Common Needs for a Columbia, MD, Family Lawyer

At some point, most people will need the services of a family lawyer. While we all hope to have harmonious, productive, and nurturing relationships, issues sometimes arise that require the help of a third party to resolve them. If you are battling a family law issue, you may want to know the many common needs for a Columbia, MD, family lawyer.

Common Needs for a Family Lawyer

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we handle a variety of family law cases. Our skilled team can artfully balance the complex emotions that surround family law cases while helping our clients navigate complicated legal systems. Some of our most common family law cases include the following:

• Divorce – Though Maryland’s divorce rates have decreased, divorce is still common in American society. Whether your divorce is amicable and uncontested or emotionally charged and contested, we can handle your case.
• Child Custody – Child custody is one of the most pressing issues upon divorce. It involves how the roles and responsibilities will be divided between parents when they separate or divorce. Parents can have legal custody, physical custody, or both; however, the final arrangement is legally binding.
• Child Protective Services – Sometimes, families have conflicts involving children, and the Department of Social Services (DSS) must get involved. In this case, parents deserve representation and to have someone on their side who can fight aggressively to keep their child in their home.
• Child Support – Child support is the legal, financial obligation both parents have to care for their child. While both parents should contribute financially, one parent or the other may be court-ordered to contribute to the care of their child upon divorce. While this is typically the noncustodial parent, other factors are considered when determining support.
• Paternity – There are several governmental benefits and advantages that come with a parent-child relationship. However, a father can only receive these benefits if paternity has been established. This is mostly true for unmarried parents, where the paternity of the child may be in question.
• Prenuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements – Prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements are contracts partners enter into before or during their marriage. These agreements may make property division, custody, and alimony decisions easier if the couple chooses to divorce. You can review Maryland’s official family law statutes for more details on these legal processes.
• Protective Orders – In some relationships, abuse and domestic violence are unfortunately present. If this is the case, the victim may receive a protective order to prevent the accused from inflicting more harm. While domestic violence cases are typically between intimate partners, any relative or household member can be accused of domestic violence.
• Adoption – If a couple or an individual is unable to naturally have children, adoption presents a fulfilling and rewarding alternative. However, they must go through a complex legal process before the adoption is legal. We can guide our clients through these legal procedures so they can focus on the joy of sharing their lives with children.
• Same-Sex Families and Marriage – In Maryland, same-sex couples are entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples, and this includes marriage. Whether the couple is unmarried, in a domestic partnership, or legally married, we can provide legal counsel and protect their rights.
• Same-Sex Child Custody and Support – Many gay and lesbian couples raise children and families, whether they also decide to marry or not. However, if the couples separate or divorce, they are equally protected under the laws for child custody and support.
• Separation Agreements – Sometimes, couples decide to separate instead of divorce, or they might separate as a precursor to divorce. No matter the case, we can help couples draft separation agreements that may speed up the divorce process and are fair to both parties. Separation agreements can include issues surrounding property division, alimony, child support, and child custody.

Preparing for a Family Lawyer Consultation

To ensure the success of your consultation, you should come prepared with all relevant paperwork and documentation as well as a clear idea of the outcomes you desire. Examples of relevant paperwork may include financial statements, communication exchanges with other parties involved, parenting plans, and visitation schedules you both agreed upon, along with other evidence that may bolster your case.

FAQs About Family Law in Columbia,MD

How Do I Prepare for a Family Lawyer?

To prepare for a family lawyer, you will first want to collect any paperwork or documents that may be relevant to your case. These can be financial records, communications between you and your family members, court records or court orders, and eyewitness statements. You should also be clear about your goals and the outcomes you expect.

How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Maryland?

The cost of a family lawyer in Maryland varies. Family lawyers have specific skills, education, and experience, so their fees may be different from other lawyers. Other considerations include the complexity of your case and the firm’s location. More complex cases tend to require more billable hours and will thus be more expensive. Concurrently, firms in areas with a higher cost of living may be more expensive.

What Is the Hardest Part of Being a Family Lawyer?

The hardest part of being a family lawyer is different for each family lawyer; however, navigating the client’s emotions during the process may prove challenging for some. Divorce can bring out the worst in people, causing them to behave or speak in ways that may be out of character. Child custody and support can also be contentious issues, and they may uncover emotions that are hard to handle.

What Type of Education Do Family Lawyers Have?

Family lawyers have bachelor’s degrees and must attend law school to obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Upon receiving their JD, family lawyers must also pass the state bar exam for the jurisdiction where they intend to practice. Family lawyers may also pursue continuing education and receive additional certification in their field.

An Aggressive and Experienced Family Lawyer in Columbia, MD

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we believe in aggressively fighting for our clients. We have a client-centered approach and work to help families resolve their issues with compassion, fairness, and dignity. If you are navigating a complex family issue and need a lawyer, contact our office for a consultation.