Category Archives: Divorce
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 »
Military Divorce in Southern Maryland: What Service Members and Spouses Need to Know
Southern Maryland has a significant military presence, with Naval Air Station Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County drawing active duty personnel and their families from across the region. When a military marriage ends, the divorce process involves a layer of federal law that simply does not apply to civilian cases. Whether you are the… Read More »
The Most Common Mistakes People Make During Divorce and How to Avoid Them
Divorce is one of the most emotionally and financially challenging experiences a person can face. Stress, uncertainty, and strong emotions often lead people to make decisions that can negatively affect their case and their future. At Fanning Law in Maryland, attorney William C. Fanning Jr. works with clients to help them avoid common pitfalls… Read More »
When Does Alimony End in Maryland? Remarriage, Cohabitation, and Other Triggers
If you are paying or receiving alimony in Maryland, you have probably wondered exactly when that obligation comes to an end. The answer is not always as simple as it seems. Some events end alimony automatically, while others require a spouse to go back to court and ask a judge to step in. Understanding… Read More »
Can Security Camera Footage From Your Home Be Used in a Maryland Divorce?
When a marriage begins to fall apart, the evidence that matters most is sometimes already recorded. Smart home security systems and indoor cameras have become common in households across Maryland, and when divorce proceedings begin, that footage can take on a whole new level of importance. La Plata family lawyer William C. Fanning Jr…. Read More »
Who Decides What Activities Your Kids Do During a Contentious Divorce?
Few things reveal the tension of a difficult divorce quite like arguing over a child’s soccer schedule or whether they should continue taking piano lessons. It sounds minor from the outside, but for parents deep in a contested split, disagreements over extracurricular activities can become a real battleground. At Fanning Law, William C. Fanning… Read More »
What Actually Happens When Your Divorce Goes to Court?
Most people have a vague idea of what a courtroom looks like from television, but walking into one during your own divorce is a very different experience. The uncertainty of not knowing what to expect can make an already stressful situation feel even more overwhelming. At Fanning Law, La Plata family lawyer William C…. Read More »
Limited vs. Absolute Divorce in Maryland Explained
When a marriage breaks down, many people assume divorce is a single legal process. In Maryland, however, there are two distinct types of divorce, limited divorce and absolute divorce. Understanding the difference is essential before you file. At Fanning Law, La Plata family lawyer William C. Fanning Jr. helps clients evaluate their options and… Read More »
When the Hardest Part Is Not the Divorce Itself: Dealing With a High-Conflict Spouse in Maryland
Most people going through a divorce just want it to be over. They want a fair resolution, a chance to move forward, and as little drama as possible along the way. But when one spouse is determined to fight over everything, refuses to communicate reasonably, uses the children as leverage, or treats every step… Read More »