Lexington Park Family Lawyer

When family matters turn into legal matters, the stress can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re facing divorce, fighting for custody of your children, or planning for your family’s future, the right legal guidance can make all the difference. At Fanning Law, we provide trusted, compassionate, and results-focused family law representation for clients in Lexington Park and across St. Mary’s County. Backed by more than 30 years of legal experience, Attorney William C. Fanning, Jr. offers personal attention and practical solutions for every stage of life.

Our Lexington Park family law attorney understands the local landscape and populace and the importance of resolving family disputes in a way that preserves dignity and stability. Serving a diverse population of NAS Patuxent River military families, working professionals, and long-time Southern Maryland residents, we’re here to protect your rights, your relationships, and your future.

Helping Lexington Park Families with a Full Range of Family Law Matters

Family law encompasses more than just divorce; it touches nearly every area of your personal life where legal rules and family dynamics meet. Our firm represents individuals in all aspects of Maryland family law, including:

Divorce and Legal Separation

Maryland now only offers absolute divorce (which ends the marriage) and has stopped offering the option of a limited divorce. But that is okay, as Maryland laws have simplified the process of divorce by doing so. Whether you’re ending a marriage through mutual consent or navigating a more contentious process, we help you address key concerns like custody, support, and property division. We also draft separation agreements that allow spouses to clarify financial and parenting responsibilities while living apart.

Child Custody and Visitation

Child custody decisions are some of the most important and emotionally charged issues in all of family law. We advocate for arrangements that protect your child’s well-being while respecting your role as a parent. Whether you’re negotiating a parenting plan or appearing in court, we’ll ensure your voice is heard and your rights are respected.

Child Support

Maryland uses a formula to calculate child support, but the numbers only tell part of the story. We make sure all relevant income is accurately reported and argue for adjustments when circumstances warrant. Whether you’re paying or receiving support, we work to achieve fair, enforceable results.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Alimony may be appropriate in some divorces to help one spouse become self-supporting. We advise clients on their rights and responsibilities when it comes to seeking or contesting support, including temporary, rehabilitative, or indefinite alimony.

Property Division

Maryland follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly (though not necessarily equally). We help you identify and value marital assets, protect separate property, and propose equitable solutions that reflect your contributions and financial goals.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Couples can proactively address financial concerns before or during marriage through valid prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. We prepare customized agreements that clarify expectations, protect individual assets, and reduce conflict in the event of divorce.

Modifications and Enforcement

Life changes, and so can your legal obligations. We help clients modify custody, support, or visitation orders when circumstances justify a change. If the other party isn’t following a court order, we pursue enforcement actions to protect your rights and ensure compliance.

Paternity and Parentage

Establishing legal paternity is essential for determining parental rights, custody, and support. We represent mothers and fathers in proceedings to confirm paternity and ensure proper child support or parenting time is established.

Guardianship

When a loved one cannot care for themselves, legal guardianship may be necessary. We represent individuals seeking to become guardians of children or vulnerable adults, as well as others involved in contested guardianship cases.

Adoption

Whether you’re seeking to adopt a stepchild, relative, or non-related minor—or even adopting an adult—our firm provides legal guidance through every step of the process. We handle consent adoptions, agency adoptions, and private adoptions with care and efficiency.

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

If you are experiencing abuse or threats in your home, you may need immediate protection. We assist clients in seeking or responding to protective orders and ensure your case is handled with discretion and urgency.

Family Law for Military Families in Lexington Park

As a hub for military personnel stationed at NAS Pax River, Lexington Park family law presents unique considerations. Service members and their spouses may face issues like jurisdictional disputes, deployments, and federal benefits when dealing with divorce or custody. At Fanning Law, we understand the legal and logistical challenges that military families face and work to find solutions that protect parental rights and ensure continuity for children—even in the face of PCS moves or TDY assignments.

Common Questions About Family Law in Lexington Park

Do I have to live apart from my spouse to file for divorce in Maryland?

Not necessarily. Maryland allows for divorce by mutual consent even if both spouses still live in the same household, as long as they meet all legal requirements and reach an agreement on major issues like property, custody, and support.

How is child custody determined in St. Mary’s County courts?

Courts focus on the “best interests of the child,” considering factors like each parent’s role in caregiving, work schedules, stability, and willingness to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent. Joint custody is common when both parents are involved and cooperative.

Can I relocate with my child after the divorce?

If you share custody, you may need the other parent’s consent or court approval to relocate with your child, depending on factors such as the distance and permanency of the move. Maryland courts take relocation seriously and consider its impact on the child’s relationship with the non-moving parent.

How long does the divorce process take in Lexington Park?

If both parties agree on all terms, a mutual consent divorce can be finalized in a few months. Contested cases take longer and may involve multiple hearings, mediation, or even trial.

Get Trusted Family Law Help in Lexington Park

Legal issues involving your family demand more than just knowledge of the law—they require empathy, strategy, and a clear understanding of your personal goals. At Fanning Law, we bring all of that and more. Whether you’re facing a family crisis or planning for your family’s future, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Let us help you navigate your Lexington Park family law matter with the care and skill it deserves. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.