Category Archives: Family Law
4 Types of Child Custody Under Maryland Family Law
Under Maryland family law, unmarried or divorced parents must figure out child custody arrangements and determine who has control over the children involved. In certain cases, one parent takes complete responsibility for decision-making and care on their children’s behalf. In other cases, both parents share these responsibilities and care for their children jointly. Before… Read More »
What are the Maryland Laws for Splitting Up Marital Property?
During the process of completing a Maryland divorce, the spouses must consider how to split up their marital property. Property division can be an incredibly difficult process, as the spouses have to tear apart many aspects of their lives. In many cases, there is also the issue of possession and use of the family… 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 »
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 »
