The court doesn't just order parents to pay any amount for child support during a divorce; instead, the judge looks at factors unique to the parents and the children in question. You can find the guidelines for computing child support in the Maryland Annotated Code,...
Child Custody
Troubles with a toxic ex-spouse and parent
A troubled marriage could end in divorce, but the dissolution might not end communications with a toxic ex-spouse. When both former partners have a co-parenting plan, they must deal with one another. With a highly toxic ex-spouse, the situation could become stressful...
Tips for preventing coparenting drama
If you are going through a divorce in Maryland and you have young children, it is important to try to avoid conflict with your estranged spouse. This is not just for your own peace of mind and well-being but because it can make the divorce more difficult for your...
How money impacts child custody rulings
A Maryland judge typically won't prevent a parent from spending time with a child merely because of that person's financial situation. However, your finances may be a factor when that judge must decide if you should have custody of your children. Can you afford to...
Is nesting in your child’s best interest?
Nesting may be an ideal solution to sharing custody of your child after a divorce. This is because it allows your child to remain in the same Maryland house that he or she is already familiar with. However, there are several variables that you need to consider before...
How courts analyze parenting plans
If you're a parent going through a separation or divorce in Maryland, you may benefit from learning more about how courts analyze parenting plans. Courts in Maryland require parties to submit their parenting plan any time custody of a minor is involved in a case. At...
How to make 50-50 custody work
Some Maryland parents who are divorcing will opt for an arrangement in which they split custody time right down the middle. While this presents obvious challenges, this schedule can also be the most beneficial for the children. It is possible to make evenly split...
GUARDIANSHIP CASES: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE BRITNEY SPEARS GUARDIANSHIP/CONSERVATORSHIP CASE
If you are like many of us, you have been following the Guardianship case involving the famous singer, Britney Spears, in California. Essentially, Britney's father petitioned the Court to act as her conservator, citing mental health and other issues plaguing the...
CUSTODY BY NON-PARENTS: GRANDPARENTS’ CUSTODY, THIRD PARTY CUSTODY
Who/What is a Third Party? Under Maryland law, if someone other than a parent seeks custody of a child (ie a grandparent) that person is considered a third party. A third party is someone who is not the child’s biological parent or adoptive parent. A third party may...
How substance abuse allegations affect child custody
Going through a divorce in Maryland with children involved is often stressful. Unfortunately, knowing that your former spouse is dealing with a substance abuse problem only complicates matters. As a parent, you want what's best for your children. With that in mind,...