Category Archives: Family Law
JUST IN! De Facto Parents are Obligated to Financially Support Children
Over the last decade, Maryland Appellate Courts have been establishing and refining third-party standing in child custody cases, including what it means to be a de facto parent in Maryland and who qualifies. In Maryland, a de facto parent is an adult other than the child’s legal parents (whether they are biological or adopted)… Read More »
Top Ten Tips for Appearing in Court
While many family law cases settle before the need for a contested hearing/trial, sometimes a trial is necessary. Having experienced counsel is always important when getting ready for trial, but there are things you can do on your own to help ensure that you make the most out of your court experience. Below you… Read More »
Attitude is (Almost) Everything
The title may seem like a no brainer. You’re in front of a judge; some of the most important things in your world are at stake; why wouldn’t you use any advantage you can to get to where you need to be? But when I say appearance, I mean everything. When you walk into… Read More »
Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges Post-Divorce
You did it! You finally got your Judgment of Absolute Divorce. Your retirement accounts have been dealt with. You have a resolution related to the marital home. You or your spouse is paying child support on time each month. You even have a custody and access schedule that seems to be working well for… Read More »
Do We Need a Co-Parenting Application?
Regardless of most custodial arrangements, parents need to be able to communicate about their children and, more often than not, that can be a challenge for many reasons. Now, some families are perfectly fine without the use of a co-parenting application. Some co-parents are able to communicate cordially, effectively, and efficiently on a regular… Read More »
Tips on How to Manage your Pending Divorce While Living in the Same Home
Recently, many states, including Maryland, have gravitated towards “no fault” grounds for divorce. While there was a time when it was difficult, if not impossible to obtain a divorce when parties were still living together, that situation has become far more common now. Doing so allows parties to save on incurring two sets of… Read More »
How do you serve the Opposing Party?
In some cases, the first real hurdle that a litigant needs to clear comes after they have filed their complaint with the appropriate clerk’s office in the correct jurisdiction. In most Maryland jurisdictions, after the Complaint or Petition has been filed, the clerk’s office will then mail a summons to the party that filed… Read More »
A Commentary on Protective Orders
The sword and shield of family law, a protective order, is a misunderstood tool that will cause immense harm to a party when abused. A protective order is one of two forms of restraining order available under Maryland Law. Unlike its cousin, the peace order, a protective order is the only avenue available… Read More »
Can my QDRO get denied?
You’ve retained a lawyer to draft a QDRO; you’ve signed; your former spouse has signed; the Court has signed; a certified copy has been served on the Plan and you’re eagerly waiting for confirmation that the money you’re owed has been transferred to your name. And then you get that dreaded letter: DENIED. Denied?!… Read More »
Tips for Finding the Right Family Law Attorney
Going through a divorce can already be one of the most stressful times of a person’s life. During these hard times, many people begin the difficult process of trying to find representation. Finding the right attorney for you may be a huge factor in achieving your ultimate goals, but how do you know which… Read More »
