What Is a Parenting Plan?
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…
Read MoreWhat Is a Best Interest Attorney?
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…
Read MoreWe’re Getting Divorced. Who Keeps the Family Business?
When going through a divorce, other than matters involving children, division of marital property can get quite contentious. The more assets a couple has, the more contentious a divorce can become. Maryland is an equitable property state, meaning that all property acquired during the marriage should be divided equally, unless a judge decides that division…
Read MoreShould I Tell My Child’s Teacher We Are Getting Divorced?
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…
Read MoreCommon Mediation Techniques to Help Deescalate High-Conflict Scenarios
Almost every divorce has some level of conflict, which is perfectly normal and healthy. For some couples, those conflicts can be addressed during the course of mediation, rather than through litigation. Mediation is run by a neutral third party, not a lawyer, so our team is there to help guide you through the process. We…
Read MoreAlimony, Child Care and Selling Your Home: How the New Tax Plan Affects Divorcing Couples
The President recently signed the new tax plan into law. Most of the news coverage has focused on state and local tax, or SALT, deductions, the new corporate tax rate, and the increase in the deficit. However, there are some specific parts of the new law that will affect couples seeking a divorce, as well…
Read MoreYes, January Really Is “Divorce Month” – and With Good Reason
There is an old joke about January being the month for couples to get divorced, but that joke has its roots in the truth. For a number of reasons, January sees an increased number of couples seeking a divorce, researching family law attorneys, and attempting trial separations, than in almost every other month. While Maryland…
Read MoreCongratulations, Emily Russell, on Being Named to Rising Stars for the Second Year!
McCabe Russell, PA, is pleased to announce that partner Emily Russell has been named to the 2018 Maryland Rising Stars list. This is her second consecutive year being named to the list, an honor reserved for only 2.5% of all eligible attorneys. In order to be eligible for the Rising Stars list, and attorney must…
Read MoreWhat is a Protective Order?
A protective order is a civil order issued by a judge that compels a person to stop committing certain acts against another person. The person who is seeking the protective order is the petitioner and the respondent is the person who is being accused of having committed the acts which the petitioner would like to…
Read MoreWhat Can You Do if Your Ex-Spouse Does Not Pay Child Support?
In Maryland, both parents are legally obligated to provide for their children financially. The courts are not concerned with the marital status of the parents; if you have a child, then the responsibility falls on your shoulders. There are serious consequences for parents who fail to pay court-ordered child support, and we will look at…
Read MoreThe Challenges of the High-Asset Divorce
Divorce is almost always complicated, regardless of the level of income of the parties. However, when you are dealing with significant marital assets – whether they are businesses, professional practices, domestic and international real estate investments, or other valuables – additional challenges may arise during the divorce process. Dividing retirement assets Each party’s retirement account,…
Read MoreA Brief Explanation of Mediation and Child Custody in Maryland
Child custody disputes are often among the most contentious issues in divorces. Two parents who are already at odds may be unable to come to a sensible agreement about child custody on their own. Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that can help parents come to a workable solution regarding child custody and parenting…
Read MoreWhat Documents Should I Bring To My First Meeting With My Divorce Lawyer? A Checklist.
You should not put a lot of pressure on yourself when you visit with your lawyer for the first time, but some documents can be helpful to your new attorney in assessing the issues in your case. Remember the military adage, “Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.” While the documents can seem personal,…
Read MoreWhat is a Scheduling Conference In A Family Law Matter? Pro Tips to Be Prepared
Every piece of paper you receive in the mail regarding your divorce can cause anxiety, but when you receive the notice of your scheduling conference, don’t fret. A scheduling conference is what it sounds like: it’s an opportunity for the court to hear what the issues are, decide how complex your case is, and schedule…
Read MoreWe moved!
We outgrew our old space! But we love Howard County and we love Maple Lawn, so we didn’t move far. We’re one building over from our old location. You can find us now at our new address: 8171 Maple Lawn Boulevard, Suite 350, Fulton, Maryland 20759. For our friends familiar with Maple Lawn, we’re in…
Read MoreDo I have to wait to get divorced? Do I qualify for a Mutual Consent Divorce?
Once you’ve decided you want to be divorced, you don’t want to have to wait. But divorces can take a bit of time, and separating so that you live under separate roofs can be expensive. The mutual consent divorce ground has been around in Maryland for nearly two years now and can alleviate the strain…
Read MoreLegal Secretary / Administrative Assistant
McCabe Russell, PA is seeking a full-time Legal Secretary / Administrative Assistant to join our expanding team. The Assistant will provide primary administrative support to two Partners in the firm’s Howard County office and will be responsible for the following day to day tasks: Scheduling, coordinating, and confirming new client consultations, current client appointments, conference…
Read MoreDiscovery: How to prepare yourself for the inevitable
To most, discovery production is without question the most daunting phase of the litigation process for divorce and other family law matters. It is invasive, it is onerous and utterly time-consuming. Without which, however, your attorney has no ability to facilitate/navigate settlement negotiations, nor to adequately litigate your case. Unless you and your adversary have…
Read MoreMcCabe Russell, PA Welcomes New Associate Samantha B. Posner, Esq.
We are thrilled to announce that attorney Samantha B. Posner has joined the firm. An experienced trial attorney, mediator, and Best Interest Attorney, Samantha is the complete family law attorney. Samantha graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2012. Over the past five years Samantha has set herself apart from her…
Read MoreMs. Magazine: Q&A: Lawyer Heather McCabe on Creating and Sustaining Progress for All Families Under Trump
In a recent interview for Ms. Magazine, McCabe Russell Family Law attorney Heather McCabe answers questions about the past and future of family law and the potential effects of the new political reality, especially for LGBTQ families. Ms. Magazine: Q&A: Lawyer Heather McCabe on Creating and Sustaining Progress for All Families Under Trump
Read More