Many of the most valuable assets in a marital estate are readily accessible and divisible when people divorce. They hold the title to their home and have control over the funds in their financial accounts. Other assets may theoretically be part of the marital estate but are not yet in the possession of either spouse. Deferred compensation is a perfect example. Someone may have an employment contract that includes retention or performance bonuses. The company may offer restricted stock options after so many years of employment. An executive who recently took a role at a new company may be eligi ..read more

Some ex-partners can forge an amicable co-parenting relationship after their divorce. But sometimes, there are too many contentious emotions to make co-parenting a reality. Another option is parallel parenting, which allows both parents to be involved in their children’s lives without having to interact with each other. The benefits and drawbacks of parallel parenting Parallel parenting is an arrangement where both parents are actively involved in their children’s lives, but there is minimal direct communication between them. It’s typically used to reduce tension and potential disputes in high ..read more

Going through a divorce at age 50 or older is on the rise. But do couples who dissolve their marriage later in life have an easier or more complicated process? How does a gray divorce differ from other types of divorces? Here is what to know: More assets are involved Chances are a couple going through a gray divorce has more assets than a younger divorcing one. These include properties, businesses, stock options, life insurance, retirement benefits and so on. Accordingly, they may have a more complicated property division, particularly when it comes to unique properties like retirement and soc ..read more

Alimony, or spousal support, is a critical aspect of divorce proceedings in Maryland. However, several misconceptions often cloud the understanding of how the law works.  Here are some of the most common misconceptions clarified. Alimony is automatically granted in every divorce One prevalent myth is that alimony is guaranteed in every divorce case in Maryland. In reality, alimony is not automatically granted.  Maryland courts consider various factors like how long the marriage lasted, the financial situation of each spouse and how well each spouse can support themselves when the div ..read more

Divorcing someone you share children with is very different from divorcing someone when no children are involved. Your children will tie you together for years to come and whether you like it or not you cannot just shut the other person out of your life for good. The better you can make your co-parenting relationship, the better things should be for your children. They still love you both, and research has shown children do better when both parents continue to play an active role in their lives. Couples who divorce are often barely on speaking terms and it might be that years of poor communica ..read more

When marriage can no longer work and you have to part ways with your partner, your child’s best interests remain a major priority. One of the ways to maintain parent-child relationships in such situations is through supervised visitation. While it helps ensure the safety and well-being of the child during interactions with the non-custodial parent, supervised visitation also presents several drawbacks that should be considered, including the following. 1. Lack of privacy and autonomy The presence of a third-party supervisor or the need to visit a designated facility can significantly diminish ..read more

Counseling or mental health support is valuable for people in a variety of situations. Obviously, professional assistance is crucial for those who have experienced substantial trauma and those with chemical imbalances or personality disorders. Additionally, mental health services can be useful for those who need to learn new interpersonal skills or navigate a high-conflict situation. Social stigma related to counseling and therapy has decreased substantially in recent decades, and people are more open about the need for assistance when going through a difficult time. Divorce can often be what ..read more

The co-parenting relationship is as unique as the two parents who are committed to working together to raise their children even though they aren’t in a romantic relationship any longer. One of the points some co-parents follow is attending activities for the children together, even if they have another significant other.  There are several things these co-parents can do that can boost their chances of enjoying the summer with their children without added stress. While these might not work for every situation, they may be suitable for some.  Let the children lead Summer is a time for ..read more

Marriage is a full-time commitment. Unfortunately, not all marriages work out and divorce can be a tough process. Nonetheless, it is important to focus on the many positives that a divorce can bring. Divorce has the potential to create a healthier home environment for you and your children if you have them. It can also provide you with a fresh outlook on life as well as an opportunity to focus on yourself. Here are a few tips that can help you to move on with your life post-divorce. Allow yourself to feel upset Every person is unique and we all have different coping mechanisms, but bottling up ..read more

You do not need anyone telling you that divorce can be incredibly difficult when children are involved. But one possible challenge you may not expect involves having to deal with an uncooperative spouse who constantly threatens to take the kids away. It can be comforting to remember that modern family courts recognize the importance of parental involvement and rarely separate children from either parent completely. It could be that your spouse is trying to scare you into staying married or giving something up in the divorce. Or they could simply be a bully and it’s time to seek legal guidance ..read more