If you’re wondering why there’s no discussion of COVID on my site, that’s because what I’ve written on this topic appears on my firm’s – Joseph, Greenwald & Laake’s – website. Well, look no further… Here’s a quick index so…
Read More
When it comes to where a child of separated parents lives, the child’s schedule for spending time with each parent, and decision-making about a child, the guiding principle is the child’s best interests. In settlement, this means the pare…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
Updated: January & October 2021 Third party custody is one of the fastest developing areas of Maryland law, seeing many major changes since 2016. This series of articles explores these developments and raises questions about where this area of th…
Read More
Summertime…A break from life as usual. So, too, for children with separated parents. Just how much depends upon you and your children. Every family is unique. So, too, the summer schedule can be. For some families, summer is an extension of the sch…
Read More
In Maryland, remarriage directly affects alimony – but how it affects things depends on whether you receive or pay alimony. Maryland law has clear rules about when alimony stops after remarriage and other life changes. Careful consideration nee… Read More
Going through a divorce is never easy. But it doesn’t always have to mean a drawn-out battle in court. In Maryland, many couples turn to divorce mediation as a way to resolve their differences without litigation. If you’re considering this ro… Read More
Child support orders aren’t set in stone. Life circumstances change, and Maryland law recognizes that adjustments may be necessary to ensure that child support remains fair and appropriate for both parents and children. If you’re wondering how to… Read More
Guide to Child Custody in Maryland: What Parents Need to Know Understanding child custody in Maryland can be confusing and stressful, especially when emotions are involved. As a parent, your biggest concern is making sure your child is safe, happy, a… Read More
