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 called residential custody or pa… Read More
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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 disability. This follows t… Read More
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Categories: Child Custody

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. R… Read More
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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 issues. T… Read More
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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 study stress and resilienc… Read More
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Categories: About

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 to draft. For those who do, these fall… Read More
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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 many cases, this require… Read More
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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. These are two different –… Read More
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Financial Fidelity & Relationships

In a recent survey of 2000 millennials, almost two-thirds (60%) reported that a romantic partner used money to manipulate or gain power and control in a relationship and an equal amount (60%) said a romantic partner had either lied about money, or hi… Read More
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What is an Emergency?

Family clients have many urgent concerns because family cases are complicated. But is every urgent issue an emergency in the Court’s eyes? Short answer: No. What is an emergency depends both upon the Circuit Court’s case management plan a… Read More
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