Howard and Montgomery County, Maryland Family Law Attorneys

Types of family law issues our Montgomery County attorneys handle

Divorce is a major component of the practice of family law, but not every family law case involves two people getting divorced. We are often asked to assist our clients with their primary concern: their children. We handle a wide range of needs and cases, including:

• Child custody.Our attorneys explain how legal custody involves the authority to make big, long-term decisions for the family and how physical custody is the decision as to where the children will live each day of the week. We advocate for clients and their children.
• Child support.The determination of how much parents must pay to support their children is based on Maryland state guidelines. We can walk you through the guidelines so you can anticipate how much you may have to pay or will be entitled to receive for your child. We are particularly adept at cross-examining spouses who try to hide their income to reduce the amount of support they must pay.
• Parental relocation.Parents who relocate still need to pay support for their children, and custody and visitation arrangements may be redrawn depending on the justification for the move and the number of miles away the parent is moving. Whether you wish to contest the relocation or are the parent who wishes to move, we can help.
• Determining paternity with laboratory tests can give results with a high degree of accuracy. Our lawyers explain when paternity can be established and what the consequences are depending on the results of the test.
• Modification of orders.Child custody and child support orders generally cannot be modified unless there is a material change in circumstances impacting the best interest of the child. We work to help enforce existing orders and to change orders when necessary.
• Protective and peace orders. If an ex-spouse or parent is hitting, threatening to hit, intimidating, or abusing you, a child, a parent, or a sibling, we bring immediate requests to order the abuser to cease their conduct and stay away from the person they abused. Additional protections may also be available in a protective order.
• Adoption.Our lawyers help step-parents adopt their spouses’ children, LGBTQ parents adopt a partner’s child, and couples adopt through a public or private agency.
• Attorneys for children.Sometimes, during the family law process, a child needs his/her own advocate, needs an adult to represent his/her best interests, or needs to balance privacy rights with the court’s need to understand the child’s condition. Our attorneys are authorized to serve as legal counsel for the child as Best Interest
• Parenting coordination. Heather McCabeis a trained parenting coordinator, and we can serve as neutral professionals appointed by the court (or by consent) under Md. Rule 9‑205.2 to help parents reduce conflict and implement parenting orders.

Our legal team also understands how to handle proper service of papers to an ex-spouse or a co-parent.

Frequently asked questions about Maryland family law

Can grandparents seek visitation rights in Maryland?

Yes, grandparents can seek visitation rights in Maryland.(§ 9‑102). If a fit parent objects, the court can grant visitation only if the grandparent first proves parental unfitness or exceptional circumstances (e.g., that denying access would be detrimental to the child); only then does the judge consider best interests.

Can I get an annulment in Maryland?

Annulments in Maryland are generally granted only under specific circumstances where the marriage is considered void or voidable. Void marriages include cases of bigamy or incest. Voidable marriages can include fraud, duress, or one party being underage. If you believe your marriage qualifies for annulment, consult our attorneys, who can guide you through the process.

How is child support calculated in Maryland?

Maryland uses an income shares model for calculating child support. This method takes into account both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and other expenses, like healthcare and childcare costs. The court may also consider special needs or additional expenses.

How is child custody determined in Maryland?

Here in Maryland, as in other states across the country, the courts focus on the “best interests of the child” when making child custody decisions. Factors considered include the child’s relationship with each parent, the mental and physical health of the parents, the child’s preference (if old enough to express it), and each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment. Maryland courts often encourage joint custody but will make the final decision based on the child’s overall well-being.

Grandparents’ rights and third-party visitation

When parents are unable or unwilling to foster a relationship, grandparents and close relatives can play a vital role in a child’s life. At McCabe Russell Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers, we understand that families come in many shapes. Suppose you’re a grandparent seeking visitation, or a third party (such as a stepparent or other close caregiver) wanting involvement in a child’s life. In that case, we help you navigate Maryland’s visitation and third‑party custody legal framework with sensitivity and precision.

Guided by the court’s “best interests of the child” standard, we assist clients in gathering evidence, articulating the importance of ongoing relationships, and advocating for meaningful involvement—whether through mediation or litigation. Our goal is to help families stay connected when it matters most.

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

Love and trust are the foundation of any marriage, but clarity about finances and expectations can strengthen that foundation even more. At McCabe Russell Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers, we help couples create thoughtful prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that reflect their values, goals, and unique circumstances.

Whether you're entering a first marriage, blending families, or protecting a business or inheritance, we draft customized agreements designed to reduce conflict and provide peace of mind. These aren’t just legal documents. They’re tools that open honest conversations and lay the groundwork for a more secure future. We work with individuals and couples to ensure fairness, full disclosure, and compliance with Maryland law, all while respecting the emotional aspects of the process.

Guardianship and legal custody for incapacitated or special needs children

Families caring for children with special needs or those who may become incapacitated face unique legal and emotional challenges. At McCabe Russell Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers, we assist parents and guardians in obtaining the appropriate legal protections and establishing guardianship when needed to ensure long-term stability and care.

Whether securing temporary or permanent guardianship, navigating health care decision-making, or preparing for the future, our team works closely with families, as well as medical professionals, educators, and treatment providers, to tailor legal arrangements that uphold the child’s dignity and safety as they grow and change.

How our Montgomery County family law attorneys can help

At McCabe Russell Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers, our experienced family law attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the support and guidance you need during a challenging time. We understand that every family law case is unique, whether it involves divorce, child custody, alimony, or property division. We work closely with you to understand your situation and develop a tailored strategy to reach the best possible outcome for your case. We are also skilled negotiators who strive to settle matters amicably, but we are always prepared to advocate for your rights in court if necessary. With our litigators, you have a strong advocate by your side every step of the way.

We also commit to compassionate and personalized service. We recognize the emotional toll family law matters can take on you and approach all our cases with sensitivity and care. From your initial consultation all the way through to the resolution of your case, we are here to answer your questions, explain your options, and keep you informed of all developments. Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you have a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney fighting for your best interests.

At McCabe Russell, PA, our first role is to persuade the court that your children’s best interests are aligned with your interests – that you understand that prioritizing your child’s emotional welfare over any negative emotion you have about your spouse or partner is imperative. We protect your rights, ensure that the law is upheld, and provide support for our clients when the structure of their family is changing.