Category Archives: Family Law
How Does Maryland Determine Child Support Obligations for Parents?
The State of Maryland requires all parents to take responsibility for their share of child support obligations. Even if the parents are divorced or never married, they must ensure that their children receive adequate support for shelter, nutrition, medical care, and similar needs. In order to determine a fair and reasonable amount of child… Read More »
Criminal Nonsupport & Desertion in Maryland Family Law
When a Maryland court orders someone to pay spousal support or child support, that person must satisfy any corresponding financial obligations. If a person fails to make on-time payments as required by the courts, Maryland law can impose criminal charges and penalties. Though with all support payments, the Maryland courts must consider the financial… Read More »
Child Support Liens in Maryland
When a Maryland state court orders an award of child support payments, a parent must satisfy their obligations in a regular and timely fashion. When a parent fails to make the required payments, Maryland law creates a child support lien. These liens attach to a person’s real and personal property and allow the Maryland… Read More »
Agreements, Deeds, & Settlements Between Married Couples in Maryland
When it comes to legal contracts between spouses, a commonly discussed option deals with prenuptial agreements that were made before marriage. But there are also many forms of postnuptial agreements that a couple can enter into after marriage. Specifically, Maryland law allows a married couple to enter into agreements or deeds as well as… Read More »
Standard Guidelines for Child Support Obligations in Maryland
Parents in Maryland have a duty to care for and protect their children, including payment of child support obligations where applicable. But in cases of divorced or separated parents, it can be difficult to estimate how much each parent should pay to support their common children. To help alleviate this problem, Maryland created standardized… Read More »
What are the Requirements for a Marriage License in Maryland?
Marriage is one of the most important aspects of family law in Maryland. For many couples, marriage is the first step toward building a family together. Subsequent steps might include having children or accumulating marital property, such as a family home. Ultimately, marriage is the foundational building block for many families. Unlike certain places… Read More »
How Does Maryland Address the Award of Alimony Support Payments?
When a married couple decides to pursue a divorce or annulment, either spouse can request alimony support payments from the state courts. These support payments are designed to help address financial inequalities between the spouses. Alimony is common in situations where one spouse stayed at home to take care of children, thus sacrificing career… Read More »
Determining Value & Ownership of Marital Property in Maryland
Unless the parties to an annulment or divorce reach a mutual agreement, the Maryland courts step in to help divide marital property. In the process, the court must separate marital and non-marital property; determine the value of marital property; and resolve any ownership disputes concerning marital property. Determination of Marital Property Maryland Code of… Read More »
What Happens if Someone Fails to Pay Spousal or Child Support in Maryland?
In the interest of fairness and equity, a Maryland court can order a person to pay spousal or child support on a periodic basis. These support payments help ensure that a spouse and any minor children are able to survive after a divorce or other type of relationship split. Once a Maryland court issues… Read More »
What is an Independent Adoption in Maryland?
Orphanages and foster homes tend to dominate any discussion concerning adoption. Whether state-funded or privately run, these facilities house and care for a large number of orphaned children across Maryland and the United States. But those facilities are not the only source for prospective adoption in Maryland. Many adoptions occur outside of the orphanage… Read More »
