Prince Frederick Family Lawyer

Family law matters strike at the heart of your home, your relationships, and your future. Whether you’re facing divorce, a custody dispute, or planning to adopt a child, the outcome can have long-lasting implications for everyone involved. That’s why choosing the right attorney is so important—someone who not only knows the law but understands the personal stakes.

At Fanning Law, we provide dedicated, experienced family law representation to individuals and families in Southern Maryland. Attorney William C. Fanning, Jr. has over 30 years of experience guiding families through difficult transitions with clarity, compassion, and determination. From contested divorces to collaborative parenting plans, our Prince Frederick family law attorney is here to help you protect what matters most.

Comprehensive Family Law Services in Prince Frederick

Calvert County may be one of Maryland’s smaller jurisdictions, but family legal matters here are no less complex. Whether you’re a government employee commuting to D.C., a long-time resident, or part of a military family at nearby bases, your needs deserve thoughtful attention and custom-tailored legal solutions. Fanning Law handles a broad spectrum of family law cases in Prince Frederick, including:

Divorce and Legal Separation

We represent clients in both uncontested and contested divorces in Prince Frederick. Maryland allows for absolute divorce on grounds such as mutual consent, six-month separation, or irreconcilable differences, and we’ll help you determine the right path forward. If you’re not ready for divorce but need legal protections while living apart, we also handle limited divorce proceedings.

Child Custody and Visitation

Custody is often the most emotionally charged part of a breakup involving children. We advocate for parenting plans that reflect your child’s best interests while ensuring that your voice—and your rights—are heard. Whether you’re pursuing primary custody, negotiating visitation, or working through a relocation request, we provide strong and sensible representation.

Child Support

Maryland uses statutory guidelines to calculate child support, but those numbers don’t always tell the full story. We ensure that all income and parenting time are properly considered so that support obligations are fair and appropriate. We also help clients seek enforcement or modification of existing support orders.

Alimony (Spousal Support)

Spousal support is not automatically awarded in every divorce, but in appropriate cases, it can be vital to one party’s financial stability after divorce. We handle requests for rehabilitative and indefinite alimony and defend against excessive or unjust demands. We also advise clients seeking to modify or terminate alimony after changes in income or marital status.

Property Division

Maryland follows equitable distribution laws, meaning that marital assets and debts must be divided fairly. This includes real estate, retirement accounts, businesses, and other high-value property. We work to identify and value assets accurately and pursue equitable outcomes through settlement or court intervention when necessary.

Modifications and Enforcement

Life changes, and your court orders may need to change too. Whether you’re seeking a custody modification due to a job relocation or need to enforce unpaid support, we guide you through the process with assertive, strategic representation.

Paternity

Establishing paternity can protect parental rights and ensure that a child receives the support they deserve. We represent both mothers and alleged fathers in paternity proceedings, including those involving genetic testing, child support, and custody rights.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

For clients who want to safeguard their assets before or during marriage, we prepare and review marital agreements that hold up under Maryland law. These agreements can provide clarity and peace of mind in the event of divorce or death.

Domestic Violence and Protective Orders

No one should feel unsafe in their own home. We represent victims of abuse seeking protective orders as well as individuals defending against false or exaggerated claims. If domestic violence is a factor in your family law case, we’ll take swift legal action to protect your safety or defend your rights.

Guardianships and Adoption

We assist with legal guardianship of minor children and adults who cannot care for themselves, typically representing the proposed guardian but also available to represent other interested parties. We also handle all types of adoptions, including stepparent, adult, and agency adoptions so you can grow your family and strengthen existing familial bonds.

Why Choose a Local Prince Frederick Family Law Attorney?

Working with an attorney familiar with the Calvert County courts makes a real difference. The courthouse in Prince Frederick handles all family law cases for the county, and we know the court’s expectations, procedures, and personnel. Our experience in this jurisdiction allows us to present your case clearly and effectively from the start.

We also understand the values and concerns of Calvert County families. Many clients come to us during the most stressful moments of their lives—worried about their children, their finances, or their future. We don’t just deliver legal knowledge; we provide a steady hand and practical guidance to help you move forward.

Common Questions About Family Law in Calvert County

What’s the difference between an absolute divorce and a limited divorce?

Since 2023, Maryland no longer offers limited divorce as an option, only an absolute divorce. Absolute divorce is the legal termination of a marriage. While limited divorce was once an option for parties, this option did not end the marriage.

Do I need a lawyer if my divorce is uncontested?

Even when both parties agree on the issues, legal documents must be drafted carefully to ensure clarity and enforceability. An experienced attorney can help you avoid mistakes, protect your rights, and streamline the court process.

How does the court decide custody?

Courts look at what’s in the child’s best interests, considering factors such as the child’s age, parental fitness, the child’s relationship with each parent, and each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment.

Can support or custody orders be changed later?

Yes. If there’s a substantial change in circumstances—such as job loss, relocation, or a shift in the child’s needs—you can petition the court for a modification. We help clients seek or contest these requests, as appropriate.

A Family Law Firm Committed to Prince Frederick Families

At Fanning Law, we know that family law is more than legal work—it’s life work. We’re committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and effective representation to individuals and families throughout Prince Frederick. Whether you’re trying to resolve a conflict peacefully or need strong advocacy in court, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation Today

If you need guidance in a family law matter in Prince Frederick, contact Fanning Law today to schedule a confidential consultation. Our Prince Frederick family lawyer will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions for your future.