Posted on June 11, 2025 in Child Custody

Almost all people have narcissistic traits. Healthy adults can benefit from a normal amount of narcissism that allows them to take pride in their accomplishments. Most teenagers display narcissistic traits, which are considered a normal part of development and growth. Narcissistic personality disorder is not the same as having a few narcissistic traits; about one in 200 people has narcissistic personality disorder, and about 75 percent of those are men.

There is no hard evidence regarding the causes of NPD, although some theories include a combination of genetic predispositions and early childhood experiences like being raised by parents who lack empathy and/or provide excessive praise. An overly sensitive temperament is usually present at birth and can be an indicator of a narcissistic personality later on. While divorce seems to bring out the worst in many people, for those married to a narcissist, a divorce can feel like pure torture.

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 Posted on May 15, 2025 in Property Division

The average federal student loan debt balance is almost $40,000; when private loan debt is included, that number can be much higher. The average public university student borrows almost $32,000 just to obtain a bachelor’s degree. As of May 2020, about 9 percent of all student loan borrowers who attended public institutions were behind on their student loan payments.

Most divorcing couples are concerned about how the marital assets will be divided. Couples with student loans could be equally concerned about how marital debt will be divided and whether student loans for one spouse actually are marital debt.

The division of student loan debt during divorce can significantly shape the financial futures of both spouses. If you are anxious about whether you will be partially responsible for your spouse’s student loan debt, it is time to speak to an experienced Gaithersburg, MD divorce attorney.

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 Posted on May 14, 2025 in Child Custody

Big changes to Child Custody in Maryland are coming!

Governor Wes Moore just implemented House Bill 1911, which will allow the Courts much more latitude in getting child custody cases right.  Why does this matter? It matters because this Bill gives the Courts greater authority, which means overall fairness in determining custody. The factors the Court can now consider include: the child’s physical and emotional needs, stability, relationships with parents and siblings, parental communication and cooperation, the impact of conflict, and the child’s preference (if appropriate).

Courts must now explain their reasoning, either on the record or in writing, ensuring families understand how decisions are made.

So, for those of you dealing with parental alienation, parental gatekeeping, parents keeping children away from the other parent, and parents who play games, this new Bill should help because it allows the Courts to consider a vast scope of things when determining custody. I have attached the Bill, below.

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 Posted on April 18, 2025 in Divorce

The most common reasons for divorce are generally expressed as lack of commitment, infidelity, too much conflict, financial issues, and lack of physical intimacy. The least-cited reason for divorce is a lack of shared interests. Divorce can be emotional, complex, and challenging – and that is just for starters. Understanding what to expect when your divorce ends up in court can help you deal with the process a bit better.

Litigation is the term used for legal action between two spouses who disagree about certain issues in the divorce. Litigation is necessary when the two spouses cannot come to a mutual agreement, and it can be intimidating for those who have never stepped inside a courtroom. It can be extremely helpful to have a knowledgeable Gaithersburg, MD divorce attorney who can guide you through the litigation process.   

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 Posted on March 13, 2025 in DUI

Alcohol affects different people in different ways, and the effect may depend on whether the person has eaten, how often he or she drinks alcohol, and the time of day the alcohol is consumed. Although only 11 percent of the adult population is made up of males between the ages of 21 and 34, this group is responsible for almost a third of all drunk-driving arrests. Overall, about 81 percent of all those arrested for DUI are male, and 19 percent are female. Every state except Utah has a 0.08 percent BAC threshold for arrest, which is equal to approximately four beers.

That being said, you can be arrested for DUI with a BAC under this limit if the police officer believes you are showing signs of intoxication, including failing field sobriety tests. Women who are arrested for DUI are often at a distinct disadvantage since the tests used to determine impairment are based on the physical makeup of men. If you have been arrested for DUI, it is extremely important that you speak to an experienced Baltimore, MD DUI attorney as quickly as possible.

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 Posted on February 14, 2025 in Family Law

Between January and August 2022, 311 protective orders were issued in the state of Maryland, and 344 were issued between January and August 2023. The category contributing to the largest percentage of this increase involved claims of stalking. While the terms peace order and protective order are often used interchangeably, they are not the same, even though they are both civil orders issued by a judge.

Many people still think of these types of orders as "restraining orders," although that is no longer the terminology in Maryland. Those seeking a protective order or peace order may only qualify for one or the other, but not both. If you are unsure whether you need a protective or peace order, speaking to an experienced Gaithersburg, MD family law attorney can be beneficial.

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 Posted on February 07, 2025 in Child Custody

Father’s Rights during Divorce and Custody cases in Maryland

When you think of the custody of children, many people assume (wrongfully) that a mother has a superior right to custody because she is the mother and/or she birthed the child.  Nothing could be less true!  While in the past, custody and visitation rights heavily favored towards mothers, legal perspectives have finally evolved, recognizing that fathers play an essential and irreplaceable role in the upbringing of their children. The Court looks at the child’s best interests, considering factors such as emotional ties, stability, and the capacity of each parent to provide for the child’s needs.

Our courts recognize that both parents have valuable contributions to make in a child’s life. This approach is laid out in various statutes and case law precedents that guide custody and visitation decisions.

What are fathers’ rights to custody and visitation?

Fathers in Maryland are entitled to equal consideration when it comes to custody and visitation. The courts do not favor mothers over fathers by default. In fact, the United States Constitution itself gives parents the Constitutional right to parent their own children.  Fathers seeking custody must demonstrate their involvement in their child’s life, their ability to provide a stable environment, and their commitment to the child’s well-being. But, just because you’re a father does NOT mean you aren’t entitled to equal parenting time with your child.

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 Posted on January 27, 2025 in Property Division

One of the questions I get asked most often is whether a spouse whose significant other "cheated" on them can benefit financially from that spouse’s behavior.  The answer is, "It’s possible."

On October 1, 2023, Maryland became a no-fault divorce State. As such, adultery has been eliminated as a ground for seeking a divorce. In other words, Maryland changed to a "no fault" divorce State, which is in line with most other States.  Divorce can be requested and granted for the following reasons/grounds:

• Irreconcilable differences

• The couple has lived apart for at least six months or

• The couple seeks a divorce by mutual consent

Can Adultery Affect the Outcome of a Divorce? 

Even though adultery is no longer a reason/ground for divorce, adultery can — and will — still be a valid consideration in Maryland divorce proceedings. This is because Maryland divorce courts are still required to take into account the "reasons for the estrangement" of the couple when making decisions about alimony and division of property. That’s what "sitting as a Court of Equity" literally means.   

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 Posted on January 22, 2025 in DUI

Maryland’s Highway Safety Office reported that alcohol-impaired drivers contribute to about 35 percent of all fatal auto crashes across the state. The FY2024 report from Zero Deaths Maryland identified repeat DUI offenders as a "persistent issue." While no one is in favor of impaired drivers on Maryland’s roadways, there are times when an over-zealous officer charges a person who was not actually impaired with DUI.  

Being charged with a DUI has many repercussions, both legal and otherwise. In addition to potential jail time, high fines, and the suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, collateral consequences can include the loss of a job, the inability to secure employment, prohibitively high insurance rates, and social stigma from family, friends, and neighbors.

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 Posted on February 21, 2024 in Divorce

Preparation is Key, Including Knowing your Financial Accounts

• Divorcing a narcissistic spouse is typically high-conflict and overwhelming so it’s important to mentally and legally-prepare.
• Ending the marriage requires organization, strength, and a team of dependable, supportive individuals.
• Strategies including enlisting a strong attorney and therapist, keeping rigorous records, and cutting off direct communication except as necessary to effectuate the transfer of children from one home to another.

The Signs of Narcissism

Because the ego of a narcissistic person is fragile and his or her self-esteem so heavily guarded, a narcissist’s thoughts and therefore behaviors are armored, protecting them from their own self-loathing that is at the very core of their being. Many narcissists suffered emotional pain as children and cover for that pain in the way they attach to others.

How to Approach Divorce with a Narcissistic Partner

1. Please hire an attorney before approaching your spouse with the plan to divorce.
Important note: If you believe you or your children are in immediate danger, do not remain under the same roof and do not wait to act. You can call 9-1-1 or seek a protective order in the State of Maryland. A protective order can protect both yourself and your minor child(ren).

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