Tips to Prepare for a Maryland Divorce in 2026

While divorce is never an easy thing, you can prepare for it in ways that will help. If you are thinking about a divorce in 2026, knowing how to prepare can help with the transition and even save on costs. Strategic planning and a consultation with an attorney let you know what is unique to your case, and the tips you need to make things go as smoothly as possible.

At RPM Law, our Maryland family law attorneys are ready to help with your Maryland divorce in 2026. From our years of negotiating settlements, to litigating contested divorces, we know how to help.   

Gather and Organize Financial Documents Early

Knowing what your finances look like is one of the most important parts of preparing for your divorce. Maryland law requires full disclosure of finances. This means sharing everything you know with the other spouse. Any missing documents could look like purposeful non-disclosure, or could slow down the process.

Start collecting:

• Tax returns (last 3–5 years)
• Pay stubs and employment records
• Bank and credit-card statements
• Mortgage and loan documents
• Retirement and investment account statements
• Business records, if applicable
• Insurance policies
• Monthly expense summaries

Having these documents organized ahead of time lets you know what your financial picture looks like. It also saves your attorney time organizing or searching for this information, reducing the cost to you.

Understand What Counts as Marital vs. Non-Marital Property

Maryland uses an equitable distribution model for dividing property. Your property will be divided fairly, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it will be exactly equal. Part of that consideration is whether property is marital or non-marital to begin with.

Though this may be contingent upon whether you have a Prenuptial Agreement, Marital property generally includes:

• Income earned during the marriage
• Real estate purchased during the marriage
• Retirement contributions made during the marriage
• Vehicles
• Furniture and household items
• Debts incurred during the marriage

Non-marital property may include:

• Assets owned before the marriage
• Inheritances or gifts to one spouse
• Property excluded by a valid agreement such as a Prenuptial Agreement

If you think any property is non-marital, gather proof to show why it should be separate. This area of law can be complex, so the more information you provide to show it is only yours can make a big difference.

Understand Your Credit

Most married couples combine their finances. This means joint accounts and credit cards. It also means reliance on the income of the other. However, once you separate, you need to be able to support yourself one way or the other. You need to know how that will be possible.

Steps to take to learn about your financial independent include:

• See if your credit report is accurate
• Open a personal bank account
• Get some credit in your own name if you don’t already have it
• Track your monthly expenses 
• Avoid taking on new joint debt

Focus on the Needs of Your Children

If you have kids, you will need to focus on their needs. Maryland judges consider the best interests of the child when making decisions. Preparation you do now can help in your divorce.

Think about all of the following and how it will change after the divorce:

• Who currently cares for the children
• What your work schedule allows for parenting time
• Your child’s school, medical, and extracurricular needs
• How well you get along with the other parent, and whether co-parenting will be possible
• Whether relocation or schedule changes may be necessary

Avoid Major Financial or Lifestyle Changes

Try not to make any big financial changes prior to the divorce if you can avoid it.

Avoid:

• Large purchases
• Selling or transferring assets
• Quitting your job
• Taking on new debt
• Moving out without a plan

If a big change needs to happen, keep your current spouse involved. Document your reasons and be prepared to explain why it happened.

Speak with a Maryland Divorce Attorney Today

Preparing for a 2026 divorce means taking proactive steps to get ready. Organize your finances, your wishes, and any plans you have for children. Knowing the law and relying on a skilled attorney can make all the difference in how your case goes. 

Our team at RPM Law are ready to help with your divorce. Contact us today for a consultation.