Category Archives: Family Law
Dissecting 3 Aspects of Child Support Obligations in Maryland
When unmarried or divorced people have a child together, Maryland child support laws require each parent to share financial responsibility. Ultimately, the Maryland courts approve child support arrangements between parents, ensuring that any such arrangement serves the best interests of the children involved. The amount of child support each parent pays can change based… Read More »
Analyzing 4 Common Agreements in Maryland Family Law
Maryland family law provides for numerous types of legal contracts and agreements between prospective or current spouses and parents. From prospective spouses who enter into a prenuptial agreement to parents who share custody of their children through a joint custody agreement, these contracts can take many different forms. Even though they normally change drastically… Read More »
How Does Maryland Address Family Property Division After Divorce?
When a married couple decides to pursue a divorce in Maryland, there are countless factors to evaluate, including property division. The process of dividing property in a mutually agreeable fashion can be difficult for many parties to a divorce. This is particularly true regarding family property, including the family home and family use personal… Read More »
Does Maryland Family Law Allow Children to Request Custody Changes?
The Maryland state courts will usually issue a child custody order when unmarried or divorced parents live apart. Subject to the best interests of the child, these orders provide specific rules for parenting time, living arrangements, visitation, and many other important considerations. Though in certain situations, a minor child may request a change to… Read More »
What Happens if Someone Violates a Protective Order in Maryland?
Under Maryland family law, a protective order allows the state courts to intervene in cases of abuse or domestic violence. Only certain types of victims qualify for protective orders, as a specific type of relationship with the alleged abuser is required. Generally speaking, Maryland reserves protective orders for situations where the alleged abuse occurred… Read More »
No-Fault vs. At-Fault Divorces Under Maryland Family Law
A question about Maryland family law that arises commonly involves the difference between no-fault and at-fault divorces. On a larger level, a no-fault divorce means that the parties involved reach mutual agreement to terminate their marriage. Whereas, an at-fault divorce means that one party acted in a way that justifies termination of marriage. But… Read More »
What is the Maryland Approach to Alimony?
Alimony is a type of support payment available to a spouse during divorce proceeding and/or after completing their divorce. These support payments are designed to address financial imbalances between formerly married spouses and promote future self-sufficiency. Alimony can be awarded to either spouse, even if that spouse contributed to the grounds for divorce. When… Read More »
What is a Postnuptial Agreement under Maryland Family Law?
Maryland family law allows spouses to create legally valid contracts or agreements with each other. When prospective spouses create such a contract before marriage, it is referred to as a prenuptial agreement. These agreements typically address financial imbalances between the spouses or govern property rights. Even after the spouses get married, they are still… Read More »
Is There a Time Limit on Alimony Support in Maryland?
Alimony is a type of spousal support payment that attempts to balance inequalities between former spouses who complete a divorce. Either spouse can apply for alimony support payments. However, the Maryland courts must evaluate multiple factors before awarding alimony to either party to a divorce proceeding. What are the Factors for Awarding Alimony? Maryland… Read More »
What are Natural Guardianship Rights for Maryland Parents?
Under Maryland family law, natural birth parents have special rights and duties concerning child custody, care, and support. Referred to legally as natural guardians, parents are required to provide adequate care and support to their children. Even if the natural parents never married or completed a divorce, these rights and duties apply nonetheless. Natural… Read More »
