The term “mother state” refers to the outdated maternal preference doctrine, which historically led courts to favor mothers over fathers in child custody cases.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 This is typically executed through the issuance of a divorce decree by a court, which legally declares the marriage no longer valid.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,…
Protective and peace orders are two types of orders that are designed to prevent someone from harming, harassing, stalking, or contacting another individual. Some states refer to these as “restraining” orders. However, while there are similarities between these orders, there are also important differences. In the blog below, we will look at these key differences…
A protective order in Maryland is a legal document that prohibits a person from approaching or contacting another individual or committing certain acts against them. While these orders are incredibly important, not everyone understands what they entail. Why Do People Seek a Protective Order? Individuals seeking a protective order (petitioners) are often victims of abuse,…
Every child in Maryland has the right to receive support from both parents, even if they are legally separated, divorced, or were never married in the first place. In the below blog post, we provide an overview of the child support laws in Maryland and what they can mean for you. What Is Child Support…
In Maryland, a legal guardian is an individual or group responsible for making financial and personal decisions for another person. Legal guardianship is usually used for adults with a disability, incapacitated seniors, or minor children. In addition, there are several different types of guardianship, including guardianship of property, guardianship of a person, limited guardianship, short-term…
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