Here is a summary of the important points covered in this guide: The documents you should bring to a custody hearing. How to make your case as the custodial parent in Maryland. Questions you can expect to be asked by the judge during your custody hearing. What Documents Do I Need To Bring To A Custody Hearing? The custody hearing is an important aspect of getting custody of your children, and you need to be as prepared as possible. There are many different documents that can be used as evidence at a custody hearing. Some examples of evidence that are frequently used at custody hearings include: Text messages; Emails; Social media messages or posts; Pictures with your children; and Pictures of your home to show the court the quality of…Read More
The term “dissipation” is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “wasteful expenditure.” In the context of Maryland Divorce Law, dissipation occurs when “one spouse uses marital property for his or her own benefit for a purpose unrelated to the marriage at a time where the marriage is undergoing an irreconcilable breakdown.” Omayaka v. Omayaka, 417 Md. 643 (2011). Maryland Courts have also found dissipation to occur when “one spouse spent or otherwise depleted marital funds or property with the principal purpose of reducing the amount of funds that would be available for equitable distribution at the time of the divorce.” Welsh v. Welsh, 135 Md. App. 29, 51 (2000). It is important to note that not all expenditures made by one spouse during the breakdown of the marriage will be…Read More
This guide covers the following important points: Whether Maryland courts have a bias towards mothers in custody cases. Joint custody and whether this arrangement is always the best option for your children. Whether custody automatically goes to the parent that keeps the matrimonial home. Are Courts In Maryland Biased Towards Mothers In Custody Cases? It is a common misconception that courts are biased towards mothers in custody cases. When the courts decide custody, they look at a lot of different factors, including each parent's history of caring for the children. Regardless of which gender you are, having a strong history of caring for the children can really help your case. Common examples of ways to demonstrate your history of caring for the children include, but are not limited to, providing…Read More
When a couple decides to divorce, some of the most valuable assets that they may own are retirement accounts. Retirement accounts – such as 401(k)s, pensions, IRAs, and other retirement funds – are often accumulated during the course of the marriage, and how these assets are divided can significantly affect both parties' financial future. It’s essential for divorcing spouses to understand the key factors that influence how retirement assets are divided, as well as the specific procedures required to ensure that the division is carried out fairly. 1. Is Retirement Considered Marital Property In Maryland? Yes. In Maryland, retirement assets accumulated during the marriage are considered “marital property” just the same as real estate, bank accounts and other property. Maryland is an "equitable distribution" state, meaning that in the event…Read More
Some of the key points covered in this guide include: How parents can create a flexible schedule that avoids conflict. Strategies to help children feel joyous and comfortable during holiday timesharing. Way to prevent external family interference with co-parenting. What Are Some Common Sources Of Holiday Visitation Stress For Co-Parents, And How Can They Impact The Season? The holiday season is one of the most important times for families. However, for co-parents, it can be a source of stress if you can’t agree on who will have the children and for what portion of the holiday. Sometimes, you and the other party are able to figure this out easily, and you can agree on how to divide holiday time. But other times, there may be a specific portion of the…Read More
When a couple decides to divorce, one of the most complex issues they often face is how to divide their property. Maryland, like many other states, has specific laws governing the division of marital property, and understanding these laws is crucial for individuals going through a divorce. In this article, we’ll explore how marital property is defined, how it’s divided, and what factors come into play during the process in Maryland. What Is Marital Property? In Maryland, marital property refers to any property acquired during the marriage, regardless of who holds the title. This can include real estate, vehicles, retirement accounts, and personal property. Property acquired during the course of the marriage is considered marital property even if it is only titled in the name of one spouse. There are…Read More
When it comes to planning for the future, many people avoid thinking about their estate, assuming that a Will is only necessary for the wealthy or elderly. However, having a Will is an essential step for anyone, regardless of age or financial status. A Will not only ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes but also provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Below, we’ll explore the key benefits of having a Will and why it should be considered an essential part of your life planning. 1. Control Over Asset Distribution One of the most important reasons to have a Will is that it gives you control over how your assets will be distributed after your death. Without a Will, you lose control over…Read More
Filing for divorce is a significant decision that can have major impacts on both yourself and your family. Before making this decision, it is normal to have questions about how divorce will impact your life and how the divorce process will unfold. Educating yourself about the divorce process can help you make the best decision about how to pursue the divorce and what to expect from the process. Here are some frequently asked questions that the Greenberg Legal Group receives about divorce in Maryland: 1. When and How Do I Separate From My Spouse? When deciding that you no longer wish to remain married to your spouse, it is normal to start thinking about living separate and apart. The majority of couples who are going through divorce or are divorced…Read More
In the midst of a custody dispute, documenting communication is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring a fair outcome. From texts and emails to verbal conversations, keeping a thorough record can help demonstrate patterns of behavior, giving you the tools to build a stronger case and safeguard your child’s best interests. In this article, you can discover… What types of communication to document during custody disputes. How keeping a communication log can help your case. How to document social media use during custody battles. What Types Of Communication Should Be Documented During Custody Battles In Maryland? Any type of written communication, such as texts, emails, and hand-written notes, should be saved and documented. This can be done by storing paper communications, preserving or screenshotting emails, and screenshotting texts. Verbal…Read More
In Maryland, the amount of Child Support to be paid by a parent is calculated using the Maryland Child Support Guidelines. In short, the Guidelines take into account a wide range of financial and custody information to determine the proper amount. The Court will typically order a child support amount which is consistent with the Maryland Child Support Guidelines. In some cases, it is possible to pay a lesser amount if a party is able to justify what is called a “Downward Deviation.” While this process can be complex, there are a few basics that you should know before beginning. Here are some frequently asked questions that the Greenberg Legal Group often receives about Downward Deviations of Child Support and the impact it has on parents in Maryland: 1. What…Read More
