Obviously, spouses never marry with the intent of one day separating. But every year, thousands of spouses across the United States choose to go their separate ways. If something has a nearly 50% chance of happening, wouldn’t it make sense to prepare in advance? This...
Family Law
Why a parent’s income matters for child support
Maryland parents know all too well how expensive it can be to care for children. For those who are not in any kind of relationship with their child’s other parent, there is often an added degree of difficulty as they have to try and work with that person to determine...
National Adoption Month highlights the miracle of adoption
November is National Adoption Month around the country. Many Maryland families already know how rewarding the miracle of adoption can be, but this month was created to help educate more of the public on this issue. There are many children in need of a loving home and...
High-earning wives may need a prenuptial agreement
For a significant portion of history, men have generally out-earned women. This trend is changing, however, and while it is welcome by many, it carries certain implications for women who earn more money than their husbands. Many people may think nothing of getting a...
A prenuptial agreement can help take care of children
Once a Maryland couple becomes engaged and begins to plan for their life together, there are a number of things that need to be considered. In addition to the wedding itself, the couple will need to decide where they will live, how they will handle their finances and...
His Name Wasn’t Bad Enough
In a recent unreported case the Maryland Court of Special Appeals upheld a Circuit Court decision which found that a father's conviction of a sex offense involving his wife's 14-year-old sister did not warrant a change of his child's name. The Court of Special Appeals...
Children Wrongfully Removed From Peru May Remain in Maryland
When a parent flees to another country with a child to evade the other parent's custody rights, the Hague Convention, generally requires the child's immediate return so that custody rights can be determined in the child's country of residence. However, the United...
Help For Abused, Neglected, or Abandoned Children Out of Immigration Status
A special immigrant juvenile (SIJ) is a child who is abused, neglected, or abandoned and who, with their family, illegally entered the United States. The law still requires that the immigrant child obtain an order from a state court making findings that the juvenile...
Gay Marriage
Maryland has enacted a law legalizing gay marriage; however, the law does not take effect until next year and a referendum is expected. If the referendum occurs polling shows a 50/50 split among voters on this issue. Stay tuned.