A parenting plan is a written agreement that outlines each parent’s specific rights, duties and responsibilities regarding the care and decision-making of their children. This plan can either establish the initial terms or modify an existing agreement based on the evolving needs of the parties and children. However, while parenting plans serve various purposes, many…
Although divorce may be a necessary process, some couples worry it is too expensive to pursue. In Maryland, the average cost of divorce ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 per individual, with more complicated divorces costing $40,000 or more. However, there are ways to minimize these costs. In the guide below, we will explore steps you…
These days, the role of grandparents in the lives of their grandchildren holds immense significance. The special bond formed between grandparents and grandchildren is often cherished and vital in the child’s upbringing. However, when situations change, it may become necessary for a grandparent to pursue legal custody of a grandchild. This is done to preserve…
In Maryland, there are no strict guidelines about who can stay in the marital home during a separation. In truth, it is common for both spouses to want to keep living in the house and may expect the other person to leave. While the decision to move out during the separation can affect who gets…
The term “mother state” refers to the outdated maternal preference doctrine, which historically led courts to favor mothers over fathers in child custody cases. This doctrine was officially abolished in Maryland in 1974 due to its discriminatory nature, as it allowed mothers to be awarded custody solely based on their gender. In general, the determination…
In Maryland, filing for divorce first typically does not play a substantial role in the court’s final decisions regarding property division, alimony, child support, and other pertinent matters. However, being the first to file may offer a strategic advantage, particularly in cases where conflicts are anticipated. In the guide below, we will review this issue…
In Maryland, marriage is defined as a civil contract between two individuals. When a marriage is dissolved, a divorce is the legal process that officially ends the marriage. This is typically executed through the issuance of a divorce decree by a court, which legally declares the marriage no longer valid. Although couples sometimes believe that…
When considering divorce, a no-fault, uncontested approach is highly advantageous. This method involves both parties mutually agreeing to separate without assigning blame or engaging in conflict. By choosing this route, the couple can maintain complete control over the terms of their divorce, including aspects such as asset division and child custody. More importantly, this approach…
If a parent in Maryland who pays child support experiences a significant (a.k.a. material) change in their financial circumstances and is unable to continue meeting their child support obligations, the expenses for a child(ren), or the number of overnights that parent has with a child, they can ask a court to modify the child support…
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can sometimes be seen in a negative light. People may be reluctant to discuss a prenuptial agreement with their partner because they worry it may indicate a lack of trust. However, these agreements are important and, in some cases, necessary. In fact, they may even help address and resolve potential issues,…
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