Last week, I participated in a fascinating, multidisciplinary roundtable discussion about the challenges professionals face in reunification cases. Specifically, when a parent wishes to establish a parent-child relationship when there is none and when a child refuses involvement with a parent. When there is no existing parent-child relationship, the challenges involve introduction of a parent who a child may have had no knowledge of; when to disclose that this is a parent; and, establishing a relationship when there is no bond, especially when the time during which a child forms attachments has passed. Child refusal often stems from alienation by one parent of the other; estrangement due a parent's own behaviors, whether due to mental health, domestic violence, abuse, neglect, addiction, or other; and, a child's natural alignment or affinity for one parent or other; and, conflict between the parents - or a combination of these. The challenges are many - parent compliance, access to mental health and reunification services, appropriate education for professionals, resources and affordability, and disconnects between the litigation and reunification processes - to name a few. Undoubtedly, reunification takes time and requires both parents to be successful. While from 2009, "Second Chances - A Guidebook for Parents Wishing to Reunite with Their Children" is excellent resource for both parents involved in the reunification process.
Prenuptial agreements often get a bad reputation. Thanks to movies and media, they’re frequently portrayed as something only the super-wealthy use or as a way to already have one foot out the door before saying “I do”. But this simply isn’t t… Read More
In the often-challenging time of a divorce, questions surrounding who remains in the family home can be both emotional and complex. In Maryland, a legal concept called “use and possession” can come into play to address these concerns. Understandi… Read More
When a couple divorces, one partner may need to provide financial support to the other. This support (called alimony) helps the lower-earning partner transition to life after divorce. In Maryland, the process of determining alimony can be complex. Th… Read More
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