What Is Considered Marital or Non-Marital Property in Maryland?

18 Oct 2016

Clients regularly confuse what is considered “marital property” as opposed to “non-marital” property. Identifying marital versus non-marital property becomes even more difficult when non-marital property is commingled (or mixed) with marital property.

Custody Evaluations in Maryland and the District of Columbia: How To Interact with the Evaluator Handling Your Case

02 Aug 2016

In Maryland and the District of Columbia, courts must determine what is in a child’s best interest to make a custody determination. This is a difficult process for the court, and is fraught with gray areas and ambiguities. Thus, the court may order a custody evaluation to assist in its decision making.

Family Law, Divorce, & Custody: Is Social Media Helpful or Hurtful?

28 Jul 2016

In 2016, everyone can be found on the internet—and by anyone! That includes the attorney of your soon to be ex. With social media embedded on our phones and intertwined throughout our lives, it is showing up in courtrooms and affecting custody cases, divorce proceedings, and other family law matters. Understand the rules of engagement before you post one more photo or seemingly harmless update.

Significant Change in Maryland Custody Law: Recognition of De Facto Parents Impacts Same-sex Relationships & Non-Adoptive Partners

11 Jul 2016

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.

Handling the Maryland Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)

08 Jul 2016

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.

What Do I Do When A Conversation With My Spouse Gets Physical?

05 Jul 2016

The accusations a separating couple can fling at each other can be really upsetting and sometimes scary. Many time clients ask me what to do if they find themselves having an argument with their spouse that gets heated, and more importantly what to do if the argument gets physical?

Corroboration No Longer Required Obtaining A Decree of Divorce in Maryland

22 Jun 2016

Effective October 1, 2016, Maryland Courts no longer require corroboration to obtain a decree of divorce. What is corroboration? The rules required that a party seeking a divorce needed a third party to present testimony to corroborate the grounds for divorce.

Is It Really Better To Have A Prenup?

19 Jun 2016

A prenuptial agreement (“prenup”) provides a snapshot in time of the assets of the parties’ at the time the parties get married. And, like all contracts, codifying the arrangement can have both beneficial and harmful consequences. A prenup may establish division of assets, and support obligations (e.g. alimony) often without any consideration of what may transpire in the future. Conversely, a prenup may also set ground rules as to division of property acquired during the marriage in the event of divorce.

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