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.

Alimony Modification, Extension and Termination in Maryland

11 May 2016

Alimony may remain a source of legal involvement even once the divorce is finalized. It is often contested or, when circumstances change, is subject to modification actions. Understand what can be the basis for a change in alimony in Maryland.

Brian Pearlstein to Speak in MSBA Evening Series

02 Feb 2016

Brian Pearlstein, Managing Partner of Brodsky Renehan Pearlstein & Bouquet, is presenting at the Maryland State Bar Association event on February 17th, 2016 titled "Document Drafting for the Family Law Professional--The Discovery Phase."

Hiding Assets In A Divorce: You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide; Or Can You?

20 Nov 2015

Spouses will sometimes try to hide assets when facing a divorce. Offshore accounts, savings bonds, even a safe deposit box stuffed with cash are some of the favored tactics. On the flip side, cavalier accusations of hiding assets are made when the spouse, like a business owner, has complex business dealings. How should you proceed if your suspect hidden assets? How should you react if your are accused?

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