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
Ways to Help Your Kids Adjust to Life After Divorce
Getting a divorce is going to have a huge impact not just on you and your spouse, but on your children as well. Finding ways to help your kids adjust to life after the divorce is important for their mental and emotional well-being. Keeping your kids happy and healthy will also help you to move on, so consider these proven tips for helping your kids to adjust. Don’t Play the Blame Game As tempting as it can be Read More
It Takes Two: How Maryland Establishes Paternity
In Maryland, there are many situations where it becomes necessary to legally establish the paternity of a child. The process of establishing paternity can be initiated by either the mother, or a man who believes that he is the father. Once paternity is established, both parents will have the rights and responsibilities that come with parenthood including the right to spend time with their child, the right to make Read More
Maryland Family Law: An Introduction to Cohabitation Agreements
With cohabitation occurring at higher rates than ever, there have been a variety of legal cases involving couples who live together, but have never been married. These cases can get quite complex because there are typically few, if any, legal agreements in place. In fact, there are typically better legal documents in place when a roommate moves in than there are when a couple begins cohabitating. To help prevent Read More
Who Should Raise My Kids?: 6 Things to Consider When Naming a Potential Guardian
If you have minor children, one of the most important aspects of any estate plan is going to be the naming of a legal guardian. For many people, this can be a very difficult decision. If both parents die or become incapacitated, however, having a guardian named will help ensure your children are properly taken care of without delay. The following six things should be considered when choosing who to name as Read More
Prenuptial Prohibitions
In recent years, prenuptial agreements have slowly begun to shake off their unwarranted bad reputation—no, they do not lead to divorce—and couples have started viewing these contracts as highly beneficial for their relationship. Also known as premarital or antenuptial agreements, couples sign these contracts prior to their legal union. The document dictates various financial terms for their marriage and for any Read More
An Introduction to Maryland Marital Property Division
Even in the best of circumstances, going through a divorce is a very painful and difficult process. One of the most difficult, and often confusing, parts of a divorce is dealing with the division of assets. The laws governing the division of marital property vary from state to state, so it is important to know what to expect in Maryland. Maryland is an equitable division state, a term which can often be Read More
Do You Advocate for Father’s Rights?
The other day I got a call in the office and the caller asked me just that question: "Do you advocate for father's rights?" My response was "I advocate for parent's rights". CLICK! I can't say I was surprised that the caller hung up on me. When you ask a question like that it signals that you believe there is an unjust tilting of the judicial process in favor of women. That perception, spoken with absolute Read More
Shacking Up? Protect Yourself!
In my family law practice I am increasingly being asked to help couples develop a "no-nup" agreement - essentially a prenuptial agreement for couples that have no intention of marrying. It seems that this increase is caused by a) more couples simply putting off or eschewing marriage all together, and b) older couples who have been burned by divorce previously and want to avoid it this time around. In some Read More
Let Me Check My Calendar!
I'm a little obsessed with my computer and internet based calendars. And for good reason. I can't remember when to do anything unless I have it "written down" somewhere. Ironically, in the age of the DayTimer calendaring system, I never maintained a written schedule. But the practice of law involves a host of dates and appointments such that the process is much more complicated - and that's where I look to Read More
