Archive: Family Law

It is often difficult for divorcing couples to decide how to divide their shared pets. In both Maryland and the District of Columbia, pets are viewed under the law as “property” – just another asset to be divided along with the wedding silver. Unlike other property, the value of a pet can be difficult, if not...

In a recent Maryland appellate case, a husband was ordered to make a lump sum payment of $7 Million to his ex-wife for engaging in adultery, which led to the dissolution of the marriage. Here we provide some information about the case, and when couples might consider a postnuptial agreement (a “post-nup”). What Is a “Post-nup”? A...

In the last few weeks, parents across the country have navigated an emotional and logistical whirlwind.  Sometimes tear-filled, often stressful, we’re talking about moving your kids into college. Parents almost always remember the dorm essentials – laptop, sheets, mini-fridge, storage cubes, desk lamp, whiteboard, and decorations. Often lost in the process is the realization that...

The divorce process is daunting. For many of our clients, the road to a 10-minute uncontested divorce hearing has been fraught with contentious and exhausting negotiations.  So much so, that the final hearing and receipt of the final order can feel anti-climactic. By the time they have that final order in hand, our clients are...

Estate planning clients often engage us along with their spouses. Even though each spouse signs their own will, they often coordinate their documents with one another after a major life event, such as a marriage, birth of a child, or emancipation of grown children.  These clients feel great relief as they leave their signing appointment. ...

If you pay or receive child support in Maryland, you are likely familiar with the concept of the “Maryland Child Support Guidelines”. In short, these guidelines provide the presumed amount of child support owed based upon the number of children and the combined monthly income of the parents. If you’re curious what that looks like, I’ve...

This is the 3rd and final installation in a 3-part series about the most common reasons for a prenuptial agreement (“prenup”). In March, we wrote about the most traditional scenario in which prenups might be requested: where there is a vast disparity in wealth between future spouses. In April, we wrote about second or subsequent...