Baltimore County & Towson Family Lawyer Amar S. Weisman
DISTINGUISHED BALTIMORE COUNTY LAW FIRM EXCLUSIVELY DEDICATED TO FAMILY LAW
For 17 years, Towson Divorce & Custody Lawyer Amar S. Weisman has managed more than 1,750 divorce, child custody, child support and domestic violence matters in the State of Maryland. By focusing on domestic litigation and developing local expertise, Mr. Weisman helps clients set and achieve their litigation goals. His recognitions include, but are not limited to:
- EXPERTISE.COM: 12 Best Divorce Lawyers in Baltimore, 2021-2024
- ATTORNEY AND PRACTICE MAGAZINE: Top 10, Family Law, MD, 2019-24.
- AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS, Top 10, Client Service:2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 & 2016, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
- GOODFIRMS: #16 Law Firm in Maryland
- AVVO: 10/10 "Supurb" Rating
- GOOGLE: 4.7/5.0 Rating
- GRADUATE: Georgetown University; University of Baltimore School of Law.
ROAD MAP TO PREVAILING IN YOUR BALTIMORE COUNTY FAMILY LAW MATTER
- Comprehensive Intake & Realistic Goals. To represent clients, Mr. Weisman canvasses the history of the case through customized intake forms and client interviews, then confers with the client to identify realistic goals based on the facts.
- Excellent Pleadings and Motions. Amar Weisman owns each case and prepares all court papers, including complaints, motions, petitions, and memoranda, ensuring they are accurate and timely and tell your story.
- Canvassing Evidence Through Discovery. As a Maryland divorce lawyer, Mr. Weisman obtains admissible evidence from opposing parties by propounding discovery requests such as interrogatories, document requests, and depositions and issues subpoenas to financial institutions, schools, health care providers, and law enforcement. For more information, see Evidence & Divorce, Evidence & Custody, Evidence & Child Support, and the Tools. Discovery.
- Preparing for Court and Presenting Evidence. Amar S. Weisman ensures the case is thoroughly prepared for court, identifying and preparing witnesses and serving trial subpoenas. He is well-versed in the types of hearings required under the Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure. Mr. Weisman also includes the acquired evidence as Exhibits for introduction into evidence at the Merits Trial.
- Tactful Negotiation. Amar S. Weisman helps his clients achieve positive outcomes by using effective negotiation strategies. He is a Towson Divorce Lawyer who can assist with settlements, mediation, and other methods to resolve disputes.
- No Bait and Switch. When clients hire Amar Weisman, they actually get Amar. Weisman. You will never be managed or handed off to associates, paralegals, summer interns, remote receptionists, or ghostwriters.
Baltimore County Divorce Lawyer
Protecting Marital Property Interests.
Amar Weisman is a divorce attorney who protects his clients' financial future by applying his knowledge regarding property valuation, the consequences of selling and transferring property, the impact of the dissipation of marital property, and what constitutes the difference between marital property and separate property. He can help clients litigate and negotiate by drawing on his experience litigating in the courthouse and his knowledge of recent court decisions affecting what the court can do with the marital home, pensions, and other assets that the clients have acquired and need to protect.
Demanding Full and Fair Financial Disclosure
It is impossible to engage in litigation or negotiation in the Baltimore area unless there the parties understand the title and value of all the marital property at stake along with the future earning potential of the Parties, which may necessitate either a 50-50 division of marital property or a more sophisticated equitable distribution based on the factors articulated by the Family Law Article. In order to facilitate the full and frank disclosure of assets, Baltimore County Divorce Lawyer Amar S. Weisman customizes the tools of discovery, including interrogatories, requests for the production of documents, and subpoenas to third parties to hunt and gather all relevant information and to ensure nothing is hidden.
Baltimore County Divorce Hearings
Every hearing in the divorce process in Harford County and Baltimore County has a unique purpose and, as a family lawyer, Amar Weisman creates a presentation at each hearing that allows clients to pursue their goals. This includes guiding the case to the proper track assignment at the Scheduling Conference and ensuring there is appropriate time to pursue appraisals, expert witness investigations, and a discovery time line that affords enough time to assemble the relevant information without letting the case drag out. To ensure there are appropriate interim custody arrangements and financial stability while the case is pending, a Pendente Lite Hearing may or may not be requested. Prior to the Settlement Conference, Mr. Weisman frames the case by filing appropriate Joint Statements Regarding Marital and Non-Marital Property and Joint Statements Regarding Parenting Time and Decision Making Authority to make the Court aware of each client's positions regarding the issues before the Court. For the Merits Trial, preparation is everything. This means meticulously formulating direct examination, cross-examination, and all the necessary exhibits that meet standards set forth by the Maryland Rules of Evidence.
Grounds for Divorce in Maryland
Effective October 1, 2023, the grounds for absolute divorce have changed. Pursuant to Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 7-103, the grounds for divorce are:
- Irreconcilable differences: based on reasons stated in the Complaint for Absolute Divorce. What constitutes irreconcilable differences has not been tested in the case law because the ground for divorce only exists effective October 1, 2023. Click here to learn about establishing irreconcilable differences in the context of a Maryland Divorce.
- Six-Month Separation: If the parties have resided separately and apart for six months without interruption before filing the Complaint for Absolute Divorce. This discusses how the grounds for a six-month separation can be established.
- Mutual Consent: The parties must submit a written separation agreement addressing all required issues, including alimony, marital property, and custody of any minor children of the marriage. The requirements to pursue a divorce in Maryland are based on mutual consent.
How is Marital Property Divided in Baltimore County, MD?
Marital Property includes all property acquired by the parties during the marriage, however, titled, unless it is traceable to a non-marital source, gift/inheritance or excluded by a valid Prenuptial Agreement. If a judge decides marital property, all property is identified, the fair market value is determined, and how the pot gets divided depends upon statutory factors, including length of the marriage, the circumstances of estrangement, the contributions of each spouse to the acquisition of the marital property, the work history of the parties, the monetary and non-monetary contributions of each party to the marriage, age, health, and a host of other criteria. The property to be divided includes the marital Home, Retirement Assets, Investment Accounts, and Marital Businesses
Can I Request (Or Be Told to Pay) Spousal Support/Alimony?
If there is a dependent spouse and a primary wage earner, then spousal support and alimony may be on the table. Multiple forms of alimony are available under the Maryland Family Law Article and articulated by case law. Alimony Pendente Lite (Temporary Alimony) is established to maintain the Status Quo while a divorce is pending. Rehabilitative Alimony, which is the regular kind, is awarded based on multiple factors, including the length of the marriage, circumstances of estrangement, work history, earning potential of the parties, monetary and non-monetary contributions to the marriage, how property is being divided, and other factors. In rare cases where there will be an unconscionable disparity in the respective living standards even after the supporting spouse has made the maximum efforts to become self-supporting, Indefinite Alimony (Alimony that never ends) may be on the table. However, Alimony is subject to post-judgment modification.
Do Most Divorce Cases Settle?
The vast majority of divorce proceedings matters managed by Amar S. Weisman settle to the satisfaction of his clients before the merits trial. When a case settles as part of the divorce process, the document memorializing the full and final settlement terms is recited in a Marital Settlement Agreement. Even though most divorces settle, this occurs after the facts and finances come to light, and it becomes possible to predict what a court might do.
TOP BALTIMORE COUNTY CHILD CUSTODY AND CHILD SUPPORT LAWYER
Understanding When to Litigate Vs. Settle
Amar S. Weisman, a Maryland Custody lawyer with 17 years of experience, who provides legal representation to protect the parental rights for mothers and fathers who wish to protect their children's future. Amar S. Weisman represents child custody and visitation clients at all Custody Hearings, including the Scheduling Conference, Pendente Lite Hearing, Settlement Conference, Merits Trial, and, where appropriate, Custody Modification and Contempt/Enforcement Proceedings. Often, these culminate in Marital Settlement Agreements and Post-Nuptial Agreements. Like all family matters, it is essential to canvass the evidence necessary to child custody matters through the discovery process, which may include subpoenas of schools, pediatricians, law enforcement, and whoever has information materially relevant to the minor child's best interests.
What are the Different Types of Custody Arrangements?
Amar S. Weisman has handled a wide range of child custody disputes. There are two types of custody: Legal Custody refers to the right to make long-ranging decisions, and Physical Custody refers to the day-to-day care of the Minor Children. Legal Custody can be Sole Legal Custody or Joint Legal Custody or Shared Legal Custody with a Tie-Breaker. Physical Custody is either Primary Physical Custody or Shared Physical Custody, depending on the number of overnights.
One separate species of limited physical custody can be called Supervised Visitation. As a Towson custody lawyer, Amar S. Weisman formulates and helps clients achieve long-term goals regarding custody and visitation.
What Happens When a Custody Order Is Not Followed?
As a Baltimore County custody lawyer, Amar Weisman knows that following custody orders, whether temporary or final, is not optional. Remedies for violating Court ordered terms include Petitions for Contempt of Court and Motions for an Emergency Hearing pursuant to the Baltimore County DCM Plan. However, emergency petitions are not usually granted unless there is a demonstrable physical danger to the Minor Child beyond the denial of access.
Is Child Support Related to Custody?
Child Support and Custody usually go together. When the Court makes a custody determination, it is mandatory, not optional, for the parties to run the child support guidelines. Parents who believe they can agree not to have child support are simply and forever wrong. Therefore, child support must be calculated pursuant to the Maryland Child Custody Guidelines, which factor in the income of the parties, work-related childcare, the cost of insuring the minor child on health insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and sometimes the cost of extracurricular activities and private school. Although child support may appear to be nothing but a formula, child support decisions are still governed by the best interest of the minor child.
STRAIGHTFORWARD BILLING
What is Amar Weisman’s Hourly Rate?
Amar S. Weisman bills at a rate of $300.00 per hour
What is the Average Retainer?
Depending on complexity, retainers range between $3,500.00 and $10,000.00.
Do you take Pro Bono Mattress?
No. That means you will not spend more, so others will pay nothing.
CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY
The Law Offices of Amar S. Weisman in Towson, Maryland utilizes state-of-the-art technology to deliver exceptional legal services during each stage of the legal process. Our office is equipped with the latest Apple M2 computers, updated annually, and high-speed iPad tablets, ensuring immediate access to client files even in court. We subscribe to LexisNexis, providing comprehensive access to case law and treatises that can enhance the quality of our arguments. Additionally, we employ sophisticated financial data tools for meticulously analyzing child support calculations, asset evaluations, and outcome projections. While technology is not a substitute for quality representation, it enhances our ability to serve our clients effectively. Our team is comprised solely of experienced attorneys; we do not employ first-year associates, paralegals, or remote receptionists.
CALL (410) 321-4994 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
- Free Initial Consultation to help you decide whether to hire Mr. Weisman
- (410) 321-4994 to make an appointment during business hours.
- Retainer necessary to begin; Policy on Fees/Costs
- Close to the County Courts Building
- 1018 Dulaney Valley Rd. (MD-146), 2ND Fl. Towson, MD 21204
- Close to Towson Town Center, Goucher C & Towson University.
Recent Maryland Family Law Appellate Decisions
- Frazelle-Foster v. Foster: Cruelty of Treatment as Grounds for Divorce
- Kaplan v. Kaplan: Above-Guidelines Child Support
- Gizzo v. Gerstman: Evidence of prior abuse/neglect in custody matters
- Trapasso v. Lewis
- Lasko v. Lasko: Requesting relief in absolute divorce pleadings.
- Sherman v. Rouse
- Halstad v. Halstad
Amar Sanghera WeismanReviewsout of 7 reviews
Learn about the kinds of cases that we service through our Maryland Practice Areas:
- Family Law: Includes divorce, child custody, and child support matters.
- Child Custody.
- Child Custody Evidence
- Child Custody Hearings
- Child Custody Modification
- Child Custody Negotiation
- Child Custody Papers
- Legal Custody
- Joint Legal Custody
- Sole Legal Custody
- Physical Custody
- Supervised Visitation
- Child Support
- Divorce
- Alimony
- Alimony Pendente Lite
- Indefinite Alimony
- Rehabilitative Alimony
- Divorce Hearings
- Enforcement/Contempt Hearings
- Merits Trial
- Pendente Lite Hearing
- Scheduling Conference
- Settlement Conference
- Evidence/Discovery
- Grounds For Divorce
- Irreconcilable Differences
- 6 Month Separation
- Absolute Divorce
- Limited Divorce
- Maryland Residency
- Mutual Consent
- Pleadings/Papers/Filings
- Property Division
- Equitable Distribution
- Marital Businesses
- The Marital Home
- Strategic Considerations
- Cost of Divorce
- Domestic Violence
- Prenuptial Agreement
SERVING CLIENTS FROM BALTIMORE COUNTY
We have family law clients from throughout the Baltimore-Metropolitan Area, including Aberdeen, Abingdon, Baldwin, Bel Air, Bowleys Quarters, Brooklandville, Carney, Cedar Beach, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Edgewood, Essex, Garrison, Germantown, Glen Arm, Glenmont, Greenspring Valley, Hampton, Hillendale, Homeland, Honeygo, Hunt Valley, Hydes, Joppa Road Corridor, Kingsville, Lake Roland/Towson Run, Long Green, Lutherville, Middleborough, Middle River, Nottingham, Owings Mills, Parkville, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Riderwood, Reisterstown, Riderwood, Rodgers Forge, Rosedale, Ruxton, Shawn, Sparks, Sparrows Point, Stoneleigh, Timonium, Towson, West Towson, White Hall, White Marsh, and York Road corridor.
Towson Family Lawyer Articles
- The Tools of Discovery in Divorce and Child Custody Litigation
- How Much Will My Divorce Cost?
- Seven Commonly Accepted Myths About Property Division In Maryland
- Financial Survival During the Divorce Process
- Seven Commonly Accepted Myths About Child Support
- Types of Alimony Available To Divorcing Marylanders
