Author Archives: Amos Whitney
Human Lawyer vs. Chat GPT: is it advisable to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to draft a Marital Settlement Agreement?
As an experiment, the following was typed into Chat GPT: Maryland Contract Alimony $5,000 per month for 5 years. Chat GPT provided the following language: ALIMONY PROVISION Husband, agrees to pay Wife, the sum of $5,000 per month as spousal support (alimony) for a period of 5 years, commencing on [Start Date]. The payments… Read More »
What do you mean they’re not in contempt?
The best kind of custodial order is the kind people abide by and the Court takes non-compliance with a court order very seriously. However, in 2021, Breona C. v. Rodney D. put parameters in place that tend to limit the Court’s ability to address contempt. What is contempt? According to Maryland Rule 15-202, constructive… Read More »
What does “half” mean when it comes to QDROs?
There’s a famous intelligence test that is sometimes used in job interviews. You hand the candidate a piece of paper and ask them to divide it in half. Some candidates will grab the paper and rip into two parts. Other candidates will fold the paper carefully and attempt to get close to a clean… Read More »
How Much Money Does it Take to Care for Kevin Costner’s Children?
As many people who already read celebrity news may already know, Kevin Costner and his wife, Christine Baumgartner, are going through a nasty and very public divorce. At the heart of their dispute is the custody of their three minor children, who are 12, 14, and 15 years old. Ms. Baumgartner accused her husband… Read More »
Summer Fun
SUMMER FUN School is out and it is time for summer fun and family memories! Ideas for local trips in the DC/Maryland area: McHenry is just a quick carried into the Baltimore area for a fun day reliving history. The fort was used to protect the United States during the Battle of Baltimore on… Read More »
When should I get my QDRO prepared?
When should I get my QDRO prepared? “Do I need to get my QDRO done immediately after my divorce?” This is a question we hear all the time. Sometimes we hear “Can I wait?” After a divorce, you’re probably not excited about putting in the time, money, and effort it takes to prepare a… Read More »
Third-Party Custody: Who Qualifies as a De Facto Parent?
Parents have a constitutional right to parent their children under the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Under very limited circumstances, the court can award custody to a third party (a non-biological or non-adoptive parent), even over the objection the parents. Maryland Courts have developed three “avenues” that a third-party can take to… Read More »
Safeguarding Your Future: The Importance of Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Healthcare Directives
Life is unpredictable, and it’s crucial to plan for the unexpected. One way to protect your interests and ensure your wishes are honored is by establishing legal documents such as wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. While these topics may seem daunting, understanding their significance is essential for securing your future and offering… Read More »
Major Changes to Divorce Law in Maryland
For years, Maryland has been one of the few States that did not offer a “no fault” ground for divorce. Instead, those individuals that filed for divorce had to choose between the following reasons for wanting that divorce: adultery (cheating/infidelity), desertion, incarceration, one year separation, insanity, cruelty of treatment to a spouse or child,… Read More »
Is “NESTING” the right solution for your family?
Consider the following 4 factors in making this very important determination. What is Nesting: Nesting is a transitional living arrangement used by families going through separation and/or divorce wherein the children remain in the family home and the parents transition in and out of the family home in accordance with a predetermined schedule. During… Read More »
