What exactly is a pretrial conference? There are many stops on the road before a divorce trial takes place. Typically you will have at least two court appearances, if not more, before the merits hearing. One of those court appearance is a pretrial conference or sometimes called a settlement conference. At the pretrial conference, a…
Read MoreDivorce in Maryland can be divided into two categories: absolute divorce or a limited divorce. An absolute divorce resolves all issues related to your separation and allows the parties to remarry after the Judgment of Absolute Divorce is entered with the clerk’s office at the Circuit Court in the county where the divorce action was filed.…
Read MoreIt’s not uncommon for a parent to move out of state when a relationship has ended. In Maryland, if the parties cannot reach a custody agreement (sometimes called a parenting plan, which should be then incorporated into a consent order with the court) the court will decide what custody arrangement is in the child’s best…
Read MoreDid you know there are many types of mediation for divorce cases? The most common type of mediation is when each party and their attorney) meet with a mediator (a certified neutral third party trying to help obtain a settlement) to discuss what can possibly be worked out without going to court. Mediation is always…
Read MoreI often write about narcissism because it is a common theme in family law. These are just a few examples and tips that I provide to my clients who find themselves divorcing a narcissist. 1. Don’t accept the narcissist’s version of history Even amicable divorces rarely bring out the best in people, and it becomes…
Read MoreHere’s the problem: Domestic abuse among LGBT couples can often be hard to spot for several reasons: for some people, if the relationship is a secret, it can make finding help even harder. How do you tell your family or friends you are living in fear of your partner if no one knows you’re gay?…
Read MoreHere are answers to frequently asked questions about Grandparent’s Rights and Third Party Custody: What if I am NOT the parent of the child, can I still file for custody? Generally, third party custody matters involve grandparents. However, anyone seeking custody of a child who is not their biological (or adopted) parent, the individual(s) must…
Read MoreIf you are facing divorce and you have lousy credit, what can you do to rebuild it? The good news is that when it comes to your credit, you can always get a fresh start. While you may not be able to change the past, going forward if you are meticulous about paying your bills…
Read MoreDivorce and custody matters are extremely stressful situations. The best way to stay calm is by preparing yourself with as much information as possible. When setting up a consultation with a divorce attorney, a staff member from the attorney’s office will run a conflict check to ensure that there is no pre-existing reason that would…
Read MoreDivorce does not have to be a battle and there is so much more to the process than just hire attorneys and go to court. Did you know that it IS possible to get a divorce without ever setting foot in a courtroom? Not only is it possible, the court would prefer that! This post…
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