Category Archives: Child Custody
Custody/Access Schedules for Children
One of the biggest concerns of parents during a divorce or custody action is the custody/access schedule for their children. For many parents who live together with their children, the thought of not seeing their children every day is overwhelming. So, most parents meeting with an attorney are going to ask, “what type of… Read More »
Top Ten Tips for Filling out your Long Form Financial Statement
If you are involved in a divorce case in which alimony (and possibly child support) is being sought, you may be required to fill out something called a Long Form Financial Statement. While the required form is set forth in Maryland Family Law Subsection 9-203, there is no guidance provided as to how best… Read More »
Parent Coordination: Helping You Co-Parent for the Benefit of Your Children
While some families are able to transition from an “intact” family to a family with two homes (either post-divorce or separation) seamlessly, the reality is most families cannot. No co-parenting relationship is exactly 50/50 even when parents are together. Sometimes, one parent stays home and takes a larger role in the day-to-day management of… Read More »
Do’s and Don’ts When Appearing in Court
Fortunately, most family law matters are resolved prior to having a judge decide the issues at a merits hearing. However, many times a resolution occurs after there have been motions hearing, temporary hearings, or other court appearances, and, of course, some matters proceed all the way to trial. If you find yourself in a… Read More »
Financial Statements in Divorce/Custody Cases: The Long Form vs. The Short Form and How to Complete the Forms Correctly
In divorce and custody cases, there are two types of financial statements. The first is the Short Form Financial Statement (Short Form Available Here) and the second is the Long Form Financial Statement (Long Form Available Here). If you are filing for custody or divorce, it is likely you will need one form or… 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 »
Steps in a Contested Divorce/Custody Case in Maryland
One of the questions I get asked most in a divorce or custody consult is what is the court “process” like if their cases is contested. Generally, potential clients are surprised to learn how long a contested case could take and how much happens before they actually “get their day in court.” First, it… Read More »
Back to School . . . . But Where?
Let’s say you were fortunate enough to resolve the custody and access of your young child following a divorce. Perhaps, like many couples, you agreed to an equally shared physical custody and decided to have joint legal custody. You and your ex have been getting along great and co-parenting together. You only live a… Read More »
Helpful New Year’s Resolutions – Family Law Litigation Edition
The beginning of each year is a great time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the upcoming year, setting goals and starting (or resuming) new productive habits. There are lots of places to look to for help in setting helpful new year’s resolutions, but if you are involved in… Read More »
Rebuttable Presumption in Favor of Shared Custody?
Maryland Leglislation Proposes a Barrier to “Best Interest of the Child” Standard When parents are divorcing, or separating, or cannot agree on a custody schedule, they turn to the Courts to make a decision. So what does the Court do? In Maryland, the Court will hear all the evidence presented regarding what each parent… Read More »
