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Howard County MD Family Law Blog

Challenges still may exist for a Maryland prenuptial agreement

  • 17
  • May
    2013

Many look to a prenuptial agreement as being a way to get all the cards out on the table before commencing a marriage. These documents can govern a lot of aspects of a Maryland marriage, with a primary concern often being the financial status of a couple in the event they divorce. However, a recent out-of-state court decision has given some individuals hope that they can void their prenuptial agreement.

A recent court order nullified a prenuptial agreement on the grounds that the husband made false claims at the time the document was signed. The judge also found that the wife was put under intense pressure to sign just one day before their wedding. The judge found that these acts constituted an imposition of undue duress on the woman and used this finding to disallow the agreement.

Financial pitfalls to avoid in divorce-related issues

  • 10
  • May
    2013

Maryland readers who are preparing to file for divorce should be aware of several common mistakes that could lead to significant financial problems within the divorce process. By moving forward with an eye toward potential pitfalls, spouses are better prepared to make savvy and logical decisions that work to further their own best interests in regard to divorce-related issues. Which leads to one of the most common mistakes people make during divorce: letting emotions rule the day.

The end of a marriage is often an emotionally charged time, and in many cases there are factors involved that are deeply personal and hurtful. However, allowing one's emotions to dictate their financial decision-making is never a good approach, and can lead to serious negative consequences. One way to avoid misplacing one's focus is to rely on the advice of professional advisors to guide the process. For example, many spouses focus exclusively on retaining the family home, when in fact their financial interests would be far better served by selling the home and downsizing in the years immediately following a split.

College tuition should play a role in divorce negotiations

  • 02
  • May
    2013

For most Maryland parents, the divorce process centers on issues of child custody and support. The immediate needs of the children take center stage, and rightfully so. It is important, however, to look ahead to the future and make plans for their long-term needs. Paying for college is a major factor in this process, and an issue that requires careful consideration during the divorce process.

While the costs of a college degree often accumulate after a child has reached the age of legal maturation, most parents plan to assist or with fully cover the cost of their child's college tuition and housing. When a marriage ends in divorce, the manner in which these expenses will be covered can become an issue of contention. The best way to ensure that educational costs are properly dealt with is to include the issue within the overall divorce process.

Racecar driver's divorce finalized after just four months

  • 26
  • April
    2013

It's an exciting time when a couple decides to get married. Many people in Maryland spend months planning their wedding. But no matter how extravagant a wedding may be, couples can encounter problems in their marriage. In the end, it may be best to pursue a divorce.

In most divorce cases, one person cannot be blamed entirely for the breakdown of the marriage. It may be that both people want different things or no longer share the same values.

Reality TV star's 72-day marriage appears to be over

  • 19
  • April
    2013

Maryland residents have likely followed along as reality TV star Kim Kardashian pursued a divorce from her estranged husband Kris Humphries. The pair was only married for 72 days. However, their divorce saga has gone since October 2011.

Today, a judge approved a divorce settlement. The couple will officially part ways once they have signed the proper documents.

Should women in high-paying jobs consider a prenuptial agreement?

  • 12
  • April
    2013

Asking for a prenuptial agreement used to be somewhat of a faux pas. However, nowadays, many couples choose to put a prenuptial agreement in place in order for each person to have control over his or her own interests.

In many Maryland homes, men make more money than their wives. However, because of the progress made by women in the workplace, some women make more money than their partners. Women in those situations may find a prenuptial agreement to be necessary.

Heavy drinking could lead to breakdown in marriage

  • 05
  • April
    2013

Many people in Maryland and beyond enjoy having a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage with their spouse after a long day at work. However, one spouse's reliance on alcohol may cause problems in the marriage.

Earlier this year, research from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health showed that divorce is more common among couples in which one spouse drinks significantly more. This appears to be particularly true when the wife drinks too much.

Powerball winnings will likely be used to pay past due child support

  • 29
  • March
    2013

Parents in Maryland and beyond are legally obligated to support their children financially. That is why child support is such an important issue in many divorce cases.

Maryland residents likely heard about a man in a nearby state who recently won $338 million in the Powerball lottery. The man said he planned to use the money that he won to help people in need. He may also buy himself a car. However, it appears that a portion of the money will be used to pay past due child support. According to reports, the man owes close to $30,000 in child support.

Adjusting your finances after a divorce

  • 22
  • March
    2013

Going through a divorce can be an emotional experience, especially if it came about unexpectedly. In addition to dealing with the emotional aspects of a divorce, people in Maryland and beyond must also adjust their finances to fit their new life.

It is often wise for a newly single adult to assess their finances and create a budget. Going from two incomes to just one can be difficult. However, ignoring that fact can lead to major financial troubles.

Breaking off the engagement? Who keeps the ring?

  • 12
  • March
    2013

Residents in Maryland may not have ever pondered this question before, but with many break-ups following the displayed passion of Valentine's Day, some must ask, who gets the engagement ring when things don't work out? Dividing property, especially prior to marriage seems odd, but it can often lead to conflicts among couples who can't keep it together.

Couples who decide to separate prior to ever having walked down the aisle must take into account many of the same factors that divorcing couples do. Many states have differing laws on what to do with the engagement ring upon a break-up. Some consider the ring an outright gift, especially if given on a holiday, while others view it as a condition gift to be given back once the wedding is called off.