Divorce Attorney: Be First To File A Divorce

Does it really give you an advantage if you get to file for divorce first before your spouse?

Yes, there will be quite a lot of good things for you later on if your divorce case progress. Yet, this should not be your basis to immediately get a divorce. You may still try to settle personal matters between you and your spouse through counseling and other methods.

However, the moment your partner announces intentions for divorce, do not let your guard down by the shock. Keep your act together and start consulting a divorce attorney to properly guide you in filing for divorce and even make the job faster.

What are the advantages of being first to file for divorce?

1. You can make a divorce team and prepare in advance

When you aim for a favorable outcome in your divorce case, you should choose the best people for your team. It may take time to interview and assess the perfect match attorney, but then, it would be worth it in the end. Moreover, divorce usually involves high emotions, especially because you are dealing with a person who is once a family, so it’s better to hire a counselor or therapist. And when you are finished building a team, wisely use your time to prepare requirements, and plan strong strategies for your case.

2. You have necessary documents ready before the divorce process begins

Being in a complex legal case such as divorce, it surely requires a lot of documentation - which means, you’ll have to allocate a lot of time gathering all financial and legal documents. Preparing and copying all of them beforehand will save you from the hassles, compared when you work on it during the legal process. Commonly, the court will ask for bank and brokerage statements, tax returns, insurance policies, retirement account statements, real estate records and vehicle registrations.

3. You can prepare financially for your divorce expenses

The moment you realize that sooner or later you’ll be getting a divorce, you should start a separate savings as a preparation for your divorce. That way, you’ll have enough money to hire a credible and experienced lawyer. Moreover, your savings would help you survive an independent life in the future. If you get the chance and time to get a credit card, secure one as well.

4. You can prevent your spouse from hiding his/her assets

In most cases, a spouse tends to hide assets during the divorce process to prevent the other party from accessing it. Yet, when you get first to file for divorce, you can stop such situation from happening. But if not prevented, there are still legal ways to charge a penalty to your husband or wife.

5. Legal Advantages

Legally, when you get first to file for divorce, you are given the privilege to choose where your divorce will be judged. This way, you can have the hearing in a court where the hired  divorce attorney is familiar and very much confident. Most of the time, the first to file may be the first to present his/or case in the court as well.

Filing first may be a small act, yet it brings a huge impact in your divorce case. Well, this is how the legal process works, you have to give attention to every small detail and issue to come up with a better outcome.

Want to consult a divorce attorney annapolis md and a very good one?

Wise & Donahue, PLC

410-280-2023

18 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401

www.wisedonahue.com

Divorce Attorney Annapolis MD: How Should They Act In Court

In order to appear shipshape and knowledgeable during court trial, your divorce attorney should always act and speak accordingly. You don’t want to leave a not so good impression as the weaker party just because your lawyer does not dress well.

Here is some guide on how your divorce lawyer should behave in the court:

Straight to the point. A divorce attorney should be brief and straight to the point when stating pleadings for a motion, even when arguing. He/She should deliver clearly to the judge your interests and what you really want out of the case. Sometimes less is more, so it’s better that a lawyer only talk less and avoid steering the wheel to another direction.


Smart talker. When a lawyer represents a client in the court, he/she should be vigilant and wise in choosing his/her words, and should speak authoritatively. Because every information your party releases could be used against you.


Avoid redundancy. Your lawyer should avoid restating verbally what has been written in your motion because it might annoy the judge. Judges come to the court prepared by reading all written documents regarding your case. What your lawyer can do - is to expand the motion staying on point, of course.


Always prepared. As how the judges prepared, your lawyer must do more than just reading paperworks concerning your case. He/She should review documents and prepare evidences significant to your case beforehand to avoid misrepresentations or worst - embarrassing his/herself and you as as the client.


Well mannered. Your lawyer is still human. He/She still feel disappointed and upset if the judge does not agree or favor your case. However, a well mannered lawyer will remain courteous and respectful towards the person in position. This kind of act will only show that you are working with a credible and wise lawyer.


Appropriately dressed. Let’s go physical. Just like any other occasion, a trial also suggests appropriate fashion. Your lawyer can’t go to court in T-shirt and jeans, definitely not. I believe you already know that. Suits and ties are the best fashion when your lawyer started speaking about legal rules and articles. It leaves a positive impression to the people on the courtroom.


Punctual. Punctuality is one important thing to show people in the court that you and your lawyer is sincere and committed. Your lawyer should engrave the three most significant words in the legal world, “Be on time” and “Don’t keep the other party waiting”.


Keep an eye on the behavior and actions of your divorce attorney annapolis md because that helps with earning a good outcome out of your case. But of course, this should already be part of evaluating him/her during an interview - that if you’ve included it.


Looking for a law firm that offer experienced and well mannered divorce attorney in annapolis md?

Wise & Donahue PLC
410-280-2023
18 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401
www.wisedonahue.com

Divorce Attorney Annapolis MD: How To Find a Good One

In selecting the divorce attorney who will represent you, interview more than one potential candidate and choose the one whose approach matches your needs. It is important that you feel confident that you’ll be able to work with your attorney. Hire an attorney who will listen to you and be responsive to your questions. You will be paying for your attorney’s time, so keep your interaction efficient by grouping your questions and limiting contact to once a week or once a month. Constantly calling your attorney with questions will cause your costs to mount up quickly.

The Vast Experience

Perhaps, this is the most significant thing you should be on the lookout for when choosing attorney. Whether you are looking for any type of attorney, it’s worth noting that only an attorney with experience can help you get out of almost any situation. He or she is capable of understanding what you are going through and will go the extra mile to ensure that you are out of trouble.

The Much-Needed Knowledge

Another thing that you need to look for when selecting a divorce attorney annapolis md is knowledge. If you require discovering more about the knowledge that an attorney has, you can raise a few questions during the first meetings. A knowledgeable attorney will give you all the answers that you need and is aware of all the rules and regulations and how they apply to your case.

His or Her Specialty

Attorneys specialize in different fields. For example, if you are involved in a divorce case then you will have to look for some divorce attorneys. On the flipside, if you are included in criminal proceedings then you will need a criminal attorney. Other agents specialize in other fields that include personal injury, the family just to mention a few. Only select an attorney that will be appropriate for your case to increase your chances of emerging victorious.

A Proven Track Record

Before choosing an attorney it’s a grand idea to find out more about their record. It is the only way that you can evaluate the performance of the prosecutor. Make sure that the attorney that you are going to choose has a proven track record of helping clients win their cases. If you can across an attorney with a poor record don’t be shy to move to the next otherwise, you risk losing your legal battle.

That Reputation

A divorce attorney annapolis md can evaluate your situation and let you know the likely outcome if you take your case to court. Based on their experience with the judge and similar cases to yours, they’ll be able to offer a variety of legally-acceptable options to settle your case. This is another quality that you should search for when choosing a attorney. A law firm with a solid reputation is the right choice for your case because their reputation indicates that clients are satisfied with their services.

The Courtroom Appearance

For instance, if you are involved in a divorce case then you must attend court sessions frequently. It is vital for you to engage a divorce attorney who is willing to appear in court whenever necessary to address the judge and present your case. Moreover, the attorney needs to develop a significant presence in court to increase your chances of winning.

The Affordability

Maybe it’s possible to find an affordable divorce lawyer annapolis md. Maybe it isn’t. Most individuals will put a gauge on quality - by how much is the price of the lawyer’ service. But there are great divorce attorneys who can help you at a very reasonable price. There can be times that a bankruptcy lawyer who keeps an unusually high charge quite unprofessional and off-putting. So, look for a professional who has reasonable charges and gives more personal attention to the case.


A family attorney will concentrate on creating the best deal possible – which may mean helping you to compromise on some issues so that you can get more of your “must haves.” In a divorce, a good deal is one where both sides gave up some of what they had hoped to gain, but both can live with the settlement – moving forward.

Wise & Donahue PLC
410-280-2023
18 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401
www.wisedonahue.com

Divorce Attorney Annapolis MD: Common Reasons Why Married Couples Divorce

Sometimes a “‘till death do us part” end up with a “‘till divorce do us part”. Some marriage may be perfect, but others sadly end with a not-so-happy-ending, some married couples may stick together until the end but some only sticks together only for a year.


In the United States, 50 percent of first marriages and 60 percent of second marriages end in divorce.

Wondering why a lot of married couples broke up? Or how they end up with divorce or separation? 

Take a look at these 10 common causes of divorce.

1. Infidelity

Either of the couple or both of them chose to cheat may be because of anger or lack of time for each other which leads to reduced emotional intimacy. Infidelity begins with a seemingly innocent friendship, says cheating expert Ruth Houston. “It starts as an emotional affair which later becomes a physical affair”.

2. Money

Money as one important part one’s daily living, greatly affects a marriage. Marriage also means being one - suggesting that both the person in a marriage should be honest about their financial capacity, goals, and spending habits. Yet sometimes that is not the case which causes a large gap between spouses.

3. Nonstop Arguing

A marriage is clearly not healthy when couples constantly arguing about nonsense stuff over and over again. This is because both of them are hunted by their perception of not being appreciated or recognized. This often happens when both spouses don’t know how to compromise. Because in a relationship - it should give and take, not give and, give or take and take.

4. Lack of Intimacy

Intimacy is a much needed ingredient in a marriage, it strengthens the connection between two people. Without connection, couples in a marriage tends to feel that they are not meant for each other. You can also show intimacy through physical and emotional ways, such as a hug before going to bed, a kiss every morning or just saying ‘I love you’ - it is not only about sex. Of course, both spouses are responsible in maintaining the fire in a marriage.

5. Unequal distribution of responsibilities

Lack of equality is also one cause of divorce because when one spouse start to feel that he/she is carrying most of the responsibilities in a marriage, it can reduce their respect for another spouse. Resentment and anger will take over and can lead to heavy arguments unless one partner will compromise and settle the problem peacefully.

6. Domestic Violence

When one spouse emotionally or physically abuse the other, it degrades the love and trust between them. In marriage, couples should be the first to prohibit abusive behaviour, especially if they have kids.

7. Getting married for wrong purposes

Not all people get married because of love because some of them only get in for money. The marriage started beautifully, but as time passes, one spouse will realize discontentment and emptiness.

8. Varying priorities and interests.

Actually, the differing interests and goals of spouses should not be a problem as long as both of them understand such differences. And with proper communication, they can even do each of their plans together.


The only thing that summarizes these causes is the inability of marriage couples to solve conflicts. Yes, being in a marriage is not easy because challenges will always be part of our life. When you decided to divorce, make sure to do it peacefully to avoid events you will regret in the end.



Find a lawyer who can deeply understand what exactly you need for your divorce case. Work with Wise & Donahue, PLC, your most compassionate and sincere partner when it comes to divorce attorney annapolis md. Visit us at 18 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401.

Wise & Donahue PLC

410-280-2023

18 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401

www.wisedonahue.com

Divorce Attorney: Why You Really Need It

If separation is the only recourse for your marriage, then as a divorcing couple now is the right time to make sure that you have an experienced divorce attorney on your side throughout the process. Here are some key reasons why:

To eliminate the risks of mistakes that can be truly expensive at the very end. Due to spur-of-the-moment and emotional choices that were made without first consulting a lawyer, separating couples could make a blunder in issues from financial to parenting. 

A legal representation will shed light on your marriage’s recent crossroad in a confidential, no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of your circumstances. Despite having no legal requirement in hiring a divorce lawyer for your divorce, you can know the advantages and disadvantages of having one in your side. There are even some alternatives for affordable legal help if you’re interested. More and more states are lowering the procedural walls so that they can help former partners file their simple uncontested divorce. Imagine having a sort of self-service center intended to allow warring couples to contest their union. 

Having a divorce lawyer will take off the burden when it comes to facing tax issues. These matters need to be handled carefully. Most marriages which have lasted for several years will have entangled family assets that need to be carefully handled especially if some of them have increased value prior to your separation. 

Even in the simplest of marriages, there will always be items of ownership that needs to be change. If you are going for a DIY divorce, the chances of you or your former partner missing on the legal matters surrounding this are high. 

A divorce attorney in annapolis md will work for their clients to make things not get worse. He or she will make sure that their client is being treated fairly in the proceeding. Especially, as most divorce cases will get a little nasty as it moves forward. Have you hired a divorce lawyer who prefers settling matters in a friendly manner, or does he or she take the initiative to not fan the flame before it reaches the court? Obviously, you want a divorce lawyer who is going to get things done in the least aggressive manner, and avoid going to court.

Hiring the convenience of a divorce attorney is strictly up to your personal choices. But bear in mind, your divorce lawyer is set up to work with you like a coach who will help you think out the issues that come along the way. He or she will be there for you when you need information. Typically, your counsel will be available to file documents or argue your case for you if that later becomes necessary.

Your divorce attorney can help you focus on what the “big picture” of your separation is. He or she will create the best deal possible for you not to compromise any issues. He or she will find ways to have both sides come to an agreement where they can live with the settlement. 

Wise & Donahue PLC
410-280-2023
18 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401
www.wisedonahue.com

Effects of Parental Separation and Divorce on Very Young Children

According to Robert Emery, a recognized researcher, therapist and mediator, “divorce is invariably painful”.

Every member of the family suffers from the crisis brought by divorce, but in the whole process, it is always the children who suffer a lot. At a very young age, they already have a sense of familial bond. Most of them don’t want their parents to separate which will lead to emotional and mental stress.

Moreover, the children have to withstand the tiring procedure of divorce attorney annapolis md transition. They will be exhausted by the thought of losing everyday contact and interaction with the other parent. It would be difficult for them to cope up with the change in family setting without the daily presence of  other parent.

Yet, it is not the process that troubles the children, it is the degree of emotional and physical conflict between the parents. Hearing the shouting and fighting of their parents, they can definitely feel that something is wrong. Parents should calmly and wisely handle the situation, so that their children can immediately overcome the consequences of divorce and can easily adjust to the new set up.

How does divorce affect the whole being of a child?