Recent Blog Posts
Can a Stepparent Be Required to Pay Child Support in Maryland?
Generally, no. In Maryland, the legal duty to pay child support belongs to a child’s biological or adoptive parents, not a stepparent, even if that stepparent has played an active role in the child’s life for years. There are, however, a couple of narrow exceptions worth understanding, especially if you are a stepparent facing… Read More »
Grandparent Visitation Rights in Maryland: What Charles County Families Should Know
A falling out between generations can leave grandparents suddenly cut off from grandchildren they helped raise. Do grandparents in Maryland actually have any legal right to see their grandchildren when a parent says no? The honest answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no, and understanding why can save a family from… Read More »
How Do Maryland Courts Handle Custody When Parents Live Far Apart?
When one parent moves hours away, does that automatically upend an existing custody arrangement? Not automatically, but it does trigger a specific legal process most people never think about until they’re facing it themselves. Maryland requires advance notice before certain relocations and gives courts real authority to adjust custody and parenting time when distance… Read More »
How Maryland’s 2023 Divorce Law Changes Still Affect Families Today
Maryland’s divorce laws changed dramatically on October 1, 2023, and those changes still shape how families approach separation and divorce today. If you are only now considering divorce, or if you separated years ago under the old rules, understanding what actually changed can prevent real confusion about your options moving forward. Why Fault No… Read More »
Rehabilitative vs. Indefinite Alimony in Maryland: Understanding the Difference
If you are heading into a divorce and wondering whether alimony might be part of the outcome, you have probably run into two terms that get used constantly but rarely explained clearly. What exactly separates rehabilitative alimony from indefinite alimony, and why does the distinction matter so much? At Fanning Law, we hear these… Read More »
When a Parent Wants to Relocate to or From Lexington Park: Custody Considerations
A new job offer near Patuxent River, a family emergency out of state, or simply a fresh start somewhere new. Whatever the reason, if you share custody of a child and you are thinking about moving to or from Lexington Park, one question probably comes to mind right away: can you actually do this… Read More »
Enforcing Custody and Support Orders in Maryland: Your Legal Options
When a court issues a custody or child support order, it is meant to provide stability and predictability for children and parents alike. Unfortunately, orders are sometimes ignored or only partially followed. At Fanning Law, La Plata family law attorney William C. Fanning Jr. regularly works with parents who are frustrated, overwhelmed, and unsure… Read More »
Relocating With Your Child: Maryland Custody Laws Explained
Relocation cases can be some of the most stressful issues parents face after a custody order is already in place. Moving for a new job, family support, or a fresh start can make sense for a parent, but when a child is involved, Maryland law places important limits on relocation. At Fanning Law, La… Read More »
When Should You Consider a Postnuptial Agreement in Maryland?
Marriage does not always unfold exactly as planned. Changes in finances, family responsibilities, or personal circumstances can prompt spouses to think more carefully about how assets and obligations would be handled if the marriage ended. At Fanning Law, La Plata postnuptial agreement attorney William C. Fanning Jr. works with individuals and couples who want… Read More »
What Maryland Parents Should Know About Joint Legal vs. Physical Custody
Custody decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when parents are trying to understand how Maryland law defines and applies different custody arrangements. Terms like joint legal custody and joint physical custody are often used interchangeably in conversation, but they mean very different things in practice. At Fanning Law, La Plata Child Custody Attorney William C…. Read More »