Category Archives: Family Law
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 »
What are the Different Kinds of Divorce in Maryland?
Although traditional marriage vows make a couple’s union seem permanent, divorce is a common reality across Maryland and the United States. Recognizing this reality, Maryland law provides for two different types of divorce for married couples: Limited Divorce and Absolute Divorce. Limited Divorce Under Maryland Law Maryland Code of Family Law Section 7-102 details… Read More »
Important Considerations for Marital Separation Agreements in Maryland
Under Maryland family law, it is possible for a married couple to divorce without a lengthy process drawing out in the courts. To do so, the spouses must reach a mutual agreement concerning the terms of their marital separation. Then they must execute a written document that outlines the terms of their separation and… 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 »
4 Essential Features of Maryland Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements are a form of contract that a couple can execute before they get married. Prenuptial agreements are contingent upon marriage. If the parties do not actually get married, then the prenuptial agreement becomes null and void. Although the parties negotiate a prenuptial agreement before marriage, the terms are not effective until after… Read More »
Maryland Rights for Natural Parents of Minor Children
Under Maryland law, the natural parents of a minor child have certain rights and duties, such as child custody and care. In most cases, these rights and duties expire once the child reaches adulthood. At that point, the child is not a minor and responsible for their self-sufficiency. But so long as the child… Read More »
The Family Home & Family Use Personal Property in Maryland
When a married couple decides to pursue a divorce in Maryland, they must settle on how to deal with property division. The soon-to-be former spouses must either agree on a fair split or allow a Maryland court to carve up everything. Either way, there must be a final answer as to property division before… Read More »
