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Family law matters are difficult and emotionally trying. They often cause uncertainty and doubt. Our resources section is filled with helpful information on a variety of family law matters. It is intended to help you educate yourself on the divorce & family law process in Maryland and D.C.
Prior to October 2015, in order to obtain an absolute divorce in the State of Maryland on no-fault grounds, the divorcing couple was required to be living separate and apart without cohabitation for a period of one year. This changed effective October 1, 2015 when legislation was passed which allowed parties who still lived together to divorce if certain criteria was met.
There are basically three general avenues by which a marriage can end: death, divorce and annulment. Death is obvious and divorce is the most commonly thought of endpoint to a marriage when death does not terminate it first. The often less contemplated end to a marriage is by annulment.
On July 7, 2016 non-biological parents in Maryland won important rights with regard to custody and visitation. Prior to that date, Maryland did not recognize what is known as de facto parenthood. The opinion of the Maryland Court of Appeals in Conover v. Conover establishes recognition of de facto parents in Maryland. This is a major change in Maryland custody law.
If you have a child or children and you are separated, depending on the custody situation, you may be obligated to pay child support to the other parent. If the court enters an order obligating you to pay child support, you should read that order carefully. In many instances the “how” portion of the order will direct you to pay child support to the Maryland Office of Child Support Enforcement.
So it has finally come to this: you are ready to proceed with a divorce. This realization is often followed by uncertainty about what sort of information you might need in preparation. Whether your divorce is a mutual decision between your spouse and yourself or one which is yours and yours alone – an array of basic information is necessary.
Over the past twenty years, radical changes have occurred in science, allowing persons to have children with assistance. While these incredible steps have given hope to millions, the issue is that people are using these technologies without any knowledge of the potential legal ramifications.
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