Heather is the firm’s managing partner and divorce law guru. Heather knows all the ins and outs of divorce in Maryland and DC, and she knows exactly what to do to put her clients in a position to accomplish their goals.
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Posts by Heather McCabe
Maryland’s New Child Custody Laws
Maryland custody has two components: legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives and how parenting time is allocated). Both legal and physical custody decisions are based on what is in the best interests of the child. As of October 1, 2025, Maryland enacted a statute that codifies the ‘best interests of…
Read MoreRockville Child Custody Lawyers Explain: How Judges Decide Custody in Montgomery County
If you are dealing with a custody issue in Rockville or anywhere in Montgomery County, it helps to understand how local judges actually make decisions. A Rockville child custody lawyer can explain the process, but it is also important to know what the court is really looking for before you walk into a hearing. Custody…
Read MoreHow THC Interferes with Divorce and Child Custody
If you are going through a divorce or custody dispute, you may be wondering how marijuana use could affect your case. Many parents are surprised to learn that even though marijuana is legal in Maryland, it can still come up in court. A Maryland divorce and child custody lawyer can help you understand how judges…
Read MoreWhat to Ask a Maryland Divorce Lawyer During Your First Consultation
What happens during an initial consultation with a Howard or Montgomery County divorce lawyer? The initial consultation with your Howard and Montgomery County divorce lawyer is one of the most important steps you’ll take in the divorce process. It is the first step and can lay the groundwork for how the divorce proceeds. When you…
Read MoreHow to Start the Divorce Process in Bethesda, Maryland
Thinking about getting a divorce? It helps to know how the process works in your state. The state sets divorce laws, but where you live decides which court handles your case. If you are getting divorced in Bethesda, your case will usually be filed in the Montgomery County Circuit Court. A Maryland divorce lawyer will…
Read MoreMcCabe Russell Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers Supports Catonsville Pride 2026
June 13, 2026 marked the 6th annual Catonsville Pride in Maryland. The fun day brought together local individuals, families, and businesses for a celebration full of inclusion and love. McCabe Russell Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers was honored to take part as a sponsor of an event highlighting and supporting our LGBTQ+ community in Catonsville.…
Read MoreVictoria Chapman Promoted to Senior Associate Attorney
McCabe Russell Divorce and Child Custody Lawyers wants to congratulate Victoria Chapman on her promotion to Senior Associate Attorney. This promotion recognizes Victoria for her dedication and powerful advocacy for clients in family law matters, as well as her growing leadership within the firm. Victoria is a trusted advocate for individuals and families navigating some…
Read MoreMilitary Divorce in Maryland: What Service Members and Spouses Need to Know
It’s rare for any divorce to be easy, but if you and/or your spouse are in the military, there are added intricacies you’ll have to work out when filing, setting up custody, and determining support. Maryland has a large military population, with Navy, Army, and Air Force bases throughout the state. As such, it’s common…
Read MoreGrandparents Raising Grandchildren in Maryland: Legal Rights & Practical Tips
Maryland law allows grandparents to raise their grandchildren in certain circumstances, typically through custody, guardianship, or other court-recognized arrangements. However, these situations often involve legal complexities. Understanding the legal rights of grandparents, and speaking with a Maryland grandparents’ rights attorney, can help you obtain the best parenting arrangement for your family. What is child visitation,…
Read MoreCollege Planning After Divorce: How Maryland Parents Can Use 529 Plans, FAFSA & Alimony
A divorce can affect your child’s college savings, financial aid, and ongoing financial support. Even so, there are resources available to help you and your child plan effectively for higher education. Understanding the options for planning for college after divorce, and speaking with one of our Maryland divorce lawyers, may make it easier to support…
Read MoreThe Coldplay Kiss-Cam Scandal: A Divorce Lawyer’s Take
Unlike our usual courtroom drama, this week brought something completely different: a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium on July 15 that unexpectedly turned into a viral scandal. Hot in the spotlight were Andy Byron, CEO of Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer. Here’s how it all went down, and why, as divorce lawyers,…
Read MoreCan a Non-Custodial Parent Relocate in Maryland? Everything You Need to Know
If you’re a non-custodial parent thinking about moving (whether it’s across town or across state lines), you might feel caught between your own life and your child’s stability. In Maryland, parental relocation can bring up complicated emotions and legal issues. Significant changes like a big move may impact parental rights, timing, and the best interests…
Read MoreHow to Get Emergency Temporary Custody of Your Kids in Maryland
As a parent, your child’s safety is the most important thing to you. You need to act quickly if you’re dealing with abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. You also need to understand how emergency temporary custody works in Maryland. This article will tell you what emergency custody is, when it applies, and how to start…
Read MoreShould You Stay Together for the Kids? What Family Lawyers Want You to Know
When your relationship is struggling and you’re raising children together, it’s only natural to ask yourself: Should we stay together for the kids? Maybe the fighting has escalated, or maybe you’ve both grown distant, living like roommates rather than partners. Either way, the decision to separate or divorce can feel like an impossible choice, especially…
Read MoreUnderstanding Child Support: The Effect of Childcare Costs and Health Insurance in Maryland
Child support is more than a checklist of expenses. It’s a financial reflection of your child’s needs comparing the households of both parents, whether after a divorce or not, as well as what your children require to have a good quality of life. In Maryland, childcare costs and health insurance aren’t extras; they’re central parts…
Read MoreUnderstanding Spousal Support in Maryland: A Guide to Alimony Payments
One of the most confusing, emotional parts of going through a divorce in Maryland is figuring out how alimony works. Maybe you’re wondering if you’ll have to pay it. Or maybe you’re relying on it to help you stay afloat after the marriage ends. Regardless, understanding how alimony payments work helps you make smarter decisions…
Read MoreWhen Can Grandparents Seek Custody of Grandchildren?
Family isn’t always simple. Sometimes, it’s downright complicated. And when parents aren’t able–or willing–to care for their children, grandparents often step in. But what happens when that temporary care needs to become something more permanent? Can grandparents in Maryland actually seek custody of their grandchildren? The short answer: yes, but it’s not easy. In Maryland,…
Read MoreDividing the House During Divorce in Maryland: What You Need to Know
When you’re going through a divorce, the family home is often one of the biggest concerns. It’s not just about bricks and mortar. It’s where you built a life, raised kids, and celebrated holidays. But when a marriage ends, tough decisions have to be made. What happens to the house? Who gets to keep it?…
Read MoreHeather McCabe and Emily Russell Named to MSN’s “Top 10 Leading Lawyers of 2025”
McCabe Russel, PA, is excited to announce that our founding partners, Heather McCabe and Emily Russell, have been named to MSN’s list of Top 10 Leading Lawyers of 2025. This recognition is awarded to attorneys who play a pivotal role in shaping the legal industry and their specific field of practice. We’re proud that MSN…
Read MoreWhat to Do If You’re Divorcing Your Spouse — and You Work for Their Business
Small businesses drive the economy in Maryland. In fact, 604,176 small businesses are in the state, making up 99.5% of all Maryland businesses. Families own many of those businesses, and the workforce within them might be made up of close relatives. Unfortunately, this means that if a marriage breaks up, the business considerations can drastically…
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