When it comes to the issue of child custody, your Towson family law attorney will tell you that Maryland courts tend to prefer giving parents joint custody (unless there is a clear-cut reason not to grant joint custody, as in cases of abuse). However, it is important for parents to keep in mind the pros and cons of joint parenting plans and physical custody arrangements.
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The divorce process can be tough on everyone involved. However, it is important for individuals to avoid some of the common mistakes made prior to the finalization of the divorce. Divorce lawyers in Towson will tell you that even though divorce can get very ugly, things can be substantially worse if you go into the process unprepared for what could possibly happen.
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Generally, when spouses have decided that the marriage is over, they do not waste any additional time debating the issue – they want to file the paperwork immediately. This is certainly understandable, as filing for divorce and obtaining the final divorce decree will mean that both spouses can move on with their lives. Still, your Towson divorce lawyer will tell you that it is important for parting couples to give serious thought to the timing of the divorce for a number of reasons.
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Unfortunately, when parents make the decision to go their separate ways, a myriad of issues can arise, particularly with respect to child support and custody. Depending on how well the parents are able to communicate and get along throughout the separation or divorce process, determining how much time each parent should be able to spend with their kids could be an area of serious contention.
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When it comes to the payment of child support in Maryland, the law is clear: Parents who are capable of earning income and contributing to the support of their child or children must provide such support. Still, there are occasions when a parent will attempt to avoid his or her financial obligations to the child by quitting a job or taking a job that is well below his or her capabilities and/or normal pay grade. This is where a discussion of voluntary impoverishment becomes necessary.
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Many parents who have decided to go their separate ways are often faced with a battle related to child support. There are a number of factors taken into consideration prior to the court ordering a parent to pay a certain amount of child support. But is there ever a point at which a parent could be made to pay too much child support?
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Individuals who are going through a divorce are often faced with many issues that must be resolved before the divorce can be finalized. These issues can range from visitation (if there are kids involved) to alimony payments, depending on the circumstances. Many people assume that when it comes to alimony, the length of time that alimony must be paid is usually not longer than the length of the actual marriage. But in Maryland, is that really the case? One Maryland case dealt with that question, among others. Let’s take a brief look at Malin v. Mininberg.
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Throughout the years, there has been much discussion about the burden of proof a domestic violence victim must meet to get a final court order of protection. For years, Maryland has required victims to provide the judge with proof or evidence that is “clear and convincing” with respect to the allegations made against the accused individual that he or she committed any one of the many prohibited acts under the domestic violence laws.
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If you or your spouse has filed for divorce in Maryland, one of the next things to take place in the process will be a scheduling conference. The court will send notice about the conference to the divorcing parties; however, many people express great concern when they get the notice -- primarily because they do not know what occurs at such conferences.
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There are any number of reasons why an individual would want to have public records sealed. In cases involving criminal issues, it is not uncommon for the accused party to seek to have his or her records closed to the public. But what about in cases involving family law--particularly divorce cases? Can divorce records be sealed?
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