What To Expect After a Maryland Divorce

Divorce is the end of your marriage, but is often the beginning of the next chapter for you. With that new chapter comes all of the details of your new story, and the path you need to take. This might seem daunting, but you can mentally and logistically prepare yourself for life after divorce. Your attorney can help you navigate the divorce process itself, but also prepare for what comes next. 

At RPM Law, our Maryland divorce attorneys know that a divorce affects your entire life. This means now and in the future. Knowing what to expect can make a major difference in your financial, mental, and emotional health.  

Knowing What To Do With the Final Divorce Decree

At the end of your divorce, you will end up with a final decree that officially ends the marriage. It will also outline all of the terms of that end and/or incorporate an agreement outlining such terms. Whether the end comes as the result of a settlement or a court decision, you need to comply with all of the terms of that court order.

Depending on the unique facts of your case, the divorce decree may include:

• Division of marital property
• Orders about the division of debts
• Alimony obligations
• Child custody orders
• Visitation arrangements
• Child support payment information
• Health insurance obligations
• Retirement account directives

The decree is a legally enforceable document. Each party has to follow their obligations or risk an enforcement action against them.

Property and Financial Adjustments After Your Maryland Divorce

After divorce, you’ll need to:

• Transfer property titles as ordered, such as for homes or vehicles
• Close or separate joint bank accounts
• Update beneficiaries on life insurance
• Update your retirement plan information or execute division paperwork
• Refinance loans, if you were required to remove your spouse’s name
• Adjust your budget to account for all of the changes

Your attorney can help you with the practical aspects of dealing with many of these orders. 

Follow Parenting Plans and Child Support Orders

If you and your spouse have kids together, the divorce decree and/or incorporated agreement will address the following:

• Physical custody (where the child lives)
• Legal custody (decision-making authority)
• Visitation schedules
• Child support obligations

Both parents must follow said provisions. If things change, there are legal processes to help modify parenting orders. 

Employment and Insurance Changes

After the divorce, you may need to:

• Get new health insurance 
• Update your tax filing status 
• Adjust workplace benefits 
• Change your emergency contacts
• Update life insurance beneficiaries
• Update your estate plan

Emotional and Lifestyle Adjustments After a Maryland Divorce

Divorce doesn’t just affect your legal status or those aspects of your life. It is a big transition in your daily life, even if you were separated long before the actual divorce. 

Expect emotional ups and downs as you adjust to:

• Living alone
• Co-parenting
• Managing finances on your own
• Rebuilding social connections
• Making new friends
• Navigating holidays and family events
• Learning who you are without your former spouse

Support groups, counseling, and community resources can help you cope and thrive post-divorce.

What If I Need to Enforce the Court Orders or Modify Them?

If your ex-spouse fails to comply with the divorce decree, you can:

• File a contempt and/or enforcement action 
• Seek modification of custody or support if circumstances change

Maryland courts allow post-divorce modifications when justified by significant changes in income, health, or family needs. Speak to a Maryland divorce attorney for individualized advice about whatever challenge you face. 

Speak with a Maryland Divorce Attorney for Help

Life after divorce can be challenging, but rewarding. Know what to expect and face it head on. Your attorney can help you with the legal issues you face, reducing stress and confusion that might be troubling you. Move forward in this new chapter with confidence.Our team at RPM Law is ready to help with your Maryland divorce. Contact us today for a consultation.