Family Law

Facing divorce or separation in Maryland or Virginia? You’re not alone. At The Burton Firm, we guide families throughout Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland, including Fairfax County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Charles County, Calvert County and the Metro D.C. area with compassion, clarity, and decades of experience. Delivering honest answers, a clear personalized plan, strong protection for your children, finances, and future, and calm advocacy that favors settlement when possible while bringing courtroom strength when needed.

Your Options in Maryland and Virginia

• Absolute Divorce – A complete legal termination of the marriage, allowing both parties to remarry. This process also addresses property division, alimony, and child custody.
• Limited Divorce (Virginia Only)– A temporary arrangement that allows couples to live separately while resolving issues such as finances and support, without officially ending the marriage.
• Military Divorce – Special rules apply when one or both spouses serve in the military. We understand the unique challenges related to deployment, benefits, and residency requirements.
• Prenuptial, Post-nuptial & Separation Agreements – We help clients draft, review, and enforce agreements that clearly define each spouse’s rights and responsibilities, helping prevent disputes down the line.

Speak with a Maryland and Virginia Divorce Attorney Today

You don’t have to face this process alone. Whether you’re filing for divorce, seeking a fair settlement, or need help finalizing a separation agreement, The Burton Firm is here to help. Call (301) 420-5540 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. You can also request a consultation through our website.

Child Custody, Access & De Facto/3rd Party Custody

Worried about child custody or visitation in Maryland? Nothing matters more than your relationship with your child. We help parents, grandparents, and loved ones across Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland, including Fairfax County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Charles County, Calvert County and the D.C. metro area secure fair custody and visitation arrangements that always put the child’s best interest first. You receive honest advice, practical parenting plans, and steady support whether we settle peacefully or go to court.

Child Custody Legal Options in Maryland and Virginia

• Legal & Physical Custody – Decision-making authority and where the child lives day-to-day.
• Visitation & Access Schedules – Fair, workable parenting time that keeps both parents involved.
• De Facto & Third-Party Custody – Rights for grandparents, step-parents, or others who have acted as a child’s parent or otherwise are best suited in extraordinary circumstances to parent and supervise the child.
• Modifications & Relocation – Updating custody orders when life changes or a parent wants to move

Speak with a Maryland and Virginia Child Custody & Visitation Attorney Today

If you’re facing a custody or visitation dispute, don’t face it alone. The Burton Firm is here to help you protect your rights and your child’s well-being. Call (301) 420-5540 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.

Your children deserve consistent financial support no matter what’s happening between the parents. We help families in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland, including Fairfax County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Charles County, Calvert County and the D.C. metro area establish, modify, and enforce child support with accurate calculations, straightforward agreements, and firm action when payments are missed.

Child Support Options in Maryland and Virginia

• Child Support Guidelines – Accurate calculations based on income, parenting time, and special expenses.
• Establishing New Support Orders – Getting support started the right way from day one.
• Modifications – Updating amounts when income, custody, or needs change
• Enforcement & Contempt – Collecting overdue support and holding the other parent accountable

Speak with a Maryland and Virginia Child Support Attorney Today

If you need to establish, modify, or enforce child support, don’t face it alone. The Burton Firm is here to protect your child’s financial future. Call (301) 420-5540 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation.

Your financial future after divorce deserves fairness and clarity. We help families in Prince George’s, Charles, and Montgomery Counties and the D.C. metro area navigate alimony and equitable property division with compassionate guidance and expert strategy. You receive honest assessments of your rights, a tailored plan for asset protection and support, and steady advocacy that prioritizes negotiation for less stress and stronger results.

Your Legal Options in Maryland

• Alimony & Spousal Support – Temporary or long-term assistance based on marriage length, earning capacity, and needs
• Division of Marital Property – Fair split of homes, debts, investments, and businesses acquired during marriage
• Retirement Assets in Divorce – Secure handling of pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs through QDROs
• Court Factors for Division – Weighing contributions, health, lifestyle, and future prospects for just outcomes

Speak with a Maryland Alimony & Property Division Attorney Today

Let’s safeguard your stability and peace of mind. Call (301) 420-5540 or contact us online for your confidential consultation.

Your safety and peace of mind come first when facing threats or abuse. We stand with families in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland, including Fairfax County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Charles County, Calvert County and the Metro D.C. to secure protective and peace orders quickly and compassionately. You get clear steps to build your case, immediate court action for urgent relief, and dedicated defense if facing unfounded claims, all while prioritizing your well-being and your children’s stability.

Your Options in Maryland and Virginia

• Protective Orders – Court-mandated protection from abuse by family or household members, including no-contact rules and home removal
• Peace Orders – Safeguards against harassment or threats from non-family, like neighbors or acquaintances
• Removing a Spouse from the Home – Emergency steps to evict an abusive partner while keeping your household secure
• Defending Against Orders – Strong representation to challenge false allegations and protect your rights

Speak with a Maryland Protection Orders Attorney Today

You deserve a safe path forward without fear. Call (301) 420-5540 or contact us online for your confidential consultation.

A court decision that doesn’t feel right shouldn’t define your family’s future. We support parents and spouses across Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland, including Fairfax County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Charles County, Calvert County and the Metro D.C. in seeking fair corrections through appeals and modifications. You benefit from thorough record reviews, precise filings to highlight errors, and focused advocacy that adapts to changes in your life for outcomes that truly serve you.

Your Options in Maryland and Virginia

• Exceptions to Magistrates – Challenging initial findings before a final ruling takes hold.
• Appeals to Appellate Courts – Higher court review for legal or procedural, legal, and evidentiary mistakes in custody, support, and divorce matters.
• In Banc Review – Panel reconsideration as a faster alternative to full appeals.
• Reconsiderations & Post-Judgment Motions – Updating orders based on new circumstances, overlooked facts, or misinterpreted law.

Speak with a Maryland and Virginia Family Law Appeals Attorney Today

Let’s review your options and fight for the fairness you deserve. Call (301) 420-5540 or contact us online for your confidential consultation.

Planning for a loved one’s care brings both care and clarity to uncertain times. We assist families in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland, including Fairfax County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Charles County, Calvert County and the Metro D.C. with guardianships and estate planning tools that honor wishes while ensuring protection. You gain straightforward petitions, alternatives like powers of attorney to avoid full court involvement, and ongoing guidance to meet your responsibilities with confidence.

Your Options in Maryland and Virginia

• Adult Guardianships – Court-appointed care for adults, covering health and finances.
• Guardianship of a Minor – Stepping in for children when parents cannot provide due to illness, absence, or the law requires asset protection.
• Powers of Attorney & Advance Directives – Less restrictive plans for decision-making on finances, health, and end-of-life choices implemented without court intervention.

Speak with a Maryland and Virginia Guardianship Attorney Today

Secure the stability your family needs with peace of mind. Call (301) 420-5540 or contact us online for your confidential consultation.

A CPS investigation or CINA case can shake any parent’s world, but reuniting your family starts with strong support. We guide mothers, fathers, and guardians throughout Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland, including Fairfax County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Charles County, Calvert County and the Metro D.C.  to navigate these processes with your rights front and center. You receive expert preparation for hearings, negotiation of service plans, and dedicated efforts toward reunification that keep your child’s best interests in focus.

Your Options in Maryland and Virginia

• CPS Investigations & Response – Immediate guidance during home visits, interviews, and allegation reviews
• CINA Proceedings – Advocacy in court for shelter care, adjudication, and family preservation associated with the government’s attempt to remove a child from the household.
• CPS Appeals & Post-Judgment – Challenging decisions and motions to restore custody or findings of abuse or neglect.
• Reunification Plans – Building compliance strategies to demonstrate your commitment and progress to reuniting with a removed child.

Speak with a Maryland and Virginia CINA & CPS Attorney Today

You’re not alone in protecting your family—let’s build your path home. Call (301) 420-5540 or contact us online for your confidential consultation.

Adoption turns hope into a forever family, and we make the journey joyful and secure. We support aspiring parents in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland, including Fairfax County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Charles County, Calvert County and the Metro D.C.  through every step, from consents to finalization. You enjoy thorough paperwork handling, home study coordination, and court advocacy that confirms the child’s best interests while celebrating your new bond.

Your Options in Maryland and Virginia

• Stepparent Adoptions – Streamlined process for blending families with an existing spouse.
• Relative & Kinship Adoptions – Formalizing care for children with family members.
• Private & Agency Adoptions – Full support for independent or facilitated placements.
• Adult Adoptions & Guardianship Conversions – Legal recognition for older adoptions or transitions from temporary care.

Speak with a Maryland and Virginia Adoption Attorney Today

Let’s welcome your child home with legal confidence and open hearts. Call (301) 420-5540 or contact us online for your confidential consultation.