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Marital Property Division Attorney in Maryland You Can Trust

Equitable Distribution Help for Homes, Retirement, and Debts

Maryland divides marital property fairly, not necessarily 50/50. The Law Office of David V. Diggs, LLC advises clients across Maryland on dividing homes, retirement accounts, businesses, and debts with practical, sustainable outcomes.

Equitable Distribution Explained

Fair Doesn't Always Mean Equal

Courts weigh factors like each spouse's contributions, the economic realities post-divorce, the value of any non-marital property, and how assets were acquired. We model different settlement structures-buyouts, offsetting assets, or monetary awards-to arrive at terms that make sense now and years from now.

What's Marital vs. Non-Marital

Identifying Property the Right Way

Generally, assets and debts acquired during marriage are marital, regardless of title. Non-marital property can include pre-marriage assets, inheritances, or gifts to one spouse. Commingling can change character, so documentation matters. We help trace funds and separate what's truly non-marital.

Common Assets We Divide

From the Family Home to Pensions and Business Interests

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The Marital Home

Options include one spouse keeping the house with an equity buyout or selling and dividing the proceeds. We consider school needs across Maryland, commute routes like I-97, I-95, and US-50, and overall affordability.

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Retirement Accounts (QDROs)

401(k)s, pensions, and similar plans are often divided through QDROs. Our firm has deep experience with retirement adjustments, including civil service and union plans common across Maryland, and we regularly work with administrators serving the Baltimore and Annapolis areas.

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Businesses and Investments

Valuing closely held companies, brokerage accounts, or rental properties may require experts. We coordinate the right team to support a fair result.

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Handling Debts and Liabilities

Debts

Credit cards, loans, and tax liabilities must also be addressed-division isn't just about assets.

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Negotiation and Mediation

Many couples resolve division through negotiation or mediation, keeping more control over timing and taxes. We structure settlement agreements that are clear and enforceable, and we're prepared to litigate when needed.

Questions We Hear Often

Practical Answers About Dividing Property in Maryland

  • Is Maryland a 50/50 state?

    No. The standard is equitable-fair in light of the facts.

  • Will I keep my inheritance?

    Usually, if it remains separate and can be traced.

  • What if my spouse hid assets?

     Courts require full disclosure. We can use discovery and experts to uncover assets.

  • Can we decide everything ourselves?

    Yes. A separation agreement can set terms the court will incorporate.

  • How do we split retirement without taxes?

    Often through a QDRO approved by the plan administrator.

Protect Your Financial Future

Work with a Maryland Property Division Lawyer

From first inventory to final order, The Law Office of David V. Diggs, LLC brings experience and precision to asset division across Maryland, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore, and communities statewide.