Maryland is an equitable distribution state, so both spouses are required to disclose all assets and debts during a divorce, even those they believe are their separate property. However, even with these disclosures, it’s not uncommon for a spouse to hide money or assets during a divorce in an attempt to keep it for themselves. …
Unfortunately, many mothers and fathers find themselves co-parenting with someone who is constantly causing problems. The source of this issue may very well be narcissism, a well-known disorder in popular culture. Narcissists may have diagnosed or undiagnosed narcissistic personality disorder, or they may simply display narcissistic traits that don’t quite meet the full criteria for…
A prenuptial agreement, or ‘prenup’ is a legal agreement created and signed by two people before they get married. Prenups protect each spouse’s assets, as well as clearly stating each spouse’s responsibilities regarding martial and premarital debts. A crucial element of the prenup is making sure each spouse is taken care of financially in the…
What custody rights do grandparents have in Maryland? There is no one-size-fits-all answer as it depends on the situation. Keep reading to learn more about grandparents’ custody rights in Maryland. Then, call Coover Law Firm, LLC at (410) 553-5042 for assistance. Grandparents Are Considered a Third Party Under Maryland Law Under Maryland law, grandparents are…
There’s a trend of older individuals getting divorced in Maryland. Known as a ‘gray divorce,’ mature couples, typically baby boomers, will decide to split after 20 to 30 years of marriage. In fact, according to Pew Research Center, the divorce rate of couples who are over 50 years old has doubled since 1990. Essentially, more…
Aside from the emotional gut punch that a divorce can bring, the financial burden is often one of the scariest parts for most people. We get asked all the time for advice about how to best prepare for a divorce financially. While there is no cut-and-dry solution for making the divorce process affordable, there are…
A common question that we get asked early in the divorce process is: Is Maryland a 50/50 divorce state? While the question seems straightforward, the truth is that the term “50/50 divorce” requires clarification. Ultimately, the answer depends upon which issue we’re referring to: child custody or property division. Issue #1: Child Custody One area…
In order to be granted a divorce, you must prove that there is a legally-accepted reason for it. However, before we discuss the grounds for divorce in Maryland, it s important to understand the distinctions between the different divorce options available to you: absolute vs. limited divorce, and; no-fault vs. fault based divorce Absolute vs.…
In October 2015, Maryland introduced a new grounds for divorce: Mutual Consent. Under the 2015 law, couples without minor children in common became eligible to get a mutual consent divorce, enabling them to skip the 12-month separation period previously required to obtain an contested divorce in Maryland, as long as the couple was able to…
(Columbia, MD) If you’re reading this, it’s most likely because you (or someone you are close with) are facing a legal separation and/or divorce. This can be an overwhelming and emotional time, and many questions are probably running through your mind right now. For most people, at the top of this list is: How do…