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LIMITED & ABSOLUTE DIVORCE

Maryland Divorce Lawyer

In Maryland, there are two types of divorce: absolute divorce and limited divorce, each serving distinct purposes. Absolute divorce is a permanent and final dissolution of marriage, allowing individuals to remarry. During these proceedings, the court resolves issues such as alimony, child custody, child support, and property division. To obtain an absolute divorce, specific legal grounds must be met. These include adultery, desertion for 12 months, living separately for 12 months without interruption, a felony or misdemeanor conviction with a sentence of 3 or more years (and at least 12 months served), permanent insanity requiring institutionalization for over three years,...

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PARENTAL ALIENATION MARYLAND

Parental Alienation Maryland

Parental Alienation in Maryland occurs when one parent manipulates a child to harbor unwarranted negative feelings, fear, or hostility toward the other parent or family members, often during a divorce or separation. This manipulation can be subtle or overt, involving repeated comments or actions that paint the other parent in a negative light. While sometimes parental alienation can stem from innocent off-hand remarks, intentional manipulation to gain an advantage in custody or to hurt the other parent is damaging and illegal. Such alienation can deeply impact a child’s emotional well-being, as their young minds are especially vulnerable to stress and influence....

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ADULTERY & DIVORCE IN MARYLAND

Maryland Divorce Attorney

Most people feel a sense of sadness when something comes to an end. Whether it was good or bad, there is still that feeling of loss and we’re sad to see it go. When it’s a marriage that is coming to an end, families are affected and that feeling of loss is magnified. When that end comes about because of adultery, the pain and sorrow can be unbearable for some, and in Maryland, proven adultery as a ground for divorce will affect the amount of alimony you pay/receive, and the amount of time you get to spend with your children...

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JUDGMENT ENFORCEMENT

When the Courts and judges issue order they expect them to be followed. Failure to pay child support can have serious consequences. Maryland Department of Human Resources helps custodial parents with collecting child support payments from non-custodial parents. Failure to pay child support can lead to suspension of driver's license and/or professional license (license to practice law or real estate license); denial of tax refunds and other types of government benefits; garnishment of wages, property and bank account liens, etc. The parties however can work among themselves to work out how and when the payment can be made. If you are behind of paying your child support...

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WHAT IS A WIFE ENTITLED TO IN A DIVORCE IN MARYLAND

Maryland Divorce Attorney

In a Maryland divorce, a wife may be entitled to a fair share of marital property through equitable distribution, alimony, and child support if applicable. Marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage, while non-marital property, such as assets obtained before marriage or inheritances, is typically excluded. Alimony may be awarded based on factors like the length of the marriage, financial needs, and the ability of each spouse to support themselves. Child custody and support are determined in the best interest of the child, and retirement benefits may also be divided. The court’s goal is to ensure fairness based on...

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UNMARRIED COHABITANTS BENEFITS

Maryland Family Law Attorney - Unmarried Cohabitants Benefits in the State of Maryland

In Maryland, married couples, whether same-sex or opposite-sex, receive full legal benefits. However, for unmarried cohabitants, benefits depend on specific laws and situations. If an unmarried cohabitant dies due to a work-related injury, the surviving partner may receive workers' compensation benefits if they can prove dependency on the deceased. These benefits can include unpaid disability compensation if designated in the deceased’s will or compensation for death occurring within seven years of the injury. Maryland law generally does not grant death benefits to unmarried cohabitants under federal statutes or the Social Security Act. In terms of automobile insurance, coverage for unmarried...

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WHAT HAPPENS IN A CHILD IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE (CINA) CASE?

What happens in a Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) case?

When a child is removed from their home due to concerns of abuse, neglect, or other serious issues, the Department of Social Services files a petition alleging the parents are unable or unwilling to provide proper care. The court then holds a Shelter Care Hearing to decide whether the child should remain in temporary out-of-home placement. Following this, an Adjudicatory Hearing determines if the allegations are true. If the child is found to be in need of assistance (CINA), the court may return the child to the parents, place the child under supervision, order services or assessments, or place the...

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DIVISION OF ASSETS, DEBT & PROPERTY IN A DIVORCE

Divorce Attorney in Maryland Explains Property Division in a Divorce

According to Maryland state law, the division of marital property in the case of divorce must be equitable, meaning it must be fair, not necessarily equal. Some couples are able to come to an agreement about how everything should be divided without legal intervention, and are able to submit an agreement for court approval. Others need the help of a divorce attorney in Maryland or mediators to assist in the negotiation of a settlement....

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MARYLAND CHILD SUPPORT

Maryland Family Law Attorney

Child support in Maryland is designed to ensure that every child in the state receives adequate financial support, whether the parents are legally separated, divorced, or if they never married in the first place. Support generally takes the form of payments from the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent. The custodial parent is defined as the parent who provides the majority of the care to the child, and this means that the parent who has been awarded a greater share of custody in divorce proceedings, will generally be the one receiving the support payments. Child support payments typically continue until...

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CHILD CUSTODY INTERSTATE JURISDICTION ISSUES

Maryland Family Law Lawyer

Although the Uniform Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) was designed to resolve any complexities between states, if you find yourself in the middle of an interstate child custody dispute, contact an experienced Maryland family law attorney who can help you. If the parents live in different states or nations, the first issue that must be resolved is whether the court has proper jurisdiction over the person to handle the child custody or support dispute. The UCCJEA is the law that spells out the rules for whether a state’s courts can legally decide a child custody or placement case for any...

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