(Columbia, MD) If you’re reading this, it’s most likely because you (or someone you are close with) are facing a legal separation and/or divorce. This can be an overwhelming and emotional time, and many questions are probably running through your mind right now. For most people, at the top of this list is: How do…
(Columbia, MD) In 2012, Maryland officially legalized same sex marriage. However, because same sex marriage was not legal across the United States, same sex divorce often proved to be extremely complicated and difficult. Certain states refused to honor divorce decrees for same sex couples, which often caused great difficulty when enforcing the terms of child custody,…
{Updated from original post on October 5, 2016} One of the questions that we get asked most frequently by new and prospective family law clients is ” how much does a divorce cost? ” It’s certainly an understandable question. People who are facing separation and divorce are typically frightened, overwhelmed and looking for quantifiable information to…
Many people are shocked at how quickly the expenses can add up when going through separation and divorce. In large part, this surprise is often a result of unrealistic expectations. Whether due to not asking the right questions, talking to the wrong people, or relying too heavily on the internet for information, the ultimate result is…
In recent years, it has become a trend to see frequent child support modification requests filed. Sometimes, these requests truly are driven by a belief that the financial circumstances of one, or both, of the parties have changed. However, the unfortunate truth is that, perhaps even more frequently, the true motivator is ongoing animosity between…
Divorce vs. Mediation – And the Winner is… If you are seeking information regarding the pros and cons of divorce mediation in Maryland, chances are that you’re hoping to end your marriage as quickly and inexpensively as possible. While most people understand the role that a divorce lawyer plays in the divorce process, many…
Maryland’s Highest Court Overturns 2008 Decision Regarding the Parental Rights of a De Facto Parent (Columbia, MD) A de facto parent is a person considered by the court to have assumed the role of parent to a non-biological child. To qualify as a de facto parent, the person must prove that they have lived with, raised…
How Are Retirement Plans Divided in a Divorce Case? One of the largest assets to be divided between divorcing spouses [both genders] is often the retirement plans/ benefits or one or both spouses. Judges may order that the “marital” portion of such retirement benefits be divided between the divorcing spouses and paid, even years in…