James R. Barrett, Attorney at Law

Separation & Divorce

Experienced Eldersburg Separation & Divorce Attorney

Finding Direction and Protection

Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

The divorce process can be a tumultuous time when emotions flare, suspicions swirl and communication breaks down. A once clear and promising future seems cloudy and dismal. Where does one turn for guidance?

James R. Barrett, Attorney at Law, will provide direction through the divorce process and will work to protect your best interests. He has the answers you need and the experience you trust.

Separation and Divorce

Maryland is not a no-fault state when it comes to divorce, and legal separation is required prior to marriage dissolution. Grounds for divorce must be established to determine the specific length of the separation period. For example, most divorces in Maryland are based on mutual and voluntary grounds, sometimes referred to as irreconcilable differences, and require a 12-month period of separation.

Divorce Considerations

After meeting the requisite period of legal separation, the couple will be faced with numerous factors to consider including, but not limited to:

• Division of assets — Dividing real property and other marital assets
• Division of liabilities — Dividing loans and credit card debt
• Division of retirement funds — Dividing retirement accounts either as part of the separation agreement or with a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) at the time of divorce
• Spousal support/alimony — Determining eligibility for and the amount of financial support based on a number of factors, including the length of marriage and earning capacity of the parties
• Child custody — Establishing physical custody of the child to determine where the child resides, and establishing legal custody to determine the ability to make healthcare, education and religious decisions regarding the child
• Child support — Determining eligibility for and the amount of financial support based on statutory guidelines

Your Ally

Lawyer James R. Barrett is experienced in addressing all of these issues. In addition, when circumstances change, we can represent you in requesting modification or enforcement of divorce or support orders. You can be confident James R. Barrett will work to protect you and your interests as he provides direction through the divorce process.

In addition, if there are domestic violence concerns, we will work to defend your rights. Whether you are petitioning for or contesting a domestic violence protective order, we have the skill, experience and dedication to represent you.

Contact James R. Barrett, Attorney at Law

For experienced local representation, contact James R. Barrett, Attorney at Law, today. Open during standard business hours, our easily accessible office is conveniently located on Liberty Road (MD 26) in Eldersburg, Maryland. Evening and weekend appointments are available and we accept Visa and MasterCard. Initial consultations are free.

James R. Barrett, Attorney at Law
1643 Liberty Road, Suite 105
Eldersburg, MD 21784

Telephone: 410-549-6633 | Fax: 410-549-6364
E-mail

From our office in Eldersburg, Maryland, we serve the communities of Eldersburg, Sykesville, Westminster, Finksburg, Mount Airy, Owings Mills, Randallstown, Taylorsville, and New Windsor.

Carroll County ● Baltimore County ● Howard County ● Frederick County