There are a number of couples in Maryland and all throughout the U.S. who share children together; however, they have never been legally married to each other. Although the situation might not seem to be a difficult one to deal with from a legal standpoint, your Baltimore and Towson family law attorney will tell you that there are still a number of legal issues that can arise in such an arrangement. Individuals who have been living together as couples and raising their kids together have lives that are intertwined in the same ways as married couples. But what happens when unmarried couples decide to go their separate ways?
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Contrary to what some people think, the parties to a divorce or child custody matter keep up with one another's whereabouts for one reason or another, particularly if they share children. However, there are instances when couples have been separated for long periods of time and they have lost complete contact with each other. After a while, one party might decide that it is time for him or her to officially obtain a divorce--but how do you do that when you do not know the location of the other spouse? Your Baltimore and Towson divorce lawyer will tell you that part of the process of getting a divorce requires the non-filing spouse to receive notice of it.
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Divorce can bring about a number of financial ramifications for the individuals involved. One such consequence might include the garnishment of wages if the court decides that it is necessary due to a former spouse's refusal or failure to pay child support and/or alimony. Your Baltimore and Towson divorce lawyer will tell you that wage garnishment is a legal remedy that is typically used to ensure that outstanding child support and/or alimony requirements are paid in full regardless of the amount owed.
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Maryland is one of the few states that has actual written rules regarding leaving children unattended in a home, car or school. Regardless of a child's maturity level, adults who leave children home alone place those children in danger, and they also subject themselves to litigation for doing so. Your Baltimore and Towson family law attorney will tell you that, under Maryland law, a child must be at least eight years of age before they should be allowed to be left alone in the home or in a motor vehicle.
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Anyone who is a parent in Maryland should take note--if you have been accused of child neglect, you can expect to receive a visit from the state's Child Protective Services (CPS). CPS has identified thousands of cases of child neglect throughout the state over the years; however, prior to 2011, individuals could not be prosecuted unless those cases resulted in a child's death or physical injury. However, in 2011, child neglect was officially made a crime in Maryland. That being the case, it is imperative for those who have been accused to contact a skilled Baltimore and Towson family law attorney to ensure that your parental rights are protected.
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Divorce and separation can be difficult on a family, especially if the parting couple has children. During the holiday season, the family as a whole may have trouble dealing with what are supposed to be joyous times, primarily because they are not sure how to handle the range of emotions and feelings that they may be experiencing. Your Baltimore and Towson divorce lawyer will tell you, though, that there are ways to deal with the holiday season and make the most of what could be a difficult time.
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All states have their own laws with respect to marriage and divorce. Accordingly, anyone who is interested in filing for divorce in Maryland should be aware of the state laws and requirements in order to ensure their eligibility prior to filing. A Baltimore and Towson divorce attorney who routinely handles cases will tell you that your case will be dismissed if you do not meet certain requirements. One such requirement is the residency requirement.
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Some individuals may not realize that there are certain acts that, when committed, can be considered crimes against marriage. Your Baltimore and Towson family law attorney will tell you that two such acts are adultery and bigamy.
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When two people who share a child decide to end their personal relationship with each other, it can be very painful, particularly for the child. Normally, courts like to make sure that both of a child's parents remain as involved in his or her life as much as possible, but only if it's in the child's best interest. For couples who are going through a divorce and/or are unable to reach custody and visitation agreements on their own, the court can step in and establish visitation, especially if they are involved in child custody proceedings.
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Life can bring about many changes that can alter a person's financial status in one direction or another. For individuals who are required to pay child support, financial changes might lead to the need for modifications to be made to child support payments. Your Baltimore and Towson family law attorney will tell you that child support is not automatically modified. One of the parents will need to ask the court that made the original child support award for a modification.
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