Lutherville Family Lawyer

Major life events often have legal implications. Marriage, adoption, separation, and divorce all require the services of a knowledgeable and discreet attorney well-versed in family law.

A Lutherville family lawyer recognizes the trust you place in your legal representative and works hard to earn it. You can rely on a local professional at our firm to listen to your story, assess your needs, and diligently pursue your desired outcome throughout the course of legal proceedings.

Written Agreements Can Save Time, Money, and Heartache

Much of family law revolves around establishing or limiting the right to property. Marriage is a legal relationship that obligates the spouses to provide each other financial support and share their assets with one another. Children likewise have a right to financial support and a portion of their parent’s property upon death. 

Drafting agreements to address these obligations is a significant part of a Lutherville family attorney’s practice. Pre-marital agreements are legally enforceable documents that prospective spouses could use to segregate specific assets from marital property, agree on alimony if the marriage fails, and guide their financial decisions as a couple. Marital agreements serve a similar purpose for couples who are already married.

When a couple decides to end a marriage, an uncontested divorce is quicker and less costly. However, a couple is eligible for an uncontested divorce only if they have entered into a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) prior to filing to dissolve the marriage. The MSA must address all relevant issues including property division, spousal support, and, if the couple has children, custody, visitation, and child support.

Helping Families Share the Love Through Adoption

People are increasingly turning to adoption to expand their families. A family lawyer in Lutherville could guide them through the often complex process.

As blended families become more common, stepparents often seek to adopt their partner’s children from prior relationships. Other individuals and couples choose to adopt from the foster care system, a public or private agency, or pursue international adoption. Each of these processes triggers specific complications that often require legal advice.

Surrogacy is now commonplace, with infertile and same-sex couples often turning to a surrogate mother to carry their child. A local legal professional could draft a surrogacy contract delineating the parties’ rights and obligations and assist the parents in formalizing their relationship with the baby through adoption.

Wielding Sharp Courtroom Skills

Unfortunately, some family matters end up in court. Divorcing couples might have difficulty agreeing to an equitable property division, or perhaps child custody disputes prevent them from reaching an MSA. Sometimes, a party violates a court order regarding child support or alimony, and the other party must force compliance through a motion for contempt. 

A dedicated Lutherville family attorney will do their best to keep matters out of court, but sometimes litigation is the most effective response. A seasoned trial lawyer understands that most court cases are won in the preparatory phase. They will diligently research and prepare a case to give the litigant the best possible chance to achieve their desired outcome.

Trust a Lutherville Attorney With Your Family Law Matters

When major developments in your personal life require legal expertise, rely on a Lutherville family lawyer. By explaining the law, setting realistic expectations, and exploring all feasible options, they empower you to take control over the process.

Do not try to navigate a family law issue without professional advice. Contact a local legal professional at our firm today to schedule a consultation.