Category Archives: Family Law
Tips on How to Manage your Pending Divorce While Living in the Same Home
Recently, many states, including Maryland, have gravitated towards “no fault” grounds for divorce. While there was a time when it was difficult, if not impossible to obtain a divorce when parties were still living together, that situation has become far more common now. Doing so allows parties to save on incurring two sets of… Read More »
How do you serve the Opposing Party?
In some cases, the first real hurdle that a litigant needs to clear comes after they have filed their complaint with the appropriate clerk’s office in the correct jurisdiction. In most Maryland jurisdictions, after the Complaint or Petition has been filed, the clerk’s office will then mail a summons to the party that filed… Read More »
A Commentary on Protective Orders
The sword and shield of family law, a protective order, is a misunderstood tool that will cause immense harm to a party when abused. A protective order is one of two forms of restraining order available under Maryland Law. Unlike its cousin, the peace order, a protective order is the only avenue available… Read More »
Can my QDRO get denied?
You’ve retained a lawyer to draft a QDRO; you’ve signed; your former spouse has signed; the Court has signed; a certified copy has been served on the Plan and you’re eagerly waiting for confirmation that the money you’re owed has been transferred to your name. And then you get that dreaded letter: DENIED. Denied?!… Read More »
Should I Litigate My Divorce or Try to Settle?
In Maryland, you can get divorced in one of two ways – an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce. An uncontested divorce involves getting an agreement between you and your spouse and submitting the settlement agreement to the court, which will then incorporate your agreement into your Judgment of Divorce. While you are still… Read More »
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 »
