Family Law
Towson, Maryland's full service family law attorneys
When a family law matter arises, its effects can jar every aspect of your life, especially if the issue results in divorce proceedings or separating from the father or mother of your child. With Howanski & Meadows, LLC on your side, you can engage in an amiable, empowering divorce process that will allow you to emerge from your personal situation with a solution that works for you.
Our law firm focuses on family law, but our concentration does not limit our practice. In fact, our grasp of family law issues frequently touches on other areas of law, from simple estate planning to domestic violence. Our attorneys assist clients most often with the following legal issues:
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Marital dissolution and separation
Divorces in Maryland are divided into two classifications. An absolute divorce is a final, lasting divorce that dissolves a marriage. These can only be obtained when you have something called grounds. The most common examples of grounds include a one-year mutual and voluntary separation, a two-year separation, adultery, desertion, and cruelty. When you become absolutely divorced from your spouse, the court has the authority to make determinations as to property division, custody, alimony, child support, use and possession, and other issues.
The second type is a limited divorce. Limited divorces are most commonly used for religious purposes and for having the court make certain determinations when you do not yet have a ground for an absolute divorce. If you ask the court just for a limited divorce, the court cannot decide property division issues and if a limited divorce is granted, you still do not have leave to remarry. The court can, however, make determinations regarding custody, alimony, child support, ownership of property, and, in some instances, who will live in the home.
Howanski & Meadows, LLC draws up effective and thorough marital settlement or custody and support agreements to give you the peace of mind that your solutions are functional and your rights are protected.
Whether or not you have a ground for an absolute or a limited divorce, you and your spouse can always agree on how to resolve all of your marital issues and how to plan the dissolution of your marriage. We can work with you to draft a marital settlement agreement which addresses as many or as few issues as you wish. Then, once you do have a ground for absolute divorce, usually a one-year mutual and voluntary separation, you will be able to file for divorce and the agreement reached between the two of you will direct the court on how to proceed, thus saving you countless hours and fees which can result from litigation.
Property division—Sometimes settling outside of court makes the most sense
In many cases, the division of assets can be the most heated battle. Judges have the ability to divide and distribute marital property, but are somewhat limited by Maryland law on what they can and cannot do.
However, when you enlist attorneys who are experienced in providing "outside the box" asset division ideas, they can examine the factors of both divorcing parties' lives and draw up a unique, customized solution that best fits everyone involved. We consider our clients and cases and examine each party's strengths, goals, and future to find a reasonable agreement rather than limiting ourselves simply to an even split. In our experience, these are the cases where clients have felt the most listened to and are the most satisfied with the outcome of their divorce. Certainly, however, we recognize that sometimes an even split is the way to go and are perfectly content with drafting agreements to that effect.
Post-divorce modification
Life inevitably changes during the years after your divorce. Many couples find that they have outgrown their original divorce agreement and need to adjust the terms because of various material changes in their circumstances. Whether you came to us for your divorce or had a different attorney at the time, our lawyers can help you find new resolutions to your child custody, child support, and/or relocation issues.
Changing arguments to agreements
Dissolving a marriage can form a new beginning for your life. Let our attorneys help you get started. Call the firm at 410.846.4931 or contact Howanski & Meadows, LLC online today to schedule your initial consultation.
