Diamonds, dresses, flowers, and caterers are what couples typically discuss when they decide to get married; but, let me tell you what the topics turn to when couples decide to get divorced; alimony, marital property, and “equitable” division of assets. Couples can avoid all of the emotional stress and pomp and circumstance of a formal wedding [...]

For more than ten years legislators in Maryland have kicked around the idea of legalizing same sex marriage, prohibiting same sex marriage, and providing for domestic partnerships. During the 2012 legislative session Maryland’s General Assembly passed a bill allowing same-sex marriages and the bill was signed into law by the governor. The law then went [...]

In our previous article on alimony we discussed the first six statutory factors a Master or Judge must consider when making a determination regarding alimony.  To continue our discussion on the remaining six statutory factors, let’s revisit our friends Jack and Jill.   To refresh your memory: Jack and Jill married when they were ages 18 and [...]

In Maryland, Alimony determinations are based on Maryland Code, Maryland case law, and Judges may also consider guidelines such as those set forth by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers or the Kaufman Center for Family Law. While none of these sources provides a strict mathematical formula, they do go a long way in offing [...]

There are three possible types of alimony awards in Maryland: Pendente Lite Alimony (aka Temporary Alimony) — In the state of Maryland there is no such thing as a legal separation. If you have a need for alimony following your physical separation but before you are granted a divorce, you will need to petition the [...]