
• Advocating for you before the Judge in court hearings
• Helping you understand the terms of legal documents
• Advising you on your rights and duties once the divorce is finalized

With our help, you can free your time and energy for more important matters, such as healing and moving forward into a brighter future, while your Howard County divorce attorney takes care of the legal details.

What is the Maryland divorce process?

In a proceeding for separation or dissolution of marriage in Maryland, the parties must agree or receive a court order on essential issues such as the division of marital property, child custody and visitation, and child support payment. Suppose the divorcing couple cannot collaboratively resolve all of these matters, either amongst themselves or with the assistance of a mediator. In that case, the Judge will rule on those matters at a trial.

The Court has the discretion and authority to rule on matters in the children’s best interests and based on the most persuasive arguments made by the parties’ attorneys. Even the outcome of child support, which is usually based on statutory guidelines and formulas, can be specially set or deviate from the guideline decided based on the needs of the children and the arguments presented in Court.

What is the typical length of a divorce?

The length of the divorce process in Howard County can vary greatly, with factors such as the grounds for divorce, whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, and the complexity of the issues at hand all influencing how long it will take.

Fault-based divorce

If your divorce is fault-based, meaning one spouse is proven to be primarily responsible for the breakdown of the marriage, you can begin the Maryland divorce process as soon as you are ready.

Depending on the situation, proving fault can be lengthy, but these cases are not subject to pre-filing waiting periods. However, most fault-based divorces are contested and highly complex, adding substantial time to the process.

Uncontested divorce

A similar concept applies if your divorce is uncontested and has a written settlement agreement already prepared at the time of filing. These cases will require some pre-filing work to negotiate and draft the agreement, but once it is ready, uncontested divorces can be completed quickly.

Contested no-fault divorce

On the other hand, if you are filing for a contested no-fault divorce, you and your spouse must have lived separately for 12 months before you can file. This mandatory waiting period can add considerable time to the process, so it is essential to be aware of and plan for this delay.

Once you are eligible to file, your case may be subject to additional wait times between court hearings and other proceedings that can also increase the overall length of the divorce. As a result, the entire process for this type of divorce can sometimes take much longer than you might hope for, especially without knowledgeable representation.

• Learn More: Can I remarry before my divorce is final?

What is the cost of divorce in Howard County, Maryland?

No two divorces are alike, so the cost of ending a marriage can vary significantly by couple. Generally speaking, the cost of a divorce includes court filing fees, attorney’s fees, and fees for any additional services used, such as forensic accountants, appraisers, or mediators.

A Howard County divorce attorney with the Coover Law Firm, LLC, will strive to keep the divorce process as affordable as possible for our clients without sacrificing the quality of our services.

A contested or uncontested divorce is the most significant factor affecting costs.

One of the ways we aim to keep costs low for our clients is to pursue an uncontested divorce whenever possible. An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties are in agreement on all issues at hand.

These cases tend to require minimal involvement from the Court and can often be resolved more quickly than a contested divorce. As a result, the parties need less of an attorney’s time to complete their divorce, resulting in a significantly lower cost.

When divorcing parties cannot agree on one or more issues, it is considered a contested divorce. In this case, the Court must intervene to resolve any disagreements. This typically calls for more attorney involvement and can be substantially more expensive. While not always ideal, some cases must go to Court to reach a fair resolution. If that is your situation, our Howard County divorce attorney will explore creative solutions to help keep the costs within your budget.

Who pays attorney costs and fees in a divorce?

In most Howard County divorce cases, each spouse is responsible for paying the attorney costs and fees they incur. However, the Court can order one party to pay a portion or all of the other’s legal costs in certain situations.

One possible scenario where the Court may order one spouse to pay the other’s attorney fees is when there is a significant income disparity between the parties. For example, suppose one spouse was the primary breadwinner in the marriage while the other stayed home to raise children. In that case, the higher earner may be responsible for all the homemaker’s legal fees.

“At-fault” divorces are another situation in which the Court might order one spouse to cover attorney costs. Suppose a spouse is found primarily responsible for the breakdown of the marriage, such as in cases involving domestic abuse or infidelity. In that case, the Court may require them to pay the other spouse’s fees. A fee award in this scenario depends mainly on the circumstances of the case.

Why do you need a lawyer for divorce?

Many people enter the divorce process hoping to save money by doing it themselves. While this might be possible sometimes, the risks outweigh the potential rewards. Errors and oversights in the paperwork can later cost you time, money, and emotional distress. Without representation from a dedicated legal advocate, your rights could be compromised without realizing it.

Your future is too important to gamble with, so you must have an experienced Howard County family lawyer. It would help if you had someone who understands the law, knows the court system, and is committed to protecting your interests — and that is precisely what you will get when you work with a Coover Law Firm, LLC divorce lawyer in Howard County.

What are the final documents in a divorce?

Divorce decree

After the divorce is finalized, the Court will issue documents that officially end your marriage. Most notable is the divorce decree, signed by the Judge, which includes a summary of the legal proceedings, rulings on issues such as property division, child support and alimony, and other relevant information.

Parenting plan

In cases involving minor children, the Court will also issue a parenting plan that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each parent regarding their children. It includes details on physical custody, legal custody, visitation, decision-making, etc.

These are only two of the most common final documents issued in Maryland divorce cases, and your divorce may result in additional documents depending on the unique circumstances of your case. Any documents issued by the Court are legally binding, so if you need help interpreting your divorce decree or other documents, it is best to consult an experienced family law attorney.

Divorce Resources in Howard County, MD

Public Services

• Howard County Circuit Court
  • 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043
• Family Law Office – Circuit Court for Howard County
  • 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Divorce Legal Support

• Coover Law Firm, LLC
  • Phone: (410) 553-5042

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