Domestic violence (“DV”) is a widespread issue, and even if you yourself have never experienced abuse from an intimate partner or family member, odds are you know someone who has (whether you’re aware of it or not). So what do you do if someone you know and love is experiencing domestic abuse or intimate partner violence (“IPV”)? Every situation is unique, but here are some ways you may be able to help. Learn to recognize the signs of abuse In some abusive relationships, there may be external indicators that something is amiss. Of course, every situation is different and you will not always se ..read more

We’ve previously covered the process for getting a protective order in Maryland, but what happens if you’re suffering abuse at the hands of someone who is neither an intimate partner nor related to you in any kind of familial way, such as a co-worker, neighbor, or a complete stranger? In Maryland, that’s where peace orders come in. What is a Peace Order? A peace order is a type of court-provided legal protection which can be obtained against an individual for specific reasons. If a person is having problems with a particular individual – because of harassment, intimidation, abuse, physical ass ..read more

According to the D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 40% of women and 25% in the nation’s capital have experienced intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence and/or stalking. By the numbers, domestic violence in D.C. is higher than the nationwide average. Although these statistics may be scary, help is available 24/7. One possible method for stopping abuse in D.C. is filing a Civil Protection Order (“CPO”) against an abuser. Colloquially known as a restraining order, a CPO is a court order that requires the respondent (the person the order is filed against) to stay away from, no ..read more

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 34.4% of Maryland women and 28.8% of Maryland men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner rape and/or intimate partner stalking. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re being abused, know that help is available 24/7. In Maryland, one way to help stop abuse and ensure your safety is seeking a Protective Order (“PO”) through the court system. A PO can be a powerful tool to ensure your safety during a difficult situation. Many people refrain from filing for a protective order because they assume that t ..read more

Divorce (and separation) is hard for everyone – parents and kids alike, but it is often especially difficult for teenagers who are already navigating numerous physical and emotional changes, and may feel resentful of another challenge placed in their lap.  In combination with other support, books can be a great resource to help teens cope, especially if they aren’t ready to talk openly about their feelings in the early stages. From starting conversations to just giving kids a character to relate to, we’ve gathered eight books for tween and teen readers to help work through this challengin ..read more

Just because a judge signs a child custody order doesn’t mean that it is “set in stone,” or incapable of being changed at some point in the future. Depending on the facts involved, a co-parent may make a formal request to have an existing custody order modified. In this post, we’re addressing a few of the most frequently asked questions on the issue of child custody order modification in Maryland. What is Required to Support a Modification of an Existing Order? Existing child custody orders may be changeable, but the co-parent seeking a change cannot base this request merely on his or her own ..read more

National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th and is a time to highlight, recognize, and celebrate the many contributions of Hispanic Americans to the advancement of society. Hispanic Heritage Month was first observed in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, and in 1988, the celebration was expanded to cover a full 30-day period. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month 2022, we’ve gathered a list of five influential Hispanic American attorneys who have shaped society and the legal field as we know it today. Dennis Chávez  Dennis Chávez was the first American-born Hispanic Senator ..read more

Divorce and parental separation is tough for all members of a family, but it can be extra hard on young children who may not completely understand what’s happening and/or may lack the coping skills to easily adjust to a big change in their lives. The good news is that in our experience, divorce can be an opportunity for positive change, and research shows that most children adjust well to parental separation in the long term. Children of divorce often develop deeper, more meaningful relationships with each of their parents, and may show better resiliency and self-sufficiency.  Unfortunate ..read more

Research has shown that journaling has many benefits for your emotional and mental health, from helping you achieve goals, to reducing stress and anxiety, and it has become increasingly popular, with many people incorporating daily journaling into their typical routines. Your diary seems like a safe place, where you can write down your innermost thoughts and feelings for your eyes only. However, if you are involved in a custody battle or divorce, you may be surprised to know that in some cases, your private diary could be used as evidence in court. Diaries are Not Usually Confidential As a gen ..read more

It seems like just yesterday we were getting ready for summer vacation, planning family trips, and packing for camp, but suddenly, the first day of school is upon us!  For some families, heading back to school, with its structure and routine, comes as a relief. For others, the end of summer fun is a less welcome time of year, especially for kiddos who are heading to a new school, or just getting used to a new family custody schedule. However you feel about this time of year, we have some tips to help you not only survive the school year chaos, but to thrive! Use a shared calendar for sch ..read more