Division of Marital Debts in a Divorce in Maryland

In Maryland a Court is not allowed to transfer debts from the name of one party to another. However marital debts are still actively considered in division of marital property because it may reduce the value of a marital asset or may put one party in a much worse off circumstance then the other. Therefore marital debts will be considered for the purposes of determining an alimony award and in determining the equitable distribution of property. However marital debts are only relevant as it affects the distribution and valuing of assets and when deciding whether or not to award alimony or a monetary award. Debts solely in the name of one party that were required acquired during the course of the marriage for the benefit of both parties can not be transferred.