Bethesda Family Lawyer

When facing complex family legal matters in Bethesda, you need experienced representation that understands both the intricacies of Maryland family law and the unique dynamics of your situation. A skilled Bethesda family lawyer from Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C. can provide the knowledgeable advocacy and compassionate guidance you deserve during this challenging time. Our firm has been practicing family law exclusively since 1995, building a reputation for excellence that has earned us recognition as a four-time winner of “Best of” Howard County for Family Law, including back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025.

Our team of highly experienced trial attorneys, including Jolie Weinberg, Lisa Pryor, Amos Whitney, Theodore Warner, Rachel Breidenbach, Ethan Dellinger, and Marni Sodergreen, are not afraid to take your case to trial when necessary to achieve the results you deserve. We understand that every family situation is unique, which is why we take a family-centered legal approach to obtain an equitable and fair resolution for each client’s individual issues and concerns.

Comprehensive Family Law Services

Our attorneys and staff are experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of Maryland family law, providing comprehensive legal services to families throughout the Bethesda area. Whether you are dealing with a collaborative divorce, a contentious custody battle, or need assistance with protective orders, our team has the expertise to guide you through the legal process with confidence and care.

Divorce proceedings can be particularly complex in Bethesda, where high-asset cases often involve intricate financial considerations. Our family law attorneys have extensive experience handling sophisticated divorce matters, including property division, spousal support, and business valuation issues. We work diligently to protect your financial interests while maintaining focus on the best interests of any children involved.

Child custody cases require particular sensitivity and strategic thinking. Our attorneys understand that these matters can be emotionally charged and that the outcome will significantly impact your family’s future. We have successfully handled challenging custody disputes, modifications, and even cases involving fraudulent Child Protective Services matters. Our approach prioritizes children’s well-being while fighting vigorously for our clients’ parental rights.

Trial-Ready Advocacy and Collaborative Solutions

What sets Weinberg & Schwartz apart is our dual capability to excel in both collaborative family law solutions and aggressive trial advocacy. Many of our clients have praised our ability to work toward amicable resolutions when possible, while being fully prepared to litigate when necessary to protect their interests.

Our collaborative divorce services have earned particular recognition from clients who appreciated our passion for achieving equitable solutions while keeping children’s well-being paramount. This approach can be especially valuable for Bethesda families who want to maintain privacy and minimize the emotional impact of divorce proceedings.

However, when collaboration is not possible or appropriate, our trial attorneys are ready to fight for you in court. We have successfully represented clients in complex litigation matters, including cases where the initial situation appeared challenging on paper. Our attorneys’ exceptional legal acumen, combined with their honest assessment of each case’s strengths and weaknesses, ensures that clients are never left in the dark about their options and chances for success.

Personalized Legal Representation

At Weinberg & Schwartz, we believe that effective family law representation requires more than just legal knowledge. It demands patience, genuine concern, and the ability to communicate clearly with clients during some of the most stressful periods of their lives. Our attorneys take the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances, including those with special communication needs.

Our legal team’s responsiveness and attention to detail have been consistently praised by clients who note that we remember case details that they barely remember themselves. This thorough approach, combined with our extensive experience, allows us to provide strategic insights and advance cases effectively while working to avoid unnecessary costs.

Whether you are seeking to modify an existing custody arrangement, need assistance with a separation agreement, or require immediate help with a protective order, our attorneys are available to provide the guidance you need. We understand that family legal matters cannot always wait for regular business hours, and our commitment to client service reflects this understanding.

Bethesda Family Law FAQs

How long does a typical divorce case take in Maryland?

The duration of a divorce case in Maryland depends on several factors, including whether it is contested or uncontested, the complexity of asset division, and whether child custody is involved. Uncontested divorces may be resolved in a few months, while complex contested cases can take a year or more. Our attorneys work efficiently to move cases forward while ensuring all important details are properly addressed.

What factors do Maryland courts consider in child custody decisions?

Maryland courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making custody determinations. Factors include each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s physical and emotional needs, the child’s relationship with each parent, the stability of each home environment, and the child’s own preferences if they are of sufficient age and maturity. Geographic proximity and the ability to maintain the child’s existing school and community connections are also important considerations.

Can custody arrangements be modified after they are finalized?

Yes, custody arrangements can be modified when there has been a material change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests. This might include job relocations, changes in living situations, or evolving needs of the child. Our attorneys have successfully handled numerous custody modifications, including cases where parents have moved across state lines.

What is the difference between legal and physical custody?

Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious matters. Physical custody determines where the child lives and spends their time. Parents may share both legal and physical custody, or one parent may have primary physical custody while sharing legal custody with the other parent.

How is property divided in a Maryland divorce?

Maryland follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial contributions, age and health of the parties, and the circumstances that led to the divorce. Separate property acquired before marriage or through inheritance typically remains with the original owner.

Serving Throughout Bethesda

• Downtown Bethesda
• Chevy Chase
• Somerset
• Woodmont Triangle
• Bethesda Row
• Bradley Woods
• Edgemoor
• Westmoreland Hills
• Friendship Heights
• Glen Echo

Contact a Bethesda Family Law Attorney Today

The legal team at Weinberg & Schwartz, L.L.C. understands that family legal matters require both sophisticated legal knowledge and genuine compassion for our clients’ situations. Our decades of exclusive focus on family law, combined with our commitment to obtaining equitable and fair resolutions, makes us the right choice for your family’s legal needs. Whether you are facing a divorce, custody dispute, or other family law matter, our experienced attorneys are ready to provide the skilled representation you deserve. Contact our Bethesda family law attorneys today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your family’s future.