Each state in the country has the authority to enact laws governing marriage and divorce. These laws can vary a great deal, especially when it comes to the acceptable grounds for divorce. The Maryland Family Code identifies two types of divorce that couples may pursue: absolute and limited. When seeking…
Many states throughout the country have enacted “no fault” divorce laws, essentially permitting married couples to file for divorce without first citing specific grounds or satisfying other cumbersome requirements. Under Maryland law, however, spouses may only file for a “no fault” divorce after living apart for one full year, in…
Divorce is a serious matter. Depending on the particular family circumstances, there may be a variety of important and challenging decisions to make that will have a long-term impact on the parties involved. In most cases, spouses will be expected to address issues such as child custody and visitation, spousal…
Under Maryland law, children born or conceived during a marriage are presumed to be the legitimate children of both spouses. The issue of paternity is important to settle as early in a child’s life as possible, for emotional, financial, and legal reasons. Once a man is determined to be the…
Every state in the country has the authority to enact laws governing marriage and divorce. Couples who initiate divorce proceedings will be subject to their state’s particular laws. It is important to understand the family code in your state, as well as the applicable laws that will likely affect the outcome…
Divorce is difficult. Couples seeking to dissolve their marriage will likely face some challenging and potentially divisive issues, such as child custody and support, alimony, and the division of marital property. Ideally, the parties will set aside their differences to address these important matters in an effort to move forward…
State laws govern various aspects of marriage and divorce. Since each state has the authority to enact such laws, there are many differences, both procedural and substantive, throughout the country. Here in Maryland, in 2012, Governor Martin O’Malley signed Senate Bill 116, the Civil Marriage Protection Act, thereby legalizing same-sex civil marriage…
Child custody disputes are arguably among the most emotionally charged issues a couple will face during a divorce proceeding. In many cases, both spouses approach the issue of child custody with the hope of spending as much time with their child as possible after the divorce. And while the typical…
Divorce affects each family in a unique way. In most cases, however, the parties will have to address and resolve many emotional and financial matters. Some of the more significant financial issues concern child support, spousal support, and the division of marital property. Depending on the circumstances, one party may be…
In any divorce matter, it is important for each spouse to consult with his or her own attorney, who will seek to protect that person’s separate rights going forward. One of the most important documents that divorcing spouses often agree to is a marital settlement agreement or “MSA.” In many cases, the…