A successful attorney-client relationship is based on honesty. Patrick Crawford, our Annapolis Family Law & Divorce Attorney will communicate with you truthfully about your case, including its strengths and weaknesses, the chances of success, and the likely cost.
Patrick knows how important your family is to you and how difficult a divorce or custody case can be. He will represent you aggressively while also being sensitive to the stress that you may be experiencing.
Patrick knows that, when you hire him, you are entrusting him with great responsibility. He takes that responsibility seriously. His own happiness rests on knowing that he has done his best for you.
Patrick is not like other lawyers. Patrick has a boutique legal practice in which he provides high-quality service to a small number of clients. His practice is small, and that is how he likes it. He is the only attorney in his office. Having a small practice allows Patrick to provide a highly personalized service in which he gets to know each client and delivers representation that is tailored to achieve that client’s unique goals. He is aggressive while also being careful to avoid wasteful efforts and strategies that usually serve only to increase the client’s legal fees. Patrick directs his efforts in a focused and intelligent way on things that are most important to the client and that are calculated to bring results. He invites his clients to participate meaningfully in setting the case direction, he is friendly, and he is responsive.
The happiness of you and your children is at stake in your divorce or child custody case. Your case is one of the most important events in your life, and it is something that you should take seriously. Investing in an experienced attorney can mean the difference between obtaining an outcome that provides you with long-term peace, and obtaining an outcome that causes you many years of emotional anguish and suffering. Patrick has the experience necessary to provide the high-quality representation that you need. He has over 19 years of legal experience. He has spent the last 16 years practicing family law, including divorce, marital property division, alimony, QDRO’s, prenuptial and separation agreements, protective orders, child support, and child custody. He has represented his clients in all stages of their cases, including settlement, trial, and appeal. He is smart and efficient in his representation. His clients have been grateful for his efforts and for the results that he has obtained. He is ready and eager to put his experience and skill to work for you.
Our Annapolis Family Law & Divorce Attorney provides representation in courts throughout Maryland, including in Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and Queen Anne’s County.
Facing any type of legal matter can be stressful, as our legal system is complicated and often confusing for many people. When a legal case involves your family, it can be even more concerning, as your family relationships, finances, and more can be at stake. Maryland has strict laws that govern the family law and divorce process, and trying to navigate a case on your own can often result in a less favorable outcome than if you had the right legal representation. An experienced Annapolis family and divorce lawyer will know how to guide you through the legal process to ensure the best possible outcome of your case.
At the Law Office of Patrick Crawford, we are dedicated to helping people in and around Annapolis resolve family law matters and divorce cases in an efficient manner while preserving your interests. We care about your future and your family, so please contact us for more information today.
Our law firm believes that divorce cases require a highly individualized approach. Some divorcing spouses are able to cooperate relatively well, while others might be vengeful and unreasonable when it comes to resolving divorce-related issues. Whether you need guidance through the divorce process or aggressive representation in court, attorney Patrick Crawford can help.
Some divorces require informal negotiation to resolve relevant issues, while others might require mediation to help spouses reach a middle ground on contested matters. If your spouse is highly adversarial, your case might need to go to court, and you can rely on the litigation skills and experience of attorney Patrick Crawford to fight for your rights. Even if you and your spouse agree from the start and have an uncontested divorce, it is still important to have the guidance of a divorce lawyer to make sure your agreement is fair and in line with Maryland law.
No matter what situation you find yourself in at the end of your marriage, look no further than the Law Office of Patrick Crawford for assistance.
Divorce is far from the only type of case heard in family court, and there is a lot on the line in other types of family law matters, as well. We handle the following issues with the same dedication and approach as our divorce cases.
Whether you would like to end your marriage, modify child custody or support order, or you have an emergency situation, you can count on the Law Office of Patrick Crawford to provide the legal assistance you need. We have represented people throughout Annapolis who are in many types of situations, and we tailor our representation to each client’s specific circumstances. Call (410) 216-7905 or contact us online today to set up an appointment and learn more about how we can help you and your family.
Effective representation in the most difficult divorce and child custody matters.
Patrick our Annapolis Family Law & Divorce Attorney will provide aggressive and personalized representation to you in all family law matters, including the following:
Parties in family law cases may reach an agreement that settles their case. However, they sometimes cannot settle, and then a trial is necessary. Patrick believes that aggressive trial representation is the most important service that he can provide, and he knows how important it is to prepare for trial from the start.
Patrick understands the stress that you may be under, and he does not want you to be frustrated trying to reach him. He prides himself on being responsive, usually either answering the phone immediately or returning your call within a few hours.
Patrick our Annapolis, Maryland Family Law Attorney puts extreme energy and focus into each of his client’s cases. He understands the importance that your case has in your life. The outcome of your case is extremely important to him as well, and he will take every measure to achieve a favorable outcome.
Patrick has over 19 years of legal experience, with over 16 years practicing family law. He has successfully represented countless people in divorce, child custody, and other family law matters. He has represented clients in all stages of their cases, including settlement, trial, and appeal.
Patrick believes that a person should not go bankrupt obtaining quality legal representation. Although your case may require a financial investment, his services are reasonably priced compared to other attorneys in the Annapolis area.
Patrick our Annapolis Family Law & Divorce Attorney provides one-on-one service that will be personalized to achieve your unique goals. You—and only you—will set the objective for your case. And Patrick will always handle your case personally. He will never give your case to a paralegal or another attorney.
Patrick has earned the appreciation and trust of countless individuals over his many years of practice.
I couldn't be happier with my choice in hiring Patrick Crawford. From day one I explained to him this will probably not be an easy case and I did not have much money. I am a young father who was just fighting for my rights to have an equal opportunity to raise my son. Patrick Crawford worked with me on the finances and gave sound legal advice all the way through the court battle. Among all of the evidence, I provided he utilized the evidence that he knew was c
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I retained Mr. Crawford for a child support modification and I could not have been more satisfied with my end result. Mr. Crawford was very knowledgeable and speedy in resolving my issues and guided me through the process with care and compassion. His fees for his excellent work are very reasonable and worth every penny. I recommend him as the top notch family law attorney to go to for all of your family legal needs. I hope that I do not have to retain his ser
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Patrick Crawford is one of the best lawyers I have ever met. He paid close attention to detail, was extremely professional, and very personable. During a difficult divorce process, he made sure to make the process smooth and worry free. He took complete control and succeeded beyond expectations. Besides his prestigious education, Patrick also has a solid demeanor in the courtroom. As a medical professional, success during the process was of the utmost importance and Patrick delivered. I highly recommend him to anyone in the Maryland/DC area.
I am extremely satisfied with Patrick and his abilities to get me the best results in my case. He was very knowledgeable and always kept me informed about my case. He was relentless and a go getter in pursuing a victory for me. He still answers my questions even after my case was settled. I would use him again and recommend him to and of my friends, family, or the general public.
Patrick took on my divorce and child custody case after I had spent more than two years and lots of money with another attorney, trying to finalize a divorce and custody agreement. I found him knowledgeable about the process and the law. I appreciated how quickly he got up to speed on the details of my particular situation and settled on an approach and strategy for how to continue with my proceedings. Due to some legal work and filings already being completed
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Tucked away in the heart of Annapolis is this highly recommended esquire of family law. Patrick Crawford takes advantage of his considerable expertise and experience, adds technology, and is thus one of the most efficient lawyers I have heard about, much less experienced. His advice is frank and direct, even when it is not what one wants to hear. He is a no-nonsense, "get-it-done" fellow who tells it like it is and makes it happen. He works as a partner with h
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Patrick Crawford has helped me through custody and child support proceedings. He is currently helping with the change of my son's last name. He is very professional, knowledgeable, honest, and he has put my mind at ease throughout the entire process. He makes sure to keep you in the loop of what is going on, and makes sure you understand each step. Patrick listens to what you have to say and keeps your best interest in mind. In the future, when in need of a fa
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Having never been involved in a divorce proceeding before, Patrick Crawford put me at ease, explained fully up front what to expect in this adversarial situation, my rights and obligations, time constraints, data required, court procedure, and costs involved. Timely communications between attorney and client was of the essence, and my attorney fully complied in all respects. He was always available to answer any questions and to alert me to the next step in th
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Patrick Crawford was hired to represent me in my recent divorce case. He was courteous and respectful during our initial consultation. Every aspect of my case was explained to me beforehand and handled with great detail. I highly recommend the law offices of Patrick Crawford to anyone anticipating a separation or divorce.
I was blessed to have Patrick Crawford as my attorney in a divorce and child support litigations. He assisted me to arrange financial and family matters in a negotiation with my ex-wife's G St.lawyers. He is a very honest, dedicated, professional and bold lawyer. In addition, he did his best to work out a fee arrangement that suited me, taking into consideration my then financial hardship. I will use his services anytime I need a family attorney in the future.
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Mr. Crawford provided accurate information. He was always diligent in keeping me up to date and examining all options. He provided a realistic view of the legal process.
I highly recommend Mr. Crawford to anyone who needs a divorce attorney, I found him when I was desperate and he help me through very tough times and outcome was so much better than I expected, I was able to contact him whenever I needed him, He always returned my calls promptly and I was very very happy with his service.
Patrick Crawford provided succinct and salient guidance throughout my case. His advice was consistently reliable well-timed and valuable. I received clear explanations of the implications of my alternatives. His responsiveness was outstanding. Every response was always timely. I am not by any means a "big" client yet I received a superior level of servic.
Mr. Crawford represented me as the Defendant in an action to enforce a marital property and separation agreement approximately eight years after the final divorce decree. After a period of 18 months which included filing and granting of two protective orders, the case went to a merits hearing and the court returned a just and favorable ruling in my case. Based on my experience in this specific matter, I would highly recommend Mr. Crawford. Additional Informati
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Every case is different and takes unique twists and turns that are often unforeseeable. But almost every divorce or custody case in Maryland has the same basic skeleton. One party opens the case by filing a “complaint,” either for divorce or child custody. Then the complaint must be served on the other party. There are various methods of accomplishing service. After service is completed, then the other party must receive time—usually 30 days—to file an “answer” to the complaint. If no answer is filed during such time, then the other party may be found in default, in which case a hearing may occur in their absence and the relief granted without their input. However, if the other party does file an answer, then the case will continue. Several months will pass during which various procedural things occur that enable the parties and the court to prepare for an eventual trial. During this time, the party that did not file the original complaint will have a chance to file a counter-complaint. Also during this time, both sides will have ample opportunity to conduct discovery, which is the process wherein parties compel each other to provide information and documents that may be useful for trial preparation. In addition, the court will hold various conferences to monitor the progress of the case, and the court may require that the parties attend mediation to try to settle their disputes. And if the parties are unable to settle, then the court will eventually set a date for trial. At trial, the court will allow the parties to testify, call witnesses, present evidence, and make arguments. Then the court will make its ruling. If the parties disagree with the ruling, then they have various options for appealing the ruling to a higher court or asking the trial court to change the ruling. In divorce or child custody cases, it is not unusual for trials to occur approximately one year after the initial complaint is filed. If a case settles sometime during that year, then the case may end much earlier.
Yes and no. Some people attempt to represent themselves throughout their case until the time just before they have court, at which time they hire an attorney. They usually do so in order to save legal fees. You are certainly free to choose this strategy, however, it will almost certainly lead to big trouble for you. Right from the start and continuing throughout your case, there will be an infinite number of decisions to make and things to do to protect your interests. By hiring an attorney late, you will deny that attorney the opportunity to protect your interests, deny the attorney the ability to prepare for trial, and deny the attorney the opportunity to assist you in any settlement negotiations. Maybe the attorney will have time to catch up on some of these things, however, the attorney will have to act in a rushed manner and may not be as effective. Almost always, the attorney will have to spend time reviewing things that were done in the time before he/she was hired and may have to act to correct mistakes. In short, waiting to hire an attorney can be costly. The earlier that you do so, the more that attorney can do for you, and the more favorable the outcome of your case will likely be.
It is certainly possible for a non-lawyer to proceed in a legal case using forms and information from the internet. But such a course of action may backfire. This is true even in uncontested cases. The reason is that legal information and forms on the internet are not reliable. Forms and information on the internet usually do not account for differences in state laws. Those differences may cause forms to be improperly worded or unenforceable in your case. Furthermore, information from the internet will not account for the unique circumstances of your situation. You may be experiencing problems that the internet does not fully address. While you may save some money during your case by relying on resources from the internet, you may cost yourself even more in the future. You may learn in the future that the outcome of your case was defective, and you may find yourself back in court with an attorney in a difficult and expensive legal battle to fix it. Hiring an attorney from the beginning is the only way to obtain the protection and peace of mind that you want.
Many people believe that hiring a large firm is the best way to win their case, but this is not always true. Large firms will not necessarily obtain a better result for their clients. Both large and small firms have good attorneys. So what is the difference? The difference is in how personalized their service is. Small firms have fewer employees, or no employees at all. Attorneys at small firms usually handle their cases themselves instead of giving their cases to another attorney or a paralegal. Attorneys at small firms are accessible to their clients, often answering their own phone. And small firms often charge their clients lower fees. In short, small firms often give more personal attention to their clients at a more reasonable price.
The answer depends on the circumstances. Settlement and trial are very different. Settlement is a process in which parties try to work out their differences without court intervention. Trial is a process by which a judge will listen to the facts and evidence in a case and make a decision that is consistent with the law. Which one is best? Settlement is always best if it can be accomplished fairly. Settlement allows parties to retain control over their lives rather than having a judge make important decisions that will affect them and their children for years to come. Settlement is also less expensive than trial, which often takes many hours or even days of preparation and attorney time. Settlement reduces stress because the parties no longer have to worry about what the court will decide. And settlement removes the possibility of an appeal, which either side may pursue if they are unhappy with their trial result. Patrick encourages his clients to settle if they can do so fairly. However, often parties cannot settle for a variety of reasons, and Patrick is ready and willing to aggressively represent his client’s interests at trial. Because trial is always possible, Patrick believes that he must begin preparing for trial from the very beginning of every case so that he is always prepared.
Patrick is highly experienced as a litigator in the area of family law. Between 2001 and 2004, he worked as a staff-attorney for the federal government in Washington, DC. In 2004, he entered private practice, and between 2004 and 2011 he represented individuals and small businesses in a variety of legal matters. During this time, he practiced family law in addition to practicing personal injury, civil litigation, and criminal law. His experience practicing in a variety of legal areas provided him with a broad understanding of the law. Since 2011, Patrick has focused his talent and expertise almost exclusively on family law. During his practice, Patrick has successfully represented countless people in divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and other family law matters of varying degrees of complexity. He has represented clients in all stages of their cases, including settlement, trial, and appeal. He is intelligent and efficient in his representation. He is effective in his communication with others, including opposing counsel, court staff, and judges. He is extremely knowledgeable of court rules and procedures. He is confident, acting aggressively on behalf of his clients both inside and outside of the courtroom. And he enjoys the respect of others in the legal profession.
Patrick understands that your case may be a significant source of stress in your life and that you may have things that you wish to discuss without waiting. As a result, Patrick strives to be available to discuss your case at a moment’s notice. He is almost always available in person or by telephone. He usually answers the telephone immediately, however, if he is unavailable, then he almost always returns calls within a few hours. In addition, he is easily accessible by e-mail, often returning e-mails within a few minutes. Finally, Patrick never refers cases to another attorney or paralegal. He is the only attorney in his firm. He considers your case to be his—and only his—responsibility. If you hire Patrick, you will never wonder who is handling your case, and you will always be able to reach him.
No attorney can guarantee a win. Furthermore, every case presents unique challenges. Predicting the outcome of any legal matter is often difficult, if not impossible, because so many factors lie outside of the attorneys control. Such factors include the law, the underlying facts, the nature of the opposition, financial considerations, and the judge. The only factor that your attorney can control is the level of determination and effort that he applies. In other words, an attorney’s diligence and effort is the only thing that he can guarantee. If you hire Patrick, regardless of what obstacles and challenges your case presents, he guarantees that he will devote his time, energy, and expertise to your case in order to make the most persuasive case for you and to maximize the chances of success.
Patrick understands that, before you decide to hire him, you want to talk to him and ask questions. For this reason, he provides half-hour initial consultations. An initial consultation is a very informal meeting between you and Patrick in which you talk one-on-one about your legal situation. You may describe your situation to Patrick, and he will listen. You may ask him as many questions as you like, and he will answer them to the best of his ability. You may show him any legal documents that you have, and he will discuss them with you. Patrick will likely give you basic legal advice regarding your situation and discuss your prospects for success. He will also discuss his fees for representing you. Regardless of whether you decide to hire Patrick, you will always leave the consultation with a greater understanding of your situation, the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and the possible steps to achieve your goals.
Patrick charges an hourly rate for most matters that he handles. The amount of his time that a case requires is usually impossible to predict, however, by charging an hourly rate, Patrick assures you that the cost of your case will be proportional to the amount of time that it takes. Although this system will result in some cases costing more than others, you will not overpay in the event that your case is resolved quickly.
Patrick believes that a person should not have to sell his soul in order to obtain quality legal representation. When he meets with you, he will talk to you about your financial circumstances and attempt to find an hourly rate that fits within your budget. In some circumstances, he may agree to delay accepting payment until after a matter is finished.
Low flat fees are available for uncontested matters.
Patrick accepts payment by cash, check, or credit card. Acceptable credit cards are MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.
Patrick understands that the process of your divorce or child custody proceeding might come with many questions, which is why he provides a helpful e-book free of charge. Untying the Knot informs readers of the protocol for various family legal matters. His insights have given clients a better understanding of the court process and the law governing the issues in their case.
CLAIM YOUR FREE COPY OF UNTYING THE KNOT TODAY!
