When getting divorced, one of the most difficult questions for anyone is: How will I keep my house? One should start by determining if one spouse can purchase the interest of the other spouse and remove that spouse from any liability on the house. That second piece often leads to…
In Maryland, when parents agree (or are ordered) to exchange tax returns to re-evaluate child support, here are a few important things to keep in mind: 1. When do we exchange documents? Typically, returns are exchanged annually if they are part of an Agreement (or part of a Court…
Maryland House Bill 1191, effective October 1, 2025, codifies the factors a Maryland family law court must consider in determining legal and physical custody in certain child custody proceedings. Historically, these factors have been set out in case law (not statute). This change effects the first significant shift in the…
Before summer break, review the Silverman Thompson family law team’s co-parenting checklist to ensure there are no logistical surprises when school gets out. Review Legal Agreements Review your Parenting Plan, Marital Settlement Agreement, or other Agreement for vacation provisions Review any Orders and/or Judgment of Absolute Divorce for vacation…
Which parent claims a child for tax purposes is often a disputed issue between parents, both before a custody order is in place and afterward, if it has not been specifically addressed by a written agreement or court order. Here are a few key considerations to discuss with your tax…
In April 2024, the Baltimore City Department of Social Services (the “Local Department”) notified Silverman Thompson’s client it had found him to be a person responsible for indicated child physical abuse of an infant foster child. Through diligent advocacy, Silverman Thompson helped a very deserving family achieve the justice they…
Courts in Maryland will accord full faith and credit to a child custody determination issued by another state, unless the order has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court with jurisdiction. Maryland courts are required to recognize and enforce a child custody determination from another state or foreign…
Filing for divorce in Maryland can be a complex and emotionally challenging process, but the assistance of an experienced Maryland divorce attorney can help guide you through the process. To file for an absolute divorce in Maryland, you must have a ground (or basis) on which to file. As…
Divorce is a civil proceeding and therefore like all civil proceedings, the action shall be brought in the county or city where the Defendant (opposing spouse) resides, carries on a regular business, is employed, or habitually engages. However, unlike other civil proceedings, a divorce proceeding may additionally be filed where…
Over the years, we have had many clients ask if a divorce that they obtained in foreign country will be recognized here in Maryland. The answer is yes, the divorce will be recognized in the United States, so long as the divorce was obtained by a Court that had authority…
A common belief is that a spouse may obtain a quick annulment of a marriage versus an actual divorce if they have been married for less than six months. While that may be the case elsewhere, it is not the case in the State of Maryland. In Maryland, an…
What is a DSS investigation? The Code of Maryland Regulations (“COMAR”), Sec. 07.02.07.00, et seq. codifies the process by which the local Department of Social Services (“DSS”) is to investigate allegations of child abuse and/or neglect, as well as the subsequent findings that may be reached at the end…
This article discusses the application of constructive civil contempt in a recent child custody case. It is Part 3 of a three-part series. Part 1 provides an overview of the law of contempt in Maryland. Part 2 includes a summary and analysis of Breona C. v. Rodney D., 253 Md.…
This article includes a summary and analysis of Breona C. v. Rodney D., 253 Md. App. 67 (2021), which clarified the law of civil contempt in child custody cases. It is Part 2 of a three-part series. Part 1 provides an overview of the law of contempt in Maryland. Part…
This article includes a brief overview of contempt in Maryland. It is Part 1 of a three-part series. Part 2 addresses the landmark case of Breona C. v. Rodney D., which clarified the law of civil contempt in child custody cases. Part 3 addresses the application of Breona C. and…