young couple meeting with psychologist

What are some of the Benefits of pursuing Mediation during a Divorce?

If you and your spouse are going through a divorce in Maryland but are unable to resolve certain issues such as  how your assets are going to be divided or custody or visitation with your children, your divorce will be classified as a contested one. When a couples’ divorce is contested, it can make the process more difficult and delay finalizing the divorce. If the parties have initiated the divorce process through the court system, nearly all contested cases get referred to court ordered mediation while the case proceeds on a trial schedule. Hence, you should inquire about the mediation process once you anticipate your marriage is coming to an end. Read more

Two separate wedding rings next to the word "divorce"

Maryland Passes New Divorce Law that Applies to Those Who are Filing for an Absolute Divorce

A new law recently took effect in the state of Maryland regarding filing for an absolute divorce and many spouses might be happy to hear what modification this new law has made. As of October 1, 2018, both parties who are filing for an absolute divorce on the grounds of mutual consent are no longer required to appear together before the court in order for their divorce to be granted [Source: SB 499]. In the past, the divorce law required that both individuals be present in court at the same time given the same circumstances applied. Read more

Tips to Help Reduce Stress When Going Through a Divorce

Divorces are stressful experiences no couple ever expects to have to endure. Unfortunately, marriages don’t always work out the way we plan and many often find themselves faced with the dreadful divorce process. This process can often be draining both physically and mentally and if you want to keep it together throughout it for your sake and that of your children if you have any, then you may want to consider these tips that are geared toward easing your stress while going through a divorce. Read more

Marital Agreements: What You Need to Know About Them

Many couples consider entering into a prenuptial agreement prior to getting married.. A prenuptial agreement is a  contract that establishes rights between the parties, frequently different than the law would provide, in the event a couple decides to divorce. Some things that these contacts address include: Read more

young couple having a problem

Can I File for Legal Separation in the State of Maryland?

If you and your spouse have decided that it is time the two of you separate despite the fact that you are legally married, you do have the option of separating from one another until you decide to move forward with the actual divorce process. During this time, you do not need to file any paperwork to retain a legal separation as this does not exist in the state of Maryland. A couple is considered to be separated in you live apart, share the same intent of ending the relationship, and do not have sexual intercourse during this time. However, the manner in which the separation takes place can have a significant impact on several divorce issues, including custody of minor children, so it is recommended to get legal advice from experienced divorce law attorneys before planning to move out of the marital home. Read more

Happy couple on a date

Can I Date Another Person if My Divorce is Not Finalized?

If you’ve separated from your spouse and plan to file for divorce, there are a few things you need to be aware of in regards to dating if you are contemplating on seeing someone before your divorce is finalized. While you may be under the impression that you are free to date whomever you want now that you and your spouse aren’t living together, Maryland laws don’t exactly see it the way. The fact is, if you want to date someone and still be in compliance with the law, you must be divorced first. We recognize that simply isn’t the way the many divorce unfold, so we are prepared to deal with this complication and minimize the negative repercussions. Read more

Custody of child

What Are Some Ways I Can Prepare for a Child Custody Case in Maryland?

If you are going through a divorce and you have children, one of the most pressing matters that you will find yourself dealing with  is child custody. If you are like most parents, you probably are hoping that you are awarded fair custody and that you can reach an  agreement that  is in the best interest of your child.  With a little preparation, you can increase the chances of  this happening.  Going into a child custody case prepared helps you  obtain the outcome that is in your favor and also gives you the advantage of knowing what to expect. Read more

father and son

What are the Different Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Maryland?

When two parents decide to divorce or separate, generally they need to come to some sort of agreement on how their time is going to be divided between their children, also referred to as a custody arrangement. While parents are encouraged to work together and create a custody arrangement of their own, it must be reviewed by a judge to ensure it is in the best interest of the child. The State of Massachusetts recognizes four types of custody arrangements and we are explaining what these are below. Read more

Divorce decree and wooden gavel

Tips for Individuals Who are Filing for Divorce After the Age of 50

Going through a divorce can be difficult for any couple, regardless of their ages. But, divorcing after you have spent 20+ years with the same person and reaching a point in your life where you simply want to be settled can be extremely difficult for many to accept. Many individuals who are 50 or older and have recently divorced find themselves lost as they spent a good portion of their life with this one person. These Individuals have established routines, managed their finances, and developed a lifestyle with their partner whom they thought they would be married to for the rest of their life but will soon be disconnected from. Read more

father and son

What are the Steps in a Child Custody Case in Maryland?

Child custody is one of the most complicated aspects of any divorce and the process is often harder on the children than it is on the parents. When a divorce is contested, child custody is frequently more difficult to resolve as the parties find it hard to  agree on how their parenting time is going to be divided.  If a divorce is uncontested and the parties are able to agree on the other issues,  they generally have a greater chance of  establishing a child custody plan that works for both parties and the children. Read more