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Towson Divorce Lawyer | Divorce Hearings | The Pendente Lite Hearing.

Misunderstood: Pendente Lite Hearings.

  • Pendente Lite Hearings are scheduled in Family Law, Divorce and Child Custody matters typically between the Scheduling conference and the Settlement Conference to make temporary arrangements to preserve the status quo while litigation is pending. 
  • People confuse PL Hearings with the "real trial" because it is the first time they will appear in front of a judge.
  • You will be sorely disappointed if you expect the court to consider the big issues of your case at this point in time. Do not expect that to happen.
  • PL hearings are rare. In 2014, The Circuit Court for Baltimore County heard 698 Pendente Lite Hearings. Whether to request a Pendente Lite hearing is a question of strategy.

Limited Scope of Baltimore County Pendente Lite Hearings

PL Hearings have very clearly defined and strictly limited purposes designed to get the divorcing couple and children to the trial with as little damage as possible. Although the court does not have the power and authority to discuss who is right and who is wrong, the Court can apply band aids for the time being:

  • Temporary Custody/Visitation, subject to modification at the merits trial.
  • Temporary Child Support, subject to modification at the merits tria.
  • Temporary Alimony
    • Without considering fault;
    • To maintain the status quo during the divorce process pursuant to MD Code, Family Law §11-102.
  • Award attorney's fees to dependent spouses so they can pay for an attorney through the trial.

Put Towson Pendente Lite Hearings In Proper Perspective.

Call 410-321-4994 For a Consultation With Towson Divorce & Child Custody Family Lawyer Amar S. Weisman.

Please Call (410) 321-4994 during business hours to schedule a free consultation for the purpose of deciding whether you want to retain Amar S. Weisman. The firm does not accept pro bono clients at this time. To retain legal services and advice, you must pay a retainer, See Policy on Fees/Costs. The law firm is located in the heart of Towson near The Circuit Court For Baltimore County, Towson Town Center, Goucher College and Towson University, at 1018 Dulaney Valley Road (MD-146), Second Floor Towson, MD 21204. We represent clients throughout the Baltimore area including Aberdeen, Abingdon, Baldwin, Bel Air, Bowleys Quarters, Brooklandville, Carney, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Edgewood, Essex, Garrison, Glen Arm, Greenspring Valley, Homeland, Hunt Valley, Hydes, the Joppa Road Corridor, Kingsville, Long Green, Lutherville, Middle River, Nottingham, Owings Mills, Parkville, Pikesville, Perry Hall, Reisterstown, Riderwood, Rodgers Forge, Rosedale, Ruxton, Sparks, Sparrows Point, Stoneleigh, Timonium, Towson, West Towson, White Hall, White Marsh, and the York Road corridor. We have also represented a number of out-of-state clients. The law firm does not guarantee the results in any matter.