Hagerstown, MD asked in Divorce for Maryland

Q: Does it look bad if I am the first one to have a separation agreement drawn up even if it's my husband who wants the div

He surprised me after 12 years saying he no longer wants to be married. I have been a stay-at-home mom for 8 of those years in which I have also had health issues. I just want the agreement to state that it's him who wants the divorce, I'm not kidnapping our child to NC, and that he will be responsible for child support, spousal support (for a reasonable period), and possible continuation of insurance. He also is choosing now to want to quit his job and move back to IL.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Paula J. Mcgill
Paula J. Mcgill
Answered
  • Marietta, GA
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: You should seriously think about getting an attorney. Even if you cannot pay, your husband may be ordered to pay for all or a portion of the fees. In addition, if you have been a housewife for 8 years, you may be entitled to alimony. Don't short change yourself.

Even if you don't want to hire an attorney, you should consider sitting down with an experienced attorney in an initial consultation to discuss your rights.

Finally, to answer your question, no it won't look bad if you are the first to draw up a separation agreement. However, you have to be careful with the terms you propose, you may be held to a bad agreement you drafted without an attorney.

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