Charles County Family Lawyer

Reliable Legal Support for Families in Southern Maryland

Family legal matters can affect every aspect of your life—your relationships, your home, your finances, and your future. At Fanning Law, we understand how stressful and overwhelming these issues can be. We’re here to guide you through them with care, experience, and a commitment to helping you reach the best possible outcome.

Led by attorney William C. Fanning, Jr., who has over 30 years of experience practicing law in Southern Maryland, our firm provides trusted legal counsel for a wide range of family law matters in Charles County. Whether you’re facing divorce, fighting for custody, or preparing for adoption, our Charles County family law attorney is by your side every step of the way.

Comprehensive Family Law Services in Charles County

At Fanning Law, we provide full-service legal support for clients navigating difficult family transitions. Here’s how we can help:

Divorce Representation

We handle all aspects of contested and uncontested divorce. Maryland offers absolute divorce for you to be able to legally end your marriage. Whether you’re filing based on separation or mutual consent, we can help you file correctly, protect your rights, and resolve related matters like alimony, property division, and parenting arrangements.

Child Custody and Visitation

We work to ensure that parenting plans protect the child’s best interests while also preserving the rights of both parents. Whether you’re negotiating a shared custody agreement or seeking to modify an existing order, we help you present your case clearly and effectively.

Child Support

Child support in Maryland is determined by statutory guidelines, but the numbers don’t always tell the whole story. We help make sure that both parents provide complete and accurate financial information, and we advocate for fair outcomes—whether that means requesting a guideline deviation or enforcing an existing order.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Alimony is not guaranteed, but it can be critical to financial stability during and after a divorce. We help you request or contest spousal support based on your financial reality, the length of your marriage, and other legal factors considered by the court.

Property Distribution

Maryland follows an “equitable distribution” model, meaning marital property must be divided fairly but not necessarily equally. We advocate for a fair division of homes, retirement accounts, businesses, and other assets based on your contributions and needs.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

A properly drafted marital agreement can offer peace of mind and reduce the likelihood of future disputes. We assist couples with drafting and reviewing prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to clarify financial expectations and protect individual interests.

Paternity and Parentage

We help parents establish or contest paternity through court orders or mutual acknowledgment. Determining legal parentage can affect custody, visitation, and support rights and obligations.

Adoption and Guardianship

Fanning Law supports families growing through stepparent adoption, adult adoption, or agency adoption. We also represent clients in guardianship proceedings, helping putative guardians gain legal authority to care for a minor or incapacitated adult.

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

We assist individuals seeking or defending against protective orders in cases involving alleged abuse or threats of harm. These cases move quickly and carry serious consequences—having legal counsel can make a significant difference.

Modifications and Enforcement

Court orders related to custody, support, or visitation may need to change as your life evolves. We help clients petition for modifications or take action to enforce non-compliant orders through the appropriate legal channels.

Why Choose Fanning Law for Your Charles County Family Law Case?

Attorney William C. Fanning, Jr. has spent decades helping families in Southern Maryland. He understands not just Maryland law, but also the procedures and tendencies of the judges and courts in Charles County. That local insight helps clients prepare realistic expectations and strategies.

More importantly, helping people with family law matters is our passion, and this enthusiasm shines through in our dedication to our clients. At Fanning Law, you’re never just a case number—you’re a parent, a spouse, or a person facing life-changing decisions. We’ll guide you with clarity and compassion from start to finish.

Common Family Law Questions in Charles County

Can I get divorced without proving fault in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland allows no-fault divorce based on mutual consent or a 12-month separation period. For mutual consent, both spouses must agree to the divorce and submit a signed settlement agreement covering all relevant issues.

Can the court change a custody order after it’s issued?

Yes. A custody order can be modified if there has been a material change in circumstances and the change would serve the child’s best interests. We can help you petition the court or respond to modification requests.

What if my ex isn’t paying child support?

You can petition the court for enforcement. This may involve wage garnishment, license suspension, or other penalties. We can guide you through the process to ensure compliance with the court’s order.

Do I need a lawyer for a prenuptial agreement?

Yes. While not required by law, having a lawyer ensures the agreement is properly drafted, meets legal standards, and won’t be voided if challenged in court. Both parties should have independent legal counsel for the agreement to be not just fair but enforceable as well.

Can grandparents seek custody or visitation rights in Maryland?

Under specific circumstances, grandparents can petition for custody or visitation, particularly if the child’s parents are unfit or if the grandparent has played a significant role in the child’s life. These cases are complex and require skilled legal guidance.

Serving Families Throughout Charles County

Fanning Law proudly serves individuals and families throughout Charles County, including in Waldorf, Indian Head, Bryans Road, White Plains, Hughesville, and beyond. We’re proud to be part of the Southern Maryland community and honored to help our neighbors through difficult times.

Call Fanning Law Today for Skilled, Supportive Legal Guidance

If you are dealing with divorce, child custody, support disputes, or other family law issues in Charles County, the legal support you need is here. Contact Fanning Law to learn how we can help protect what matters most.