Family Law
Howard and Montgomery County Maryland Family Law Attorneys
Guiding Bethesda, Columbia, Rockville and Fulton parents and children through the post-breakup process
Couples going through a divorce or a separation can fail to understand that the best interests of the children come first. Sometimes, they are so focused on what they think is best for their children that they forget that their children may have additional needs – or that what matters most is feeling safe, secure and loved.
At McCabe Russell, PA, our Howard and Montgomery County family law attorneys help parents and children get the protection they deserve and assert the rights they have. Our firm’s partners have a large, blended family, so we understand firsthand that the kids should always come first. We work to arrange settlements when possible and litigate on behalf of children’s interests when an ex-spouse or a co-parent is being unreasonable. From our offices in Rockville, Fulton, Bethesda and Columbia, we represent families throughout Montgomery and Howard Counties.
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 be or will be entitled to 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.
- Paternity can be determined by laboratory tests with a high degree of accuracy. Our lawyers explain when paternity can be authorized 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 being abused. Additional protections may also be available in a protective order.
- Adoption. Our lawyers help step-parents adopt their spouses’ children, LBGTQ 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. We are authorized to independently represent parents who need to improve their communication skills, create or manage a parenting plan, and handle conflicts and other daily parenting issues. Heather McCabe is a trained parenting coordinator who can help you craft a parenting plan that shows you deserve legal and physical custody – by yourself or jointly.
Our legal team also understands how to handle the proper way to serve 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. However, you must show that visitation is in the child’s best interest and that it would not interfere with the parent-child relationship. Grandparents may face challenges unless they can demonstrate that denial of visitation would cause harm to the child’s well-being.
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 encourage joint custody but will make the final decision based on the child’s overall well-being.
How our Howard County family law attorneys can help
At McCabe Russell, PA, 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. 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.
Speak with a strong family law advocate in Montgomery or Howard County today
At McCabe Russell, PA, we help families move forward. Our family law attorneys in Howard and Montgomery Counties can be trusted to help protect your best interests and those of your children. To speak with an experienced lawyer today, please call 443-812-1435 or fill out our contact form. We have offices in Rockville, Fulton, Bethesda and Columbia.