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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You Committed Adultery. Now Tell Your Divorce Lawyer.

March 30, 2021 By
Liz EstephanLiz Estephan, Attorney

You and your spouse are on the cusp of getting a divorce or are already in the midst of the divorce process. You’ve been unfaithful, but are unsure if your spouse is aware. Do you admit you committed adultery? When do you admit you committed adultery? Should you tell your lawyer? When do you tell your lawyer?

These are all valid questions and concerns.
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Should I Borrow or Accept Money from Family While Getting Divorced?

March 26, 2021 By
Erin KopelmanErin Kopelman, Principal

Cash flow is a common concern for most people going through separation or divorce. Many clients ask me if they can accept or borrow money from family.

While accepting or borrowing money from family may seem like an economical option because it often does not require a loan agreement, interest, penalties or preapproval, it can actually have unintended and potentially harmful consequences on the remaining aspects of your divorce.
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Donna Van Scoy Honored as One of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record

March 25, 2021 By
Family Law GroupFamily Law Group

Divorce attorney Donna Van Scoy has been selected as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record.

According to The Daily Record, “Maryland’s Top 100 Women recognizes high-achieving Maryland women who are making an impact through their leadership, community service and mentoring. Winners are selected by past Top 100 Women and business leaders.”

A highly regarded member of the family law bar, Donna also made this list in 2013. 
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Let’s Collaborate!

March 19, 2021 By and

Over the first two weeks in March, we completed training to qualify us to practice Collaborative Divorce. In sharing feedback at the conclusion of the training, we both are excited about having a new option to offer our clients in terms of process.

Perhaps the most enticing part of Collaborative is the team-based approach and the transparency – it is a holistic approach that empowers clients to make informed decisions for their family’s future.
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Who gets the Frozen Embryos in the Divorce?

March 12, 2021 By
AvatarCasey Florance, Principal

Scrolling through the newsfeed on my Facebook page recently brought me to an article about the actress Sofía Vergara’s long legal battle with her former fiancé, Nick Loeb, over the disposition of their frozen embryos.

They had apparently planned to have children – and gone through the beginning stages of the process to do so – but then broke up before any of the embryos were brought to term.
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Should I Get a Loan While Getting Divorced?

March 3, 2021 By
Erin KopelmanErin Kopelman, Principal

If you’re going through a separation or divorce and cash flow is tight, you’re not alone. Many families going through separation or divorce find it difficult to get their hands on cash and pay expenses, especially with the increased cost of going from having one household to two, and paying lawyers. Many people wonder if they should get a loan.

In general, at the time of divorce, the then-existing marital assets are valued and equitably divided between you and your spouse.
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Telling Your Children Their Parents are Getting Divorced

February 26, 2021 By
AvatarDonna E. Van Scoy, Principal

Few couples marry with the thought that someday they will be divorced. Fewer couples have children with the thought that they will be children of divorce.

Despite parties’ intentions, divorces happen. If you have children and decide to divorce, PLEASE make every effort to work together to tell your children you are getting divorce. Your children will remember how they found out their parents were getting divorced.
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Visualizing Your Life: Achieving Your Post-Divorce Goals

February 15, 2021 By
Chris RobertsChris Roberts, Principal

I have found that an effective way to face divorce is to visualize your future post-divorce life, then work backwards (so to speak) from that end goal to take the steps necessary to achieve it. This strategy can help you shape the positions you take during the divorce and create a light at the end of the tunnel.

I discuss this concept in detail above.
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Is the COVID Pandemic Hindering Your Child’s Chances of Future Success?

February 12, 2021 By
AvatarErik Arena, Principal

“…[I]t ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!” – Rocky Balboa

Since roughly April 2020, the concern I’ve heard most from clients, friends, and colleagues alike – what is the pandemic doing to my child’s academic and social development? 
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