If you are facing divorce or another family law matter, it can feel like your entire future is at stake. The legal issues in these cases are often deeply complex, and the decisions you make can have long-term implications for your financial stability, emotional well-being, and relationships with your children.
The experienced attorneys and compassionate legal team at Rolle & DeLorenzo understand the complicated procedures involved in family law, and we know the challenges you might encounter at each stage of your case. A Maryland family lawyer at our firm can serve as a powerful advocate for the unique set of issues you are facing. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family’s future.
Our lawyers can assist you with a wide range of legal matters related to family life in Fredrick. It is important to consult with our team directly so you can understand the right options for your particular needs.
Maryland recognizes different grounds for divorce. Our lawyers can help establish the legal reasons for divorce, which include:
In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all terms. A contested divorce often involves a court battle to resolve disagreements on issues like property division and child custody.
Maryland is an equitable distribution state, which means the court divides marital property fairly, but not necessarily equally. The specific circumstances of the case, such as each spouse’s contributions and financial situation, dictate the outcome. This can be unpredictable, particularly in high-asset cases.
It is common for separate property (owned before the marriage) to get mixed with marital property during the marriage. This commingling can make it difficult to determine which assets are subject to division. In high-asset divorces, one spouse may also try to hide assets and necessitate extensive investigation by forensic accountants.
All child custody decisions are based on what the court determines is in the best interest of the child. There are two types of custody: legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child resides). There is no single deciding factor, and the court considers a wide range of issues, such as each parent’s fitness, the child’s relationship with each parent, and—starting at 16 years old—your child’s own preference.
If you are not married to your child’s mother, you must legally establish paternity before you have any legal rights to custody or visitation. Informal custody arrangements are not legally binding and offer no protection if your co-parent becomes uncooperative or attempts to relocate with your child. As your Maryland family lawyer, we can help you reach an advantageous custody arrangement that protects your parental rights and preserves your child’s best interests.
Both parents have a legal duty to support their child. Our legal team can help calculate child support payments based on the state guidelines and enforce court orders. Parents cannot waive a child’s right to support.
A child support order remains in effect until it is formally modified by the court, regardless of changes in circumstances like job loss. To modify an order, you must prove there has been a material change in circumstances since the last order was issued.
Alimony is not automatically awarded and is based on a court’s determination of need and fairness. There are three types of alimony:
We will make sure you understand your rights and obligations concerning spousal support. A Maryland court can consider a comprehensive list of factors to make its decision, including the duration of your marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, each person’s financial needs, and other relevant factors.
Prenuptial agreements are created before a marriage, and define the financial rights and obligations of each spouse in the event of a divorce or death. Postnuptial agreements are created after the start of a marriage.
For a marital agreement to be enforceable, it must be in writing, signed by both parties, and the terms must be fair and reasonable. Both parties must enter the agreement freely and without coercion, and each must fully disclose all of their assets, debts, and financial resources.
Our attorneys can help you draft and execute a fully enforceable marital agreement. We can also help you understand your rights and responsibilities under a previously executed prenuptial or postnuptial agreement if you are currently facing divorce.
A Maryland family attorney at Rolle & DeLorenzo can offer step-by-step legal counsel, handle all key documentation, and enforce or modify court orders as needed in your case. We can help you navigate the emotionally charged and complex legal process effectively while aggressively protecting your rights and interests.
When you need a lawyer to negotiate effectively with opposing counsel for the best result, we will be ready to advocate for you, but we are also prepared to represent you in court and skillfully argue your case to a judge if a settlement is not possible. Our legal team can provide tailored legal advice to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case and develop an effective legal strategy to meet your personal goals.
Our Maryland family lawyers can help filter through the challenging aspects of your case and provide a steady voice to help you make sound decisions amidst the chaos and stress. Contact Rolle & DeLorenzo to receive your free and confidential case evaluation.
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