Parental alienation is perhaps the worst experience any family can go through while also going through a divorce or separation. Parental Alienation is defined as one parent turning a child or children against the other parent through disparaging remarks and sometimes keeping the child away from the other parent for no reason. As a matter…
Read MoreLet’s talk frankly here: as I’ve mentioned before, Judges are human and each has their own life history and experiences that might influence the factors they must consider when determining what custody arrangement is in a child’s best interest. The court cannot give someone custody based on the fact that that person is a mother…
Read MoreIf you are thinking about a separation or divorce in the State of Maryland, you must know what your rights are and what the possible consequences and benefits are before you even consider a separation or negotiate an agreement. It does not matter whether your issues relate to custody, visitation, support, property distribution, grounds for…
Read MoreI have written several blogs about custody in Maryland. This blog post is focused on the fact that Maryland currently does not have a presumption that joint custody is in a child’s best interest and both parties have to prove to the court why he or she is requesting a specific custody arrangement and why that…
Read MoreIn family law cases (divorce, custody, child support, etc.) unless you practice in a county that only has one judge, you will not know who your judge will be until the day before the merits hearing (the final hearing) which is approximately 9 months to a year after you file. While in theory each judge…
Read MoreAfter the Lower Court makes a final decision on your family court case, either party has a right to appeal that decision to the Appellate Court. A Notice of Appeal must be filed, along with any relevant documents, within 30 days of the date of the entry of the Judgment (which is not necessarily the…
Read MoreInstead of having a court decide what custody arrangement is in the best interest of your children and/or how your assets should be divided, did you know that you can enter into a Marital Settlement Agreement? With a Marital Settlement Agreement, the parties can put in any and all terms they want, even reach agreements that the court…
Read MoreSometimes parents are unable to agree upon where their children should primarily reside (or which parent their children should live with) when they have separated or have filed for divorce. When there is no agreement and the issue of custody/parenting time cannot be settled, litigation ensues. Custody litigation is an emotional process for all involved.…
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 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…
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