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PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT

In the State of Maryland, agreements made prior to the time of the ceremony between spouses-to-be is called a prenuptial contract or agreement. Typically, valid prenuptial agreements remain enforceable after divorce. Precedent shows us that prenuptial agreements are very difficult to void. However, this may change. In March of 2013, a Brooklyn court invalidated a prenuptial agreement that a Long Island woman had signed with her millionaire husband before their 1998 wedding. This is a precedent-setting move, and divorce lawyers in every state are sitting up and taking notice....

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CHILD SUPPORT IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND

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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ADOPTION IN MARYLAND

In the State of Maryland, “adoption is the creation of a parent-child relationship by a judicial order between people who are not a natural parent and a child” (The people’s Law Library of Maryland.) Under the law, once the court orders an adoption, it ends the parental rights and responsibilities of the natural parents. Any adult who is not the natural parent may petition the court for an adoption. The petitioner may be single or married and is required to complete a 27-hour home study course. Maryland law also requires that the legal guardians of the person to be adopted consent...

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MARYLAND FAMILY LAW, DIVORCE, LEGAL SEPARATION, ANNULMENTS & CUSTODY

An annulment is a decree establishing that the marriage between two parties never existed. The Maryland Family Court is dealt with deciding the validity of each annulment case and infrequently grants annulments. If the court decides to grant the annulment, it is considered that you and your spouse were never married. If you are seeking an annulment, it is advisable for you to speak with an experienced Maryland family law attorney at The Burton Firm. The standard of proof that must be met to prove an annulment is difficult to meet, but we are very familiar with the Maryland Family...

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MARYLAND MILITARY DIVORCE

When a couple decides to end their marriage and one spouse is serving in the military, divorce tends to get even more complicated. Make sure to contact an experienced attorney to help you calculate child support, determine child custody, divide retirement benefits and figure out the other complications....

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LIMITED & ABSOLUTE DIVORCE

In the State of Maryland family law proceeding such as “legal separation” does not exist. Instead citizens of Maryland are offered two options: (1) limited divorce or (2) absolute divorce. Limited divorce is NOT permanent, absolute divorce IS permanent. When a couple wishes to separate but are not ready to go through a full blown divorce proceeding, limited divorce is the remedy. This proceeding is very similar to a proceeding described as “legal separation” in other states. The court will recognize the decision of the parties to maintain separate housing or residences, bank accounts, but will stop short of dissolving a...

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CHILD CUSTODY & VISITATION

Under Maryland law, both the father and mother are equally presumed to be the natural parent of their children, unlike some states that may give favor to the mother from the get-go. Custody and visitation rights are strictly granted specifically considering the best interest of the child or children. Other family members may seek custody of the children, but the favoritism is given to the natural mother and father. If you need assistance with determining visitation, make sure you speak to a Maryland child custody attorney. Custody and visitation arrangements are never permanent; either parent may request a reassessment of the...

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MARYLAND CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES

When dealing with child support, the state of Maryland adopted a guideline measured by the income of the parties involved. The new Maryland law tops off at a combined adjusted annual income of $180,000 per annum or $15,000 per month. Keep in mind, child support will increase depending on the number of children involved. However, just with the old guidelines, the court will have discretion in setting the support level for the parties and individuals....

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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR EX-SPOUSE WON’T PAY CHILD SUPPORT

Maryland Child Support Attorney

It can feel like the battle is over once the court rules in your favor regarding child support. Unfortunately, the enforcement of child support can be challenging. What is a parent to do if an ex-spouse fails or refuses to pay the child support they have been ordered to give? If you find yourself in this situation, contact a Maryland child support attorney immediately....

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