Search Results

Generally, a monthly child support obligation is when one parent pays a specified amount to another parent to share the costs associated with raising a child between two households. The goal of child support is to ensure the child’s needs are met and they maintain a similar standard of living between the two parents’ homes. At Wasserman Family Law, we receive a lot of questions about child support in Maryland. Here are some of the most common questions and answers: What are my legal obligations? Under the law, both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children until the child is 18, or 19 if the child is still in high school. This is the case even if one parent is not seeing the child (i.e. an absentee parent) or if the child is in the custody of a third-party (i.e. grandparents, siblings). Stepparents do not have a legal financial obligation for their stepchildren. How will the court calculate my child support? In Maryland, child support is calculated using the Child Support Guidelines, a mathematical formula that calculates each parent’s child support obligation with an income-sharing formula and taking into account specific payments made by parents on behalf of the children, such as health insurance and work-related childcare. The obligation amount is based on each parents’ percentage of the combined income and in proportion to the number of overnights a child spends with each parent. For example, if Parent 1 makes $40,000 per year and Parent 2 makes $60,000 per year, Parent 1 makes 40% of the combined income, and Parent 2 makes 60% of the combined income. These percentages will be factored into the child support calculations. Do these guidelines apply to all income brackets across the board? The use of these guidelines is mandatory if the parents’ combined annual income is less than $15,000 per month or $180,000 per year. The legislature sets the amount of child support at each income level. If the parents combined income is more than $15,000 per month, the courts have the discretion to deviate from the guidelines to determine the appropriate monthly child support amount. What other factors are included in the guidelines formula? The guidelines consider the “actual income” of each parent, or the “potential income” if the Court finds that a parent is voluntarily impoverished. “Actual income” is the gross income from any source including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, dividend income, pension income, interest income, trust income, annuity income, Social Security benefits, unemployment insurance benefits, disability insurance benefits, worker’s compensation benefits, alimony received, among others. If one parent has a preexisting child support obligation or is paying alimony to the other parent, that amount is deducted from that parent’s “actual income.” And if a parent is self-employed, “actual income” means the income from gross receipts minus “ordinary and necessary expenses required to produce income.” Work-Related Childcare Expenses. This factor includes expenses incurred to provide care for the child while the parent is working (i.e. daycare, before/aftercare, babysitters). Health Insurance. Generally, each parent is required to contribute to the cost of providing health insurance for a child in proportion to his or her adjusted actual income. When one parent is paying the insurance, they are given a “credit” when calculating the guidelines. Extraordinary Medical Expenses. This factor includes uninsured expenses such as therapy, orthodontia, physical therapy, etc. Generally, each parent is required to contribute to the cost of uninsured medical expenses (over $250 per year) for the child in proportion to his or her adjusted actual income. If one parent is advancing these costs, they are given a “credit” when calculating the guidelines. School and Transportation Expenses. The costs associated with a private school and or tutoring lessons, as well transportation costs to transfer the child between households may also be considered. Other Expenses. The Court has the discretion to consider “other expenses” when making a child support award determination. Custodial Time. The number of overnights the child spends with each parent is considered when calculating child support, according to the guidelines. After all these factors are input into the formula, a child support obligation amount is calculated. It is important to remember that child support is the child’s right. So, even if one parent is ordered to pay support to the other parent, this amount has been calculated to ensure that the child has a similar quality of life at each parent’s home. It should not simply be viewed as one parent being ordered to give money to the other parent. Often, parents are unprepared and shocked to hear various child support amounts in the courtroom, because they have no idea what the guidelines are nor how to do the calculations. By understanding the Maryland Child Support Guidelines, each parent can plan for their child custody hearing in court. Hopefully, these guidelines, calculations, and factors have given you some helpful insights into how the state of Maryland calculates child support when considering the support and maintenance of children in child custody and child support matters. If you have questions about child support in Maryland, contact Laurie Wasserman at laurie@wassermanlawoffice.com or call our main number 410-842-1070. For the foreseeable future, we will be available by telephone and virtually to serve our clients. Read next: My Ex Won’t Pay Child Support, What Can I Do? New Child Support Law Goes Into Effect October 1, 2020 What to Do If You Cannot Afford to Pay Child Support

Since medical marijuana was legalized in Maryland, the courts have had to consider the medical and recreational use of marijuana and its potential effects on a child in a child custody case. Here is an overview of the laws behind marijuana in Maryland, and what to consider if you and/or your ex use marijuana and are involved in a child custody case. The Law in Maryland First and foremost, the recreational use of marijuana is not legal. In 2014, the state of Maryland decriminalized the small possession of marijuana of fewer than 10 grams. However, a person who is in possession of fewer than 10 grams of marijuana may still be issued a civil citation and fined, similar to a traffic ticket. Any possession of over 10 grams of marijuana is a criminal offense. Medical marijuana, more formally known as medical cannabis, was legalized in Maryland in 2017 through the program called, Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). As of December 1, 2017, authorized dispensaries in the state of Maryland can sell medical marijuana to certified patients. A patient must first obtain written certification from a licensed physician in the state of Maryland. To obtain written certification, the person must be diagnosed with a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition, or have a condition so severe that other treatments have been proven to be ineffective. Medical marijuana is legal for qualifying adults and children. Marijuana and Child Custody Cases The decriminalization of marijuana, as well as the legalization of medical marijuana, are less than 10 years old in the state of Maryland. As a result, the use of marijuana in child custody cases may lead to varying results. All child custody determinations are made considering the best interest of the child. When it comes to marijuana and child custody, there are some important questions to consider: How does the parent’s use of the substance impact their ability to parent? Is the substance out of reach of the child? How long has the parent been using that substance? Is there a known substance abuse past? Is the parent taking the substance responsibly and as prescribed? These questions will help determine whether the parent’s use of marijuana will negatively impact the child. Since custody cases are very fact-specific, it is important to be honest with a family law attorney about your use. Your family law attorney can analyze the facts and advocate for a favorable outcome on your behalf. If you have questions about marijuana and child custody in Maryland, contact Laurie Wasserman at laurie@wassermanlawoffice.com or call our main number 410-842-1070. For the foreseeable future, we will be available by telephone and virtually to serve our clients. Read next: How Can I Modify My Child Custody Decision? A Quicker Way to Divorce During the Pandemic FAQ’s: Child Custody and COVID-19

In Maryland, receiving alimony during or after a divorce is not a foregone conclusion. Whether an ex-spouse receives the financial support they seek is determined by the Court. For those seeking alimony in Maryland, here are a few things to keep in mind: 1. Alimony comes in different forms In Maryland, there are different types of alimony. Pendente Lite Alimony, also known as “temporary alimony,” is awarded to one party during the divorce process. The purpose of this form of alimony is to ensure that the requesting party can financially support themselves during the divorce proceedings Awards of pendente lite alimony are based on a need by one spouse and an ability to pay by the other spouse. It needs to be agreed upon or Court ordered so a spouse may not receive pendente lite alimony until much further along in the case. Rehabilitative alimony, awarded post-divorce, is for parties who need time reenter the workforce or to complete an educational program to seek a higher-paying job. Rehabilitative alimony is awarded for a short period of time and only after the Court considers various factors, which are described below. Indefinite alimony is typically given to spouses who are unable to work due to age or disability or who would otherwise experience an “unconscionably disparate” lifestyle from their former spouse. 2. The Court must consider all required factors before making an award of alimony Maryland law is clear that before a Judge can award alimony at the time of a divorce, the following must be considered: (a) the ability of a party seeking alimony to be wholly or partly self-supporting; (b) the time necessary to gain sufficient education or training to find suitable employment; (c) the standard of living during the marriage; (d) the duration of the marriage; (e) the monetary and non-monetary contributions each party made to the well-being of the family; (f) the circumstances that led to the estrangement of the parties; (g) the age of each party; (h) the physical and mental condition of each party; (i) the ability of the party paying alimony to meet his or her own needs while supporting the other party; (j) any agreement between the parties; (k) the needs and resources of each party; (l) the right of each party to receive retirement benefits; and (m) if the party receiving alimony would become eligible for medical assistance earlier than otherwise would occur. Each factor must be weighed separately and the Court can give more weight to one factor over another. 3. There is no required calculator to determine alimony The amount of the alimony award can vary from case-to-case. Unlike child support, there is no required alimony calculator in Maryland. This is because many of the required factors are intangible, like non-monetary contributions of a party and fault. While attorneys can use their experience and other tools as a guide for calculating alimony, a Court is not required to use a specific calculator, so the amount of an alimony award will depend on the Judge who is hearing the case. 4. Alimony may be modifiable Alimony can be modifiable by either party unless there is an agreement stating otherwise. If the income or financial situation of the paying spouse or the receiving spouse changes in a meaningful way before the last alimony payment is made, the court may be able to modify the amount of the payment or terminate it altogether. However, if the parties agree in a Marital Settlement Agreement that the alimony terms will be non-modifiable, the court cannot make a modification. Alimony can be terminated upon the death of either party or if the receiving party gets remarried while still receiving payments. 5. Alimony must be requested timely Alimony can only be granted during the time in which a couple is litigating and/or before they are finally divorced. If one party fails to make a claim for alimony before the divorce is finalized, or a spouse waives the right to alimony in a Marital Settlement Agreement, they have forever waived that right and they cannot come back and ask for it later. Alimony can be an invaluable resource for those with financial concerns related to their divorce, but the process of securing an alimony award is complex. The team at Wasserman Family Law is available to those looking to discuss seeking financial support. If you have questions about alimony, contact Laurie Wasserman at laurie@wassermanlawoffice.com or call our main number 410-842-1070. For the foreseeable future, we will be available by telephone and virtually to serve our clients. Next Reads Is A Marital Settlement Agreement Right For Me? What to Do If You Cannot Afford to Pay Child Support Mediation: How to Take Control of Your Family Law Case

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of strain for co-parents that disagree on safety precautions. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on masks, social distancing, and how to protect themself and others during this time. For co-parents who do not live together, the pandemic has the potential to be a confusing and challenging time. As the children spend time with both parents and move from household to household, there will likely be discrepancies when it comes to COVID-19 protocol. Generally, one parent cannot dictate what the other parent does with the children during his or her parenting time. However, with COVID-19, if a child goes from strict isolation with one parent to going out mask-less and not engaging in social distancing with the other parent—that second parent’s behavior can have an impact on the first parent’s household. This is especially true for blended families. Tips for Co-Parenting and COVID-19 Protocol If you and your child’s other parent disagree on what is appropriate and safe behavior during this time, here are some helpful tips: Refer to your legal agreements. When in doubt, always return to your legal agreements to see if there is written guidance for you and the other parent to follow. Is there a provision in your Marital Settlement Agreement, Custody Order, or any other Order from the Court that instructs you on what to do when there is a conflict? Are you supposed to return to mediation? If you do not have this in your legal agreements, ask your co-parent if he or she would agree to meet with someone to discuss the issue and resolve the dispute. Perhaps the other parent would agree to address this with a parent coordinator. Or, you could agree to consult a professional who could offer insight, such as a therapist or pediatrician. Parents can also agree to follow their child’s school COVID protocol in each household, as that is required of their child anyway to attend school in person. Try to find a reasonable compromise. Although it can be difficult to find a middle ground, especially when it comes to health and safety, we encourage you to find a reasonable compromise. Set up a time to discuss this with your co-parent away from your children. Each parent can have the opportunity to be heard and perhaps after hearing from the other parent, there is room for compromise. Ask for professional help. Even if your custody order does not state what you are to do in the event of a disagreement, that does not mean that you cannot seek out a mediator or a parent coordinator to help you resolve an issue. Outside professional help can alleviate stress for you, the other parent, and the children involved. They can also help you and the other parent come to shared decisions in a timely manner. The Court is not set up to handle these disputes on an emergency basis so alternative dispute resolution can be very helpful. Consider a modification of the child custody agreement. If disputes regarding COVID protocol are a symptom of a larger problem between you and your co-parent, it may be time to consider modifying the child custody agreement to include mechanisms to resolve disputes. Child custody orders are created with the best interest of the children in mind. Custody orders can be modified if the court considers a significant enough change that is no longer in the best interest of the children. Learn more about how to modify your child custody decision here. If you have questions about co-parenting and the pandemic, contact Laurie Wasserman at laurie@wassermanlawoffice.com or call our main number 410-842-1070. For the foreseeable future, we will be available by telephone and virtually to serve our clients. Read next: Is “Parent Coordination” Right For You and Your Ex? How Can I Modify My Child Custody Decision? Living Together While Divorcing During COVID-19

Co-parenting is stressful, and the pandemic has not made life any easier. Whether you are recently separated or divorced, living together or separately, the team at Wasserman Family Law can help you transition from parents to co-parents. What is Co-Parenting? Co-parenting is when separated parents continue to take care of their children together, despite the end of their relationship. It is different from the parenting that parents do when they live together, because it requires a conscious effort to communicate and to keep both parents involved. Co-parenting ensures that both parents play active roles in their children’s lives. Healthy co-parenting is important to the development of children, and unless there is a serious reason why one parent’s involvement should be lessened, such as domestic violence or substance abuse, a Court may prefer that parents attempt to co-parent. Co-Parenting Tips for Success Communication is key. Miscommunication happens all the time. Taking steps to avoid it will help keep the relationship cordial. Decide ahead of time how you will communicate with each other, when, and with what frequency. We encourage you to make these decisions together. And remember, communication is a two-way street. Make requests instead of demands. Listen and ask for each other’s opinions. Apologize and learn to move forward in the best interest of your children. If it helps, think of this interaction now as a business relationship, instead of a personal one. Talk to and treat your ex as you would a coworker. Respect goes a long way in maintaining a healthy long-term co-parenting relationship. Collaborate as a team. Work together to decide on your co-parenting rules and how to manage schedules. Co-parenting relationships are most effective when ground rules are in place and remain consistent between parents. For example, do you wish to enforce the same discipline rules in both homes, or do you understand that each parent will make a separate set of rules and the children will learn what is acceptable at each home? Other significant decisions, such as medical needs, financial needs, or education (especially during COVID-19), should be made by both parents together. These decisions should focus on the child's well-being. When in doubt, compromise. Set aside your differences. In order to have a successful co-parenting relationship, you must set aside your personal feelings about your ex for the sake of your children. We encourage you to respond to things logically instead of emotionally and to focus on what is in the best interest of your children. You may be thinking, “easier said than done,” and that is true—it is very difficult. It is a learning process. If you ever doubt yourself, take a few minutes to collect your thoughts before acting or responding to something that upsets you. Co-parenting is about your children, not you. Stay positive and remember to celebrate. Negativity is emotionally draining. Try to focus on the positive aspects of co-parenting and encourage each other’s strengths in the relationship. This positivity will make everyone feel safer and more appreciated, especially when communicated in front of your children. And remember to celebrate. When a birthday pops up, or if your ex gets a promotion at work, make sure you acknowledge the milestone in front of your children. “Parent Coordination” Can Help If you and your ex have a difficult time co-parenting, we recommend considering Parent Coordination. Parent Coordination is a service for separated parents. Instead of contacting their respective attorneys, the parents meet regularly with a certified Parent Coordinator (PC) to resolve disputes regarding their shared children. Parent Coordination can save you time and money, and it benefits the parents and the children. Parent Coordinators (PC) are specially trained to resolve disputes in high-conflict custody matters. In an attempt to prevent the parents from having to return to Court, Parent Coordinators can help to draft a parenting plan, monitor continued compliance of the parenting plan, and help resolve minor disputes between parents. Most importantly, when parents cannot reach a consensus, the Parent Coordinator could have the ability to decide certain issues on their behalf. Parent Coordination is especially helpful for exes that have a difficult time getting along and need outside help to resolve disagreements. Here are some instances that we recommend you consider hiring a certified Parent Coordinator: You and your ex have a difficult time making joint decisions about your children. You and your ex constantly fight over your children and custody schedules. You and/or your ex frequently reach out to legal counsel for help with custody disagreements. You and your ex argue about the day-to-day issues. If you have questions about transitioning from parents to co-parents, contact Laurie Wasserman at laurie@wassermanlawoffice.com or call our main number 410-842-1070. For the foreseeable future, we will be available by telephone and virtually to serve our clients. Read next: Is “Parent Coordination” Right For You and Your Ex? The 10 Do’s & Don’ts of Divorce Living Together While Divorcing During COVID-19

In the family law world, January historically is known as “Divorce Month.” The holidays are over and family obligations are less frequent. Children were able to maintain holiday traditions and not have memories tainted by the splitting of their parents. Then, January arrives and spouses often decide they do not want to maintain the current status quo. That, doubled with New Year’s resolutions, means a lot of new divorce filings. Despite the uptick in divorce filings this month, the COVID-19 pandemic has made scheduling Court hearings a bit more complicated. The Courts in the state of Maryland have returned to Phase II of their reopening plan, meaning that the Courts are limited in scheduling certain hearings. For many contested divorces (i.e. spouses that cannot agree on how to resolve their marital issues), this means spouses may need to explore alternative dispute resolutions if they want to divorce quickly. If you are considering a divorce, we encourage you to consider alternative dispute resolutions. We have no way of knowing when the courts open full operations and when they do, there will be a backlog for trials. Therefore, alternative dispute resolutions will be a quicker way to divorce. Marital Settlement Agreements Marital Settlement Agreements are a quicker way to divorce during this pandemic. A Marital Settlement Agreement is also known as a Separation Agreement. It is when a married couple wants to divorce and comes to shared decisions on each one of their marital issues. Marital issues include everything from custody schedules, child support, alimony, division of property, and other financial issues. The Process Hire Legal Representation. First, each spouse hires his or her own attorney to represent them and their best interests. Negotiate & Draft. Next, the spouses and their attorneys work together to negotiate an agreement that resolves all marital issues (e.g. custody, child support, division of property, etc). Once all issues are agreed upon, the attorneys will draft a legal document, the Marital Settlement Agreement, outlining all the resolutions for the marital issues. Some parents also choose to work with a mediator (described below) to help them come to an agreement, while their respective lawyers advise them throughout the process. File & Uncontested Divorce Hearing. Then, one attorney will file a Complaint for Absolute Divorce along with the Marital Settlement Agreement. The other attorney will reply with an Answer. Once this is completed, the court will hold an Uncontested Divorce Hearing to make the Marital Settlement Agreement part of the divorce decree. It becomes enforceable as a Court Order, and also serves as a separate contact. If the Marital Settlement Agreement is accepted by the Court, the divorce will be finalized and the spouses will need to abide by the terms in the agreement. The Benefits You and your spouse can make shared decisions to resolve all your marital issues with the help of your attorneys, as opposed to a judge if you were to end up in court. You can save time AND money by avoiding a lengthy court battle. You can bypass the sometimes legally required one-year of physical separation. You can settle issues privately and without having to involve friends and family. Considerations If you and your spouse are motivated to resolve the issues of your marriage together and are willing to make compromises, you should consider a Marital Settlement Agreement. Mediation is a great option to reaching a Marital Settlement Agreement. In mediation, the mediator is a neutral third party who helps facilitate a discussion to reach a solution that meets their needs. If an agreement is reached, the mediator will draft the agreement for the lawyers and parties to review. If no agreement is reached, then the mediator and the parties cannot testify as to what was said during mediation. If alternative dispute resolution could work for you and your family, contact us to find out more about the process and the best way to get started. If you have questions about alternative dispute resolutions, contact Laurie Wasserman at laurie@wassermanlawoffice.com or call our main number 410-842-1070. Laurie can act as a mediator for both parties, or represent one party in the negotiations of a Marital Settlement Agreement. For the foreseeable future, we will be available by telephone and virtually to serve our clients. Next Reads Is A Marital Settlement Agreement Right For Me? Mediation: How to Take Control of Your Family Law Case The 10 Do’s & Don’ts of Divorce

When parents are raising children in separate households, there are bound to be disputes. Understandably so, custody orders can sometimes be more difficult to execute in real life than anticipated. Issues may arise that are not specifically addressed by your order or you are required to agree on something, and an agreement cannot be reached. As experienced family law attorneys, we have received many calls and emails from our clients about child-related disagreements. COVID-19 and the issues arising from it have also created disputes that custody orders did not anticipate. The team at Wasserman Family Law wishes more parents knew about Parent Coordination and how it can benefit them and their children. What is Parent Coordination? Parent Coordination is a service for separated parents. Instead of contacting their respective attorneys, the parents meet regularly with a certified Parent Coordinator (PC) to resolve disputes regarding their shared children. Parent Coordinators (PC) are specially trained to resolve disputes in high-conflict custody matters. In an attempt to avoid the parents having to return to Court, Parent Coordinators can help to draft a parenting plan, monitor continued compliance of the parenting plan, and can help resolve minor disputes between parents. Most importantly, when the parents cannot reach a consensus, the Parent Coordinator has the ability to decide on their behalf. What are the benefits of Parent Coordination? Parent Coordination can save time, money, and benefit the mental health of parents and children. Parent Coordination saves you time because there is not a lot of back and forth between parents and lawyers trying to make a decision. Instead, the issue will be resolved during the designated session. Parent Coordination saves you money because it is less expensive than hiring an attorney or going through the legal system. Your attorney can address the higher-level casework, while the Parent Coordinator can address the day-to-day issues. Parent Coordination benefits the mental health of everyone involved because it designates a private space to discuss arguments, away from the children, and come to resolutions that both exes agree to. Is Parent Coordination right for me and my ex? Parent Coordination is especially helpful for exes that have a difficult time getting along and need outside help to resolve disagreements. Here are some instances that we recommend you consider hiring a certified Parent Coordinator: You and your ex have a difficult time making joint decisions about your children. You and your ex constantly fight over your children and custody schedules. You and/or your ex frequently reach out to legal counsel for help with custody disagreements. You and your ex argue about the day-to-day issues. Laurie M. Wasserman is a trained and certified Parent Coordinator (PC) and has helped many parents throughout Maryland resolve their disputes through the PC process. To serve as a PC, Laurie was required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of specified training in addition to 60 hours of mediation training skills. Contact Laurie M. Wasserman at laurie@wassermanlawoffice.com or call our main number 410-842-1070. We can assist with Parent Coordination either in-person or virtually. Next Reads Top 10 Reasons to Use a Parent Coordinator for Custody Disputes How Parent Coordination Can Resolve Disagreements About Your Children

The holidays are traditionally a time for gathering and celebrating with loved ones. For domestic violence survivors, the holidays can mean the potential for more abuse than usual. People are often more stressed during the holiday season, trying to juggle holiday schedules and managing finances. People also typically consume more alcohol and spend more time at home. This combination has historically led to an increase in abuse from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day. And with the COVID-19 pandemic, survivors may be stuck at home alone with their abuser, further increasing the risks. At Wasserman Family Law, we help domestic violence survivors take legal actions to protect themselves and their family members from further abuse. If you need legal assistance to obtain a Protective or Peace Order, or to initiate a custody or divorce case against your abuser, please email Laurie Wasserman at laurie@wassermanlawoffice.com or call our main number 410-842-1070. If you need immediate assistance with a domestic abuse situation, please call the local authorities, or National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522. If you are living in the state of Maryland and require safe housing, please contact the House of Ruth for assistance at 800.799.SAFE, or the Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County at (410) 285-7496 Protective Orders Protective Orders tell an abuser what they can or cannot do for specified things. If the abuser fails to follow the Protective Order, law enforcement has the right to immediately arrest them and take legal actions. Examples of Relief in Protective Orders include: No Contact: the abuser is not allowed to contact the victim at all (including in-person, phone calls, texting, emails, and letters) Stay Away: the abuser is not allowed to come within a specified distance of the victim Move Out: the abuser must move out of the home No Firearms: the abuser must surrender all firearms to law enforcement for the duration of the order Counseling: the abuser must go to counseling for the duration of the order Abuse is defined as several actions, including: An act that causes serious bodily harm (e.g. hitting, choking, shooting, shoving, or biting) An act that places someone in fear of imminent serious bodily harm (including threats) Assault, rape, or sexual assault Mental injury to a child or minor Stalking To be eligible for a Protective Order, the person who files must fall into one of these categories: Spouse of the abuser (current or former) Shares a child with the abuser (whether or not you were ever married) Lives with the abuser and has a sexual relationship or has lived together for at least 90 days Related to the abuser (including through marriage or adoption) Has had a sexual relationship with the abuser (within the last year) Peace Orders If the survivor is not eligible for a Protective Order, they should consider filing a Peace Order. Peace Orders require a specific person to stay away and refrain from any contact with the survivor for a specified period of time. The survivor may be eligible for a Peace Order if they are a victim of an act that causes serious bodily harm or places them in fear of serious bodily harm, assault, false imprisonment, harassment, stalking, trespassing, malicious destruction of property, misuse of telephone or electronic communication, revenge porn or criminal visual surveillance. Peace Orders must be filed within 30 days of the act occurring. Supporting Survivors If you have a loved one that is a domestic violence survivor or you believe to be in a dangerous situation, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Here is a list of things you can do: 1. Educate yourself on domestic violence and the cycle of abuse. This is complicated and has several nuances to it. 2. Do not attempt to intervene without the help of a professional. In most situations, a poorly planned intervention can make the abuse worse, if not deadly. 3. Be supportive of the survivor. Depending on your relationship and the situation, you may be comfortable having an honest conversation with them. Perhaps you remind them of the power they hold and let them know you have a safe place if they need refuge. 4. Remember that you cannot force anyone to leave a relationship. They need to decide that on their own. More often than not, domestic violence survivors will forgive and return to their abuser multiple times because of the cycle of abuse. An experienced family law attorney will guide you through the Peace and Protective Order process and ensure your safety. If you have questions, please contact Wasserman Family Law at 410-842-1070. You are not alone and we are here to help.

Towson, MD | On December 14, 2020, Super Lawyers announced that Laurie M. Wasserman has been selected as a 2021 Top 100 Maryland Super Lawyer and a Top Rated Family Law Attorney in Towson, MD. The Law Office of Laurie M. Wasserman associate attorneys Emily Koning and Steffani Langston also received recognition as 2021 Top Rated Family Law Attorneys in Towson, MD Rising Stars. Super Lawyers is a national rating service that selects the United States’ top lawyers in over 70 practice areas. The selection process is conducted through peer nominations and evaluations, as well as independent research. Super Lawyers are known for their high degree of recognition by their peers and for their professional achievement in the field of law. Laurie M. Wasserman has been selected as a Top Rated Family Law Attorney in Towson, MD every year since 2017. In 2020, she was recognized as a Top 50 Women Maryland Super Lawyers. This is the first time she has received recognition as a Top 100 Maryland Super Lawyer. This is the first year that Emily Koning and Steffani Langston have been recognized as Super Lawyers Rising Stars. Rising Stars are on their way to becoming Top Rated Super Lawyers. As associate attorneys, this designation is an honor. “I am honored to have been nominated by my peers and recognized as a 2021 Top 100 Maryland Super Lawyer,” remarked Laurie M. Wasserman. “I love what I do and am grateful to have the support of both my clients and the legal community. And I am so proud that both Emily and Steffani have been recognized for all their hard work as well.” Laurie M. Wasserman opened her own firm, Wasserman Family Law in 2018. She represents family law clients in the greater Baltimore, Maryland metropolitan areas. Her legal practice focuses on family law issues such as child custody, child support, adoption, divorce and mediation. She is certified to resolve disputes within high-conflict families with Parent Coordination. She is also a Child’s Counsel with the Administrative Office of the Courts and is certified to mediate child and parenting issues. Emily Koning and Steffani Langston are Associate Attorneys at Wasserman Family Law. They practice all aspects of family law and are an integral part of the Wasserman Family Law team. To learn more about Super Lawyers, please visit here.

Your kids are probably having a tough time dealing with the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. You might be, too. If you were considering divorce before the pandemic started, you might be putting it off because you are concerned about how making such a big change will affect your kids. You might be wondering whether there is a way to move forward with your plans to physically separate, without exposing the kids to additional stress. If you want to divorce, but you also want to keep the conflict and stress to a minimum, you should consider negotiating a Marital Settlement Agreement. Marital Settlement Agreements can resolve all issues related to your marriage. When you and your spouse make an agreement on how you want to divorce, you eliminate a lot of uncertainty and chaos that might otherwise affect your kids. What is a Marital Settlement Agreement? A Marital Settlement Agreement, also known as a Separation Agreement, is when two spouses agree on all of the issues relating to your divorce. These issues include child custody, child support, alimony, division of property, debts, and other financial issues. The spouses and their respective attorneys work together to create a legal document that outlines all the resolutions. If, and when, a settlement is reached, the divorce can then be finalized quickly and without contested litigation. What are the benefits of a Marital Settlement Agreement? Marital Settlement Agreements have several benefits, which is why many couples prefer them over going to court. Here are just some of the advantages: You can finalize your divorce without a judge having to resolve the dispute. You can save time AND money by avoiding a lengthy court battle. You can bypass the sometimes legally required one-year physical separation. You can settle issues privately and without having to involve friends and family. You and your spouse decide on the resolutions together, with the advice of your attorneys. How do I know if a Marital Settlement Agreement is right for me? The most important piece to a Marital Settlement Agreement is that you and your spouse need to agree on the terms. Therefore, we recommend this option for spouses that are motivated to resolve the issues and are willing to make compromises. If you and your spouse need assistance resolving issues, you can engage the services of a mediator. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process. The mediator facilitates a discussion to help the parties reach a solution that meets their needs. If an agreement is reached, that agreement will be reduced to writing. If no agreement is reached, then the mediator and the parties cannot testify as to what was said during mediation. If this sounds like something that might work for you and your family, contact us to find out more about how the process works and whether it is the right choice for you. If you have questions about alternative dispute resolutions, contact Laurie Wasserman at laurie@wassermanlawoffice.com or call our main number 410-842-1070. Laurie can act as a mediator for both parties, or represent one party in the negotiations of a Marital Settlement Agreement. For the foreseeable future, we will be available by telephone and virtually to serve our clients. Recommended Next Reads: How Fast Can I Get a Divorce in Maryland? What to Expect: Meeting Your Family Law Attorney for the First Time How To Get Divorced While the Courts are Closed

The team at Wasserman Family Law knows all too well that divorce can be very emotional, and can get messy if care is not taken every step of the way. Here are our top 10 do’s and don’ts of divorce. Do: Do hire an experienced family law attorney. Divorce can quickly become complicated. An experienced family law attorney will advise you on the issues of alimony, child support, child custody, and division of marital property. Your attorney will also give you options on the best way to finalize your divorce, whether it be through an agreement, mediation, or going to court. Do put your children’s best interest first. No matter how old your children are, the divorce should stay between you and the other parent. A child should not be shown court papers or asked to pick sides. Do consider the support of a therapist or counselor. Therapy and counseling can be extremely beneficial for people going through a divorce. We always encourage our clients to consider hiring a professional to talk about what they are going through and receive expert guidance regarding their mental health. Do be honest with your attorney. Your attorney needs to know what may come up in the case in order to prepare accordingly. The last thing you want is for your attorney to be caught by surprise in the middle of a court battle. Do adjust your budget. No matter who you are, divorce will have a financial impact on your life. Your lifestyle may change for the short term or the long term. Consult your attorney before making any big purchases or cuts to budgets. Don’t: Don’t try to handle your divorce on your own. People who try to handle their divorce on their own often become quickly overwhelmed and lost in the legal requirements. Do not waste time and money trying to take matters into your own hands. Hire an experienced family law attorney to handle your divorce for you, so you can focus on the day-to-day matters impacting your family. Don’t hide any information or assets. Secrets are always discovered, especially when it comes to a battle in court. If you try to hide anything from your ex and the court and they find out, your credibility will be diminished and your case will be negatively affected. Don’t ignore agreements or Court orders. If you have agreed, or the court has ordered you to do something, abide by their ruling. The last thing you want to do is disregard a legal order and face penalties for your actions. Not only this, but you can jeopardize your case and everything you worked for or are working towards. Don’t forget to update important legal documents. If you have estate planning or financial documents that include your ex, be sure to consult with your attorney as soon as possible to determine if these need to be updated. Don’t forget to keep a record. Keeping careful notes of communications and calendars may come in handy if your case ends up in litigation. It is also helpful to communicate in writing as those can be used as evidence as well. Your communications should be factual and focused on resolving the issue, and not an opportunity to vent about what happened in the past. If you have questions about divorce, please contact Laurie Wasserman at laurie@wassermanlawoffice.com or 410-842-1070. The legal team at Wasserman Family Law is here to help guide and advocate for you. Recommended Next Reads: 10 Key Events in the Divorce Process What to Expect: Meeting Your Family Law Attorney for the First Time

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month, advocates come together across the United States to share information and resources regarding domestic violence awareness. The team at Wasserman Family Law wants all domestic violence survivors to know that they are not alone. We, among others across the nation, are advocating for your safety and the end of relationship abuse. There are safe places and resources available to you. If you need immediate assistance with a domestic abuse situation, please call the local authorities, or National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522. If you are living in the state of Maryland and require safe housing, please contact the House of Ruth for assistance at 800.799.SAFE, or the Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County at (410) 285-7496. And if you need legal assistance to obtain a Peace or Protective Order, or to initiate a custody or divorce case against your abuser, please email Laurie Wasserman at laurie@wassermanlawoffice.com or call our main number 410-842-1070. We are aware of the surge in domestic violence cases throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and take these matters very seriously. Our team offers Peace and Protective Orders to anyone who feels theirs or their loved ones’ safety is at risk. What are Peace and Protective Orders? A Protective Order is designed to protect a person from abuse. The court will issue the Protective Order to tell an abuser what they can or cannot do for specified things. If the abuser fails to follow the Protective Order, law enforcement has the right to immediately arrest them and take legal actions. Abuse is defined by a number of actions, including any act that causes serious bodily harm (e.g. hitting, choking, shooting, shoving, or biting) or places someone in fear of imminent serious bodily harm (including threats). Abuse also includes assault, rape, sexual assault, stalking, and mental injury to a child or minor. Protective Orders come in various forms for different purposes. One of the most common forms is a No Contact Protective Order. No Contact means the abuser is not allowed to contact the victim at all (including in-person, phone calls, texting, emails, and letters). In other cases, people may use a Peaceful Contact Protective Order. Peaceful Contact means the abuser can only contact the victim when discussing specified topics (e.g. making decisions about their children). Other common forms are the Stay Away Protective Order, with which the abuser is not allowed to come within a specified distance of the victim, and the Move Out Protective Order, where the abuser must move out of the home. Or, the Court can order a Counseling Protective Order, where the abuser must go to counseling for the duration of the order. In most cases, the court requires the abuser to surrender all firearms to law enforcement for the duration of the order. To be eligible for a Protective Order, the person who files must fall into one of these categories: Spouse of the abuser (current or former) Shares a child with the abuser (whether or not you were ever married) Lives with the abuser and has a sexual relationship or has lived together for at least 90 days Related to the abuser (including through marriage or adoption) Has had a sexual relationship with the abuser (within the last year) What if I do not qualify for a Protective Order? If you do not qualify for a Protective Order, there are other legal actions you can take. You may be eligible for a Peace Order, which must be filed within 30 days of the act occurring. Acts covered by Peace Orders include an act that causes serious bodily harm, an act placing her in fear of serious bodily harm, assault, false imprisonment, harassment, stalking, trespassing, malicious destruction of property, misuse of telephone or electronic communication, revenge porn or criminal visual surveillance. An experienced family law attorney will guide you through the Peace and Protective Order process and ensure your safety. If you have questions, please contact Wasserman Family Law at 410-842-1070. You are not alone and we are here to help.