Maryland Family Law

One of the hardest parts of divorce is deciding who stays in the family home. Parents want their children to feel secure, yet emotions and finances make that choice complicated. Many people worry that they will be forced to sell the house as soon as the divorce is final, but Maryland law takes a different approach. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes a parent can make is moving out too quickly before understanding how family-use property works.

Understanding Exclusive Use and Possession When couples in Maryland begin the divorce process, one of the most emotional questions they face is whether they should leave the family home. Many people, eager to escape conflict or stress, move out before fully understanding how doing so can affect their rights. In the midst of a painful […]

How Maryland’s Best Interest Standard Protects Children’s Stability Key ideas Stability is a core value in Maryland custody and property orders that affect children. Parenting plans, family-use property, and support orders work together to reduce disruption. Specific written terms prevent conflict and protect routines. The best interest standard Judges consider many factors to decide what […]

Benefits, Custody & Deployment Explained Divorcing when one spouse is in the military is different from a civilian divorce. Jurisdiction, pensions, and custody issues can become more complex. This is especially true when one spouse lives out of state or is deployed. Military divorces involve both federal law and Maryland law, and understanding how the […]

Separated but Still Living Together? Here is How Maryland Courts Define Separation Maryland’s updated divorce law recognizes that some couples cannot immediately move into separate homes. Attorney Melinda Previtera explains that it is now possible to meet the six-month separation requirement even while sharing the same address, as long as both spouses have truly begun […]

In a Maryland divorce, courts work with couples to divide assets and debts fairly, but not always equally. Learn how marital property is classified, valued, and distributed under Maryland’s equitable division laws.

How to File for Divorce in Maryland: Steps, Timelines, and What to Expect Divorce in Maryland follows specific rules and deadlines that can shape the entire outcome of your case. Understanding each step helps you stay organized and ensures that your filing is handled the right way from the beginning. Attorney Melinda Previtera explains how […]

Before moving out of marital home, know the legal consequences. Find out how it affects custody and property rights in Maryland.

Fight False Allegations in Child Custody By Julie Colin, Esq. As a family law attorney with over 30 years of courtroom experience, I’ve seen almost everything. But few things are more devastating, or more dangerous, than when a parent is falsely accused during a custody battle. In high-conflict disputes, the legal system can be weaponized, […]

Expanding Your Family Through Adoption By Julie Colin, Esq. Adoption can be one of the most meaningful experiences in a family’s life. I’ve had the privilege of guiding clients through private adoptions in Maryland, and I often receive referrals from other attorneys who recognize the value of having a lawyer who truly understands the process. […]