Category Archives: Family Law
7 Grounds for Absolute Divorce in Maryland
Under Maryland Family Code 7-103, there are several grounds for which a Maryland court may declare an absolute divorce and dissolve a valid marriage. The following sections will provide an overview of seven different grounds for absolute divorce in Maryland. Adultery A Maryland court may declare an absolute divorce based on adultery. The faithful… Read More »
6 Variations of Child Custody Arrangements in Maryland
Child custody is an important consideration for unmarried parents and divorced couples. If either parent can obtain sole custody, then they have the power to control most aspects of their children’s lives. To understand the boundaries of this legal issue, the following sections will explore six concepts involved in child custody arrangements in Maryland…. Read More »
How Does Maryland Calculate Alimony During a Divorce?
Alimony is a type of support payment that occurs during or after divorce. Often referred to legally as spousal support, alimony exists to address a financial or other imbalance between a divorcing couple. The disadvantaged spouse can make progress toward self-sufficiency with regular alimony payments for a fixed period of time. In Maryland, a… Read More »
6 Key Provisions of Marital Separation Agreements in Maryland
During a Maryland divorce, it is possible for the spouses to simplify the process and execute a marital separation agreement. If the spouses can reach mutual agreement on a number of important terms, then divorce can be as simple as signing a contract in Maryland. While each marital separation agreement is different, most of… Read More »
Receiving Maryland Child Support via Direct Deposit or EPiC
Child support is a legal mechanism that ensures both parents contribute to the welfare of their children. During a divorce or custody process, a Maryland court can order one parent to pay child support to the other parent. Generally, the noncustodial parent makes support payments to the custodial parent. This accounts for the additional… Read More »
How Does Maryland Define Family and Marital Property?
In order to establish clear guidelines for property division during a divorce, Maryland employs several definitions for family and marital property. As highlighted in Code of Maryland 8-201, there are three types of property that are important during the divorce process — family home, family use personal property and marital property. Before progressing any… Read More »
Four Types of Child Visitation Schedules in Maryland
If a divorced couple has minor children in Maryland, then the parents must establish a child visitation schedule. These schedules help break down the specifics of child support, ensuring that both parents play a role in their children’s lives. In many cases, the parents are able to work together and isolate a mutually agreeable… Read More »
Limited Divorce vs. Absolute Divorce in Maryland
There are two different types of divorce in Maryland — limited divorce and absolute divorce. While many characteristics and requirements are the same for both types of divorce, there are notable differences between these legal devices. Limited Divorce in Maryland As established in Maryland Family Code 7-102, a state court can declare a limited… Read More »
How Does Maryland Divide Marital Property During a Divorce?
When a married couple goes through the formal divorce process in Maryland, the court decides on a fair and balanced “equitable distribution” arrangement for property division. This is different from the “community property” approach in certain U.S. states — where the court simply divides all of the married couple’s assets in half. In Maryland,… Read More »
Emergency Child Custody Orders in Maryland
Whatever the individual circumstances of a child custody dispute, Maryland law prioritizes the best interests of the child or children involved. When there is an emergency or other dangerous situation which presents a threat to a child, then the Maryland courts have the power to intervene to protect the child or children involved when… Read More »
