Property Settlements

Marital Property Division and Divorce Settlement Attorneys

If you are getting divorced and need legal representation in negotiating a divorce settlement that protects your rights and assets, contact our skilled property division attorneys at Deckelbaum Ogens & Raftery, Chartered. Our law office is located in Bethesda, Maryland. Our lawyers offer excellent legal representation to family law clients throughout suburban Maryland and the District of Columbia.

‘Equitable’ Distribution Will Determine What Each Party Gets

In determining how property and assets are divided between the parties in a divorce, courts in Washington, D.C. and Maryland focus on “equitable” distribution. Assets are divided as fairly as possible based on factors including:

• The value of the property involved
• Which spouse will have possession of the marital home
• The age, physical and mental condition of the parties
• The manner by which the property was acquired
• Child support and alimony / rehabilitative spousal support
• Monetary and non-monetary contributions made by the parties throughout the marriage

Determining Marital and Non-Marital Property

During the process of marital property division, often one party (usually the one with greater assets) will attempt to “hide” their assets as a means to protect them from discovery and from inclusion in settlement discussions and divorce proceedings. At Deckelbaum Ogens & Raftery, Chartered, we will recommend and, at your instruction, employ forensic accountants and other professionals who trace property that has been dissipated or hidden - and we make every effort, and use every available resource that our clients instruct us to use, to ensure that every asset is included in the property settlement.

We Offer Alternative Means of Marital Property Division Settlements

In addition to bringing a case to trial or assisting our clients with negotiating a positive settlement, clients can also choose mediation or take advantage of the collaborative law process. Three of our lawyers are court-sanctioned certified mediators, and our law office has three on-site conference rooms available for mediation services. Many clients choose mediation because it is faster, less expensive, and gives them greater control over the results of their case.

For professional and effective legal help regarding marital property division in Maryland or Washington, D.C., contact our Bethesda family law firm today. For more immediate information, check out our divorce and community property practice center and our frequently asked questions about family law.

Deckelbaum Ogens & Raftery, Chartered
3 Bethesda Metro Center
Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (301) 961-9200
Fax: (301) 961-9229


Representing clients in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including suburban Maryland, (including the cities of Bethesda, Rockville, and Annapolis, and the counties of Montgomery, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel) – and Northern Virginia (including the city of Alexandria and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William).