Your Move: Relocation and Custody

August 27, 2021 By
AvatarHeather Collier, Principal

People relocate for a variety of reasons: pursuing a job opportunity, moving closer to family, or moving due to remarriage – just to name a few.  Adults have a constitutional right to travel and to move wherever they choose.  But what happens when you share custody of minor children and have an established parenting agreement or Court order?  While you have the right to relocate, you do not necessarily have the right to take your children with you.  
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Children are Still Struggling While Adults Return to Normalcy

July 12, 2021 By and

As more of our population becomes fully vaccinated against Covid-19, many of us are now able to enjoy a greater semblance of normalcy. Mask-less trips to the grocery store, a return to the office, summer get-togethers with friends, weekend trips, and vacations are increasingly the norm.

For parents, however, it is important to understand that our children are not experiencing the same level of recovery.
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A Groundbreaking New Child Support Ruling in Maryland

June 25, 2021 By
Liz EstephanLiz Estephan, Attorney

Awarding child support to a non-custodial parent doesn’t seem to make sense. Why would a parent who has access with his or her children for less time receive child support from the custodial parent?

Well, Kaplan v. Kaplan says exactly that. Kaplan, a case of first impression in Maryland may bring good news to some that child support could flow to the parent who doesn’t have as much access with his or her children. 
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The Court of Special Appeals Weighs in on the Frozen Embryo Issue

June 8, 2021 By
AvatarCasey Florance, Principal

In my last post (Who gets the Frozen Embryos in the Divorce?), I explored how the Court might handle the disputed disposition of frozen embryos upon the divorce of the parents-to-be.

I hypothesized that the Court might view embryos as marital property, and I recommended consulting a lawyer as part of the assisted reproductive process to ensure that a clear and enforceable contract is in place regarding the disposition of any frozen embryos upon divorce or either party’s death. 
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What Does Divorce Mean for Your Vacation Home?

June 4, 2021 By and

If you own a vacation home, odds are that you consider it a place of serenity and fond memories. When couples separate and divorce is on the horizon, the question is inevitably asked: “What happens to our vacation house?”

First, you and your spouse can always agree on what to do with your vacation home. Examples of the types of agreements you and your spouse could reach are: agreement to sell it and divide the proceeds, one spouse could buy-out the other spouse’s interest and keep the home, or perhaps the home becomes part of a bigger picture estate plan or trust so that children and grandchildren may continue to enjoy it, despite any divorce.
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How to Uncover Your Assets and Financial Situation

Get your Arms Around Your Family Finances

May 26, 2021 By
Erin KopelmanErin Kopelman, Principal

One of the most common concerns I hear from my clients is that they do not know their family’s or spouse’s finances. This is more common than you think.  According to some statistics from last year, in 42% of relationships one partner in the relationship handles the finances, and in 46% of marriages the couples have separate bank accounts. This means almost half of married people don’t know their complete financial picture. 
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The Modern Day File Cabinet: When Can You Access Your Spouse’s Electronically Stored Information?

May 14, 2021 By
Chris RobertsChris Roberts, Principal

Your spouse is in the shower and his or her phone lights up on the nightstand… a text message from an unknown number. You unlock the phone using the same tried and true six-digit password that has served as security for countless phones, computers, and email accounts. A string of text messages between your spouse and a lover appears. So begins a deep dive into every electronic device and email account you can get your hands on.
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To Vax or Not To Vax: Co-Parents Face Tough Decision When It Comes to Vaccinating Kids

May 7, 2021 By
Erin KopelmanErin Kopelman, Principal

Ever since it was announced that children age 16 and older can get vaccinated against COVID-19, the phone is ringing and emails are popping from clients — many of whom I haven’t heard from in some time. The issue many of them are struggling with is that they and their co-parent disagree on whether to get their children vaccinated.

Whether your child receives a vaccination is a medical decision.
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Preparing for Separation and Divorce

April 30, 2021 By
AvatarDonna E. Van Scoy, Principal

It is wise to meet with a divorce attorney, if possible, before your separation. If not, do so close to your separation.

Obtaining information about the process and having your questions answered helps with the stress and uncertainty. It also enables you to participate in how your divorce will proceed.

To locate an attorney communicate with your family, friends, co-workers, professional contacts, and community contacts.
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The Truth Will Set You Free: Why Credibility is Currency in Divorce and Custody Cases

April 9, 2021 By
AvatarErik Arena, Principal

Most of us have done things we are embarrassed about or ashamed of — things we would rather not share in polite company, for fear of being judged.  We omit, shade, deflect or deny for the sake of maintaining appearances. 

This tendency surfaces frequently in family law courtrooms across Maryland and the District of Columbia, where judges and magistrates are, in fact, tasked with assessing the fitness and credibility of spouses and parents every day. 
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