Child support and a child’s best interests go hand in hand. Today, child support decisions focus on a judge’s interpretation of the child’s best interests and financial information of both parents. It is often frightening for parents to think that someone who knows very little about them (in the form of a judge) now has the power to decide an important part of their future and that of their children. However, while Read More
Estate Planning in Your Pajamas!
Estate planning? Who has time for that? You have a job, you go to school, you've got kids, there’s soccer practice and dance classes, you work with the church, the dog needs walking, and oh yeah, you might want a little bit of a social life. So with all that going on who really does have time to think about the future and plan for their loved ones? In working with a lot of clients who are younger, who just bought Read More
4 Lies You Probably Believe About Prenuptial Agreements
One of the most common legal actions taken before marriage is signing a prenuptial agreement, which typically defines the financial and property rights of each spouse in case of a divorce. Unfortunately, prenups have amassed a terrible reputation over the last few decades. Commonly associated with the rich and wealthy, prenuptial agreements are usually seen as a lack of trust between marrying couples. This has Read More
#1 Reason for Using a Revocable Living Trust
Clients often ask whether or not they need a Revocable Living Trust (RLT) or if a Will is sufficient for their estate planning needs. While there are several benefits to having an RLT, there is one primary factual reason to have an RLT beyond just the benefits it provides. That is, do you own real property in more than one state? This happens all the time here in Maryland when the client owns a home here Read More
Maryland Elder Law: Understanding the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid
The issue of healthcare has been a thorn in the back of American taxpayers for a long time. The United States spends a staggering $10,348 per person on healthcare, amounting to about 18% of its GDP. This is far more than any other country on the planet. In fact, it is 8 percentage points clear of the average of the industrialized members of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development. The good news Read More
3 Lesser Known Maryland Trusts (And Why You Might Need Them)
What do you do when you have some assets you want to leave to your children or grandchildren, but still need to protect them against interference from third parties? You create a trust. In fact, trusts are established precisely to provide legal protection for a trustor's assets, as well as to ensure that those assets are distributed as per the trustor's wishes. With so many different types of trusts out there, it is Read More
Maryland Family Law: The Factors Maryland Courts Consider When Determining Child Support Amounts
Since 1990, Maryland courts have been required to use Child Support Guidelines in all cases involving children. These guidelines suggest a certain amount that should be paid to meet the cost of raising the children of the divorced parents. Let’s explore these factors: Both parents' actual monthly income To determine how much child support should be paid, the court must first evaluate each parent's Read More
Failed Plans: Avoid These 3 Common Estate Planning Mistakes
Thinking about your mortality can evoke uncomfortable feelings, but it is something everyone has to come to terms with eventually. You have to be able to ask yourself the hard questions, like: Who will take control of your property and assets once you are gone? Will your family stay united whatever the outcome, and how will your legacy continue? These are important decisions to make and requires careful thought Read More
4 Situations Where a Post-Judgment Modification May Be Necessary
After a divorce is finalized, you will have several orders in place that must be followed for a set period of time. In most cases, these orders will be in place for several years at the least, and in some situations, are actually meant to last for life. The courts understand, however, that people’s situations change and it is sometimes necessary to have a post-judgment modification made. The following are four common Read More
The Light at the End of the Tunnel: 6 Ways to Move on from Your Divorce
Going through a divorce is said to be among the most painful experiences that a person can go through. Once the divorce is finalized, many people find that they don’t experience the immediate relief and happiness that they were expecting. The fact is, the end of a divorce is really just the beginning of your recovery and rediscovery period in your life. If you are looking for some effective ways to help see that Read More
