A parent can be found in contempt for failure to follow the terms of a custody or support order. The most prevalent contempt violations are access and failure to pay child support. Denying access to a child or children subjects the parent denying access to being found in contempt. For example, if the parent is
How the Court Resolves Contempt Issues in Custody and Support Matters? Read More »
As of October 1, 2025, the state of Maryland implemented new traffic laws relating to speeding, fines, and moving violations: Maryland’s New Speeding and Traffic Fines Maryland’s new tiered fines for speeding and traffic violations are designed to deter reckless driving and improve road safety. The fines range from $40 to $425, depending on how much over the speed limit a driver is going. Here are the new fines effective from October 1, 2025: The speeding fines relate to speeding captured by a traffic camera or moving traffic violations issued by an officer. If the speeding violation is issued by law enforcement, you will receive points on
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Legal Custody is the ability of a parent to make major decisions regarding the health, education and welfare of a child. Major decisions include but are not limited to Choosing medical providers for the child. Deciding whether the child receives certain vaccinations, including COVID 19. Whether the child should attend public or private school? Whether
Who Gets Legal Custody? Read More »
The first day of school for students in Montgomery County Maryland is August 26, 2025. Parents will make adjustments to the child’s visitation/access schedule to coincide with the child’s school schedule. In considering a school access schedule, parents should consider the following: 1. The distance between the parent’s homes 2. The current school year’s academic
Child Custody and Access During the School Year Read More »
Pursuant to House Bill 1191 Provides that as of October 1, 2025, judges must articulate that they have considered all the factors laid out in Taylor v. Taylor 306 Md. 290 (1986). The Taylor factors cover the following: 1. The fitness of the parents 2. The Character and Reputation of the Parties 3. The requests
Taylor Factors after October 1, 2025 Read More »
In all pending divorce matters in Maryland, the court requires that the parities complete a joint property statement. The joint property statement which is referred to as: A JOINT STATEMENT OF PARTIES CONCERNING MARITAL AND NON-MARITAL PROPERTY (Md. Rule 9-207(b). ccdr033.pdf The Joint property statement enables a party to list all property that is marital,
How Does A Court Equitably Divide Marital Property? Read More »
Family Law Judges encourage parties to resolve custody issues short of trial. The consensus is that it is in the best interest of the child that the parents agree with issues relating to custody and access.Parents who agree on custody terms often put provisions relating to communicating about the child’s summer schedule.A portion of a
Notification Provisions and Consent Custody Agreements Read More »
A free Joint Expungement Clinic is Scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 10::00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will be held by J Franklyn Bourne Bar Association and Montgomery County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. Expungement Clinics Assist Individuals, who are eligible for Expungements with filling out necessary forms to be filed
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In today’s climate, there may be a necessity to modify child support. A court will modify support based on a material change in circumstances. A material change of circumstances could be a loss of a job, a reduction in pay, or an unexpected financial set back. Filing a modification of child support does not automatically
Modification of Child Support Based on a Material Change in Circumstances Read More »
In most jurisdictions eighty (80%) of contested divorces settle prior to trial. Parties can either settle all issues relating to custody, support, marital property through attending mediation with a private mediator or through a court sponsored mediation program. The mediation process is considered to be non-adversarial however, it is important that parties have detailed information
Marital Settlement Agreements Read More »
