Family Law

In December, legislators agreed to a second coronavirus relief package, with direct payments of $600 to eligible adults, plus $600 per child dependent. Many individuals and families have already received their stimulus payments, and other payments are on their way. However, for couples in the process of divorce or child support disputes, this stimulus check…

Despite the courts having been closed for nearly two months, state laws are still being reviewed, revised, and passed in order to continue bettering the legal system. To its credit, the Maryland legislature has been quite busy of late, to include the passing of new laws related to family court issues aimed at providing parties…

If you have a special needs child then you are abundantly aware of the unique challenges you face with day to day parenting, and planning for your child’s future. You worry now, and stress over how he or she will manage one day when you’re gone. You want to give your special needs child the…

Congratulations! You’re getting married! This is a time for celebrating and beginning to plan for your big day. While you’re choosing a color scheme, trying on gowns and tuxedos, and taste testing cake samples, you might begin thinking about whether you need to protect yourself in case the future pans out differently than you planned.…

Some subjects in life are more difficult to wrap your mind around than others, especially when you are a parent considering how to protect your child. After all, that’s your primary job aside from loving, feeding and clothing him or her. Protecting your child from strangers gets more difficult every day with the progression of…

Even the most amicable divorce can be stressful and overwhelming. Many people wonder if they can bring a close friend or relative to their attorney meeting (or meetings). This can help your comfort level as well as having an extra set of ears to process and take down information. However, is this really a good…

The Maryland nonprofit group Court Watch Montgomery works to ensure victims of domestic violence are provided with proper access to justice, programs, and resources. Volunteers from the organization gather data from thousands of protective order hearings each year, and release a report with their findings. Court Watch’s latest report found that District Court judges in…

Family law issues, especially divorce, can be emotionally and psychologically difficult, especially with children involved. When spouses are going through a split that may be particularly contentious and can’t come to agreement over decisions regarding their child, sometimes a best interest attorney is a fair alternative. If, during a divorce, there are issues around child…

Second parent adoption is when one partner legally adopts the other partner’s child, giving them both equal and legal parental rights. People typically choose second parent adoption when they are unmarried or if they’re a same-sex couple who wants to ensure their parental rights stay protected. Families may benefit from having an attorney complete a…

You have the sparkly engagement ring, planned the parties, rehearsal dinner, and even a family brunch the day after. You’ve hired a great DJ, rented one of those cool photo booths, and every single detail is taken care of. Your wedding is going to be an event! Wait a minute. You might want to go…

If your spouse, partner or close relative is hurting you, Maryland law has provisions for protecting victims of domestic violence. A judge can issue a temporary protective order, which orders the abuser to stop threatening or abusing you, stay away from you and not contact you or harass you at home, work or school, and…

With many divorcing couples, issues of child custody and visitation are often the most thorny and contentious. A detailed parenting plan, agreed upon by the parents and endorsed by the courts, can help parents meet their child’s needs, set forth each parent’s responsibilities, and allow flexibility. Well thought-out parenting plans avoid the need to go…

During a particularly contentious child custody case, the court may appoint a “best interest attorney” for the child. This attorney does not represent either parent, but advocates for the child’s interests and the child alone. Best interest attorneys must represent the interests of their client, complete an independent evaluation, and advocate the position concerning custody…

Once you and your ex-partner have decided to go public with your divorce, there are a lot of people to tell. You might wonder if it is appropriate to talk to your child’s school. After all, it is your personal family business, right? In this case, however, it is important you do share this information…