Category Archives: Family Law
Court Divides The Marital Estate Unevenly In Divorce Case
In Maryland divorce cases, the court will not necessarily divide the marital estate in half; in some cases, the court can apportion more of the marital estate to one party over the other. This is known as equitable distribution. The court divides the marital estate in accordance with what is fair. In this article,… Read More »
Court Addresses A Contested Paternity Case In Maryland
Paternity cases can become quite complicated when there are multiple men claiming to be the child’s father. This is especially true in Maryland, where the court does not have to rule solely on the basis of a paternity test. Instead, the court can consider additional factors and will always make a ruling based on… Read More »
Can I Be Forced To Pay My Spouse’s Legal Fees?
The Maryland courts have wide discretion in making awards of attorney’s fees in family law cases, especially when there has been unfair action by one of the parties that increased the cost of litigation. One of the instances in which the court can award attorney fees to one party, is when that party wasted… Read More »
How Maryland Courts Address Hidden Assets In A Divorce
Divorce generally involves the division of marital property. Under Maryland law, both parties are required to disclose their assets and debts. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for one of the parties to attempt to conceal their assets with the hopes of gaining the upper hand financially. This is a serious offense under Maryland law…. Read More »
Understanding The Role Of Parenting Plans In Maryland Custody Agreements
In cases where parents living in Maryland split up or get a divorce, one of the most significant and contentious issues that needs to be addressed is child custody. To address this issue, the State of Maryland suggests that parents use parenting plans. These are written agreements that state how parents are supposed to… Read More »
When A Parent Wants To Move: Understanding Domingues V. Johnson And Maryland Relocation Law
Custody battles are tough to begin with — but things get even more complicated when one parent wants to move away. Whether it’s for a new job, to be closer to family, or just to start over, relocating can have a big impact on a child’s connection with both parents. In Maryland, one of… Read More »
Maryland Court Upholds Uneven (But Equitable) Distribution Of The Marital Estate
Maryland is an equitable distribution state. This means that the assets attached to your marital estate are divided in accordance with what is fair. It also means that the marital estate isn’t always divided evenly. In some cases, the courts will see fit to favor one spouse or the other with a larger share…. Read More »
Maryland Court Clarifies When Indefinite Alimony Is Appropriate
In the case of K.B. v. D.B., the Maryland Court of Special Appeals revisited one of the most complex issues in family law: when should the court award indefinite alimony as opposed to a limited rehabilitative term? This decision reinforces Maryland’s preference for alimony that only spans a limited time. It also underscores that… Read More »
Former Husband Contests Former Wife’s Alimony Award
Maryland Family Law Article § 11-106 lays out the statutory conditions under which an alimony award is made. The court must review several factors, such as the paying spouse’s ability to pay and the receiving spouse’s genuine need. The petitioner must argue that those statutory factors are present to receive an award of alimony…. Read More »
What Factors Matter Most When Dividing Marital Assets And Debts In Maryland?
When you get married, your marital estate begins accruing assets and debts. Any asset or debt established during the marriage is considered a part of the marital estate, unless it was a gift or inheritance. When you initiate a divorce, the marital estate stops accruing debts and assets. During a divorce, you will split… Read More »
