Whether to stay in an unhappy, unhealthy relationship or breakup and move on is a tough decision. Change is hard and I’m a believer that people aren’t ready until they are ready. Even so, instead of decision through indecision, be intentional. Wh…
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How are parents’ constitutionally protected beliefs and behaviors weighed against children’s best interests in child custody decisions? The Fourteenth Amendment of the United States’ Constitution protects against the state’s t…
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(Or, finding the better path – a divorce lawyer’s perspective.) “Marriage Story” might more accurately (though less invitingly) be titled “Divorce Story”. It’s a tale about the divorce experience. While that…
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In 2015, the Maryland General Assembly added “Mutual Consent” as a ground for absolute divorce. Mutual Consent requires that: (i) the parties do not have any minor children in common; (ii) the parties execute and submit to the court a wri…
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Divorce invites isolation. This happens with the separation. From one home into two. From an intact marriage into two estranged spouses. From an intact family into splitting time with the children. Suddenly. This happens with extended family and frie…
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Legal Background: Currently, Maryland Family Law Article §2-301 allows minors to marry under the following circumstances: A 16 or 17 year old, either: With the parents’ or guardians’ consent and swearing that the person is aged 16 or older; or,…
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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…
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“When it comes to marriage, or long-term monogamy, we have to take the good with the bad, the weak with the strong. But what I’m not hearing here is a clear sense that your boyfriend is troubled by the inequalities in the relationship, that h…
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A recent Pew Research study shows that support of same sex marriage is at an all time high. So, why is there still doubt in Maryland about whether a divorce can be granted based upon same sex adultery? Because that’s what we Maryland lawyers we…
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A recent article in the New York Times, To Stay In Love, Sign on the Dotted Line, describes a more deliberate process – a written relationship contract – for what many (if not most) couples do instinctively. At its simplest, a relationshi…
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If you and your spouse have been considering divorce, it’s important to understand the recent updates to Maryland’s divorce laws. Changes that went into effect last year have made the process more straightforward, providing clearer options for co… Read More
Divorcing and separating couples often seek mental health services – counseling & therapy – for themselves (individually or as a couple), their children, and/or their family. The confidentiality of therapy invites sharing information in a saf… Read More
As lively as the 2022 Maryland General Assembly was with so many bills, few family law bills passed. Below is an update about those bills which may be relevant to your practice or impact your family. Bills in italics passed. The rest did not. May 31,… Read More
What is AA v. Ab D? AA v. Ab D is a 2020 Court of Special Appeals opinion involving these important concepts in child custody cases: The court’s obligation to children when deciding child custody. Children’s rights to have their best interests fu… Read More
