On August 10, the Court of Appeals issued a new family law opinion, McGeehan v. McGeehan. The headnote for which is: “Under Section 8-201(e)(3)(iii) of the Family Law Article of the Maryland Code, which permits …
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What is Child Custody?
In Maryland, child custody has two main parts: physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody involves where a child lives, when a child spends time with each parent, and any conditions. Physical custody is also …
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What role does parent disability play in Maryland child custody decisions?
As with all child custody decisions, much (if not all) depends upon the trial judge deciding the case. But since 2016, Family Law Article §9-107 provides a framework for judges deciding child custody cases involving parent …
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An All Too True and Harrowing Account About Removing Children from Unfit Parents
This New Yorker perspective piece on Child Protective Services’ removal of children from their parents is a difficult read. But, gives a fairly accurate account of the many moving pieces and challenges in these cases. In …
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Amber’s Law – Electronic Monitoring & Notice to Victims of Offender’s Proximity to Stay Away Locations
While not obviously a domestic violence law, Amber’s Law (HB1163) implements procedures enabling a victim to request reasonable safety protections for herself and her family upon finding of probable cause and before the arrest warrant …
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Further Thoughts on the Challenges of Nesting
This Washington Post Perspective piece discusses issues I’ve written about before (A Parents Perspective On Nesting & Practical Considerations) but also questions the emotional aspects of nesting – for children and their parents. “[N]esting could …
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Resilience – A Work in Progress
Resilience is not something we have or don’t. Resilience is something we can build – at any age. This New York Times article focuses on practical tips for building resilience in middle age. “Scientists who …
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Why Don’t All Mediators Draft Settlement Agreements?
There are two camps of mediators: those who draft agreements and those who don’t. For those who don’t, they draft a list of settlement terms for the parties to take to their own (separate) attorneys …
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A Contract by Any Other Name…Still a Contract
Many family law matters settle. Using many different settlement methods. Whatever settlement method is used, the parties need to get from a shared understanding of the settlement terms to a document confirming those terms. In …
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Is Mediation a Substitution for Attorney Representation?
Short answer: No. More and more, I see mediation framed as a “one-stop” solution for couples who want to resolve their family matters. However, mediation is not the same as being represented by an attorney. …
