Timonium Family Lawyer

No one wants family problems. They are frustrating, heartbreaking, time-consuming, and potentially expensive. Unfortunately, ignoring them will not make them go away; in fact, it may make matters worse. Instead, it would help if you focused on tackling the problems head-on. An attorney can help you with your family law challenges, whether you are considering a divorce, need help with child custody or child support, or are looking to build your family through adoption.

A Timonium family lawyer could help you see through the complexity of family law issues. No lawyer can promise to take away the emotional pain that comes from a marriage dissolution, custody disputes, and similar problems. What they can do is provide level-headed guidance and help you look at the big picture and the future. The result can be a faster, more effective, and more affordable resolution to your domestic disputes.

Understanding Divorce

Divorces are one of the most common reasons people want or need the assistance of a Timonium family law attorney. Also called an absolute divorce, it is the official end of a marriage. It is important to note that Maryland requires the parties to allege grounds for a divorce and, if an agreement cannot be reached, to be able to prove that those grounds exist. The court will grant a divorce even if one of the parties does not want it, so long as the party seeking the divorce can prove the grounds alleged to exist.

The problems that accompany divorce, like the division of property, child support, child custody, and alimony, are the ones that can create endless complications. People fight over money, property, and their kids. Unfortunately, litigants sometimes use this process to continue fights they had during their marriage, wrangling over property when they are really upset about past betrayals. An attorney can be instrumental in alleviating some of the emotional turmoil that fuels divorce cases by assisting you in understanding the factors that a Court considers in ruling on these cases.

While a good lawyer knows when to be level-headed, they also know when to fight for what their client deserves. Though there are times where negotiation and felixiblity are key, there are other times where taking a firm approach is the only feasible or safe option. A lawyer helps you avoid situations that would lead to physical, emotional, or financial danger.

Child Custody Agreements

Parents often fight over custody of their children. Loving parents want to spend as much time with their children as possible but even love cannot always prevent disagreements between parents about what is right for the child’s future. Custody matters in Maryland are broken down into legal and physical custody determinations. Physical custody refers to the amount of time each parent is able to spend with their child or children. Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make important decisions about school, religion, and critical things.

The court will consider the best interests of the child when making custody decisions. In Maryland, the best interest of a child is defined by 20+ factors that the Court is bound to consider in determining physical and legal custody. Just because a parent makes more money or could supply a more financially comfortable home does not meanthat a custody determination will be made in their favor. After deciding custody, the Court will turn its attention to child support to ensure a child is appropriately financially supported by each of his or her parents. A family lawyer in Timonium will fight for the best arrangement for a parent and their children.

Calculating Child Support

One of the most contentious issues in family law is child support. It can be an issue that is part of a divorce, part of a custody matter, or a case all on its own . People do not have to have been married to get child support from a co-parent, but they may have to establish paternity to do so.

At its core, child support is calculated using the gross monthly income of each parent. Child support is calculated and established based on the Maryland Child Support Guidelines, though there are cases where the application of the guidelines may not be appropriate.  The many factors that a Court may consider are outlined in the Maryland Family Law Code, specifically Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law §12-202.

To understand each party’s financial position, the court will have them submit a financial statementA financial statement is required to be filed in any custody, divorce, or child support matter involving children in the state of Maryland. A Timonium family attorney can help with the preparation of this form since dishonesty on it is perjury.

Schedule a Consultation with a Timonium Family Lawyer

No one wants to struggle with family legal issues. It is an emotionally difficult time that can only be made worse with the wrong type of guidance. A Timonium family lawyer from Price Benowitz can help you evaluate your problem, map out several alternative solutions, and help you towards a successful resolution. Schedule a consultation to find out more.