What Happens to a House Bought Before Marriage in a Glen Burnie Divorce?

A house one spouse bought before the marriage can stay that spouse's separate property, but if the other spouse contributed significantly, by paying bills or caring for the children, they will likely have an equitable interest in the equity. Todd Mohink sits down with Brooke Steele to walk Glen Burnie and Anne Arundel County couples through how Maryland divides the marital home, retirement, and everything else. Questions answered in this episode: What does equitable distribution mean in Maryland? Does a divorce mean everything is split down the middle? What happens to a house one spouse owned before the marriage? What are the options for the marital house? What is use and possession, and how long does it last? What is a monetary award? How are military pensions divided in a Maryland divorce? Topics covered: equitable distribution, the monetary award statute, marital and premarital property, source of funds, commingling, inheritances and gifts, dirty hands, equitable interest, non-financial contributions, selling or buying out the house, refinancing, court-appointed trustees in Annapolis, mortgage rates, use and possession, nesting, monetary awards from retirement accounts, military pensions, the Bangs formula, and Maryland law over federal rules. Todd Mohink on titled property: "Just because your name is the only one on the property doesn't mean that you get to keep all the equity." Todd Mohink on contributions: "Contribution does not necessarily mean monetary." Todd Mohink on military divorce: "Divorce and custody are ruled not by the federal government, but by Maryland state law." Todd Mohink's takeaway: "Do not jump the gun in terms of leaving your house or place of residence." Todd K. Mohink has spent 30 years in Maryland courtrooms. Free consultation: marylandlawhelp.com Phone: 410-766-0113 Office: Glen Burnie, MD Recorded: August 2026 #MarylandDivorce #EquitableDistribution #UseAndPossession #GlenBurnieDivorce #AnneArundelCountyFamilyLaw #MilitaryPension Recorded August 2026. This episode is general information, not legal advice. Laws change frequently and vary by state, so the discussion here may no longer be current at the time you view or listen to it and may not apply in your jurisdiction. Viewing or listening does not create an attorney-client relationship. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome back to Maryland Law Explained with Todd Mohink 00:01:17 What Does Equitable Distribution Mean in a Maryland Divorce? 00:03:52 Does a Maryland Divorce Split Everything Down the Middle? 00:05:01 What Happens to a House One Spouse Owned Before the Marriage? 00:07:02 Can You Get Equity in a House That’s Only in Your Spouse’s Name? 00:08:50 What Are Your Options for the House in a Maryland Divorce? 00:11:02 When Does It Make Sense to Keep the House After a Split? 00:13:20 How Long Can One Spouse Stay in the Home in an Anne Arundel Divorce? 00:15:40 What Is a Monetary Award in a Maryland Divorce? 00:18:12 How Are Military Pensions Divided in a Maryland Divorce? 00:19:50 Why Is Dividing the Marital House Hard to Do Without a Lawyer? 00:21:24 Todd Mohink's Advice Before You Leave the House or List It for Sale