A December 11, 2017 Washington Post article, “More than 20 states in 2017 considered laws to promote shared custody of children after divorce”, states: “Now lawmakers are accelerating this trend toward co-parenting, with legislature…
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What is a Right of First Refusal for Parenting Time? It is the other parent’s right to spend time with the children if you are unavailable to be with them during your scheduled time. It obligates you to offer that time to the other parent befor…
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Parents divorce; children don’t divorce their parents. When it comes to holidays, co-parenting goes beyond keeping to the holiday schedule. Children rely on parents for help. Holidays are no different. Cooperative co-parents help children enjoy…
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Transitioning from an intact to a separated family poses many challenges. For the parents. And for their children. Holidays are a special challenge all their own. Time and again, I hear from Judges and Magistrates that litigating parents don’t…
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Short answer: No. In Maryland, there are two types of guardianship: Guardianship of the Person; and, Guardianship of the Property. A guardian of the person is responsible for decision making about the minor child and making sure the child receives pr…
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A child’s preference is a relevant factor for the court to consider when deciding a custody arrangement (schedule and decision-making). The child’s preference is but one of many best interests factors the court is supposed to consider whe…
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In September 2017, I attended a conference at which one of the speakers said that a child who has had an opportunity to have a voice and be heard in the custody process is more likely to follow the custody order even if not the child’s desired…
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Maryland recognizes three types of attorneys who can be appointed to represent children in contested custody, access/visitation/parenting time, and domestic violence cases. All of these roles require that the attorney be appointed by court order to r…
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When a parent or spouse is determined voluntarily impoverished, the court may determine child support or alimony based upon the parent’s or spouse’s potential income and earning capacity. In Child Support Cases: Voluntary impoverishment was d…
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On September 29, the Court of Special Appeals issued an opinion about child support, focusing on the intersection of voluntary impoverishment (deliberate unemployment or underemployment to avoid paying child support) and immigration status. In short,…
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