Key Takeaways A divorce decree must specifically award pension property before a former spouse gains any enforceable claim. The 10/10 Rule determines direct DFAS payments, not whether a pension entitlement exists in the first place. Maryland courts rarely reopen finalized decrees for pension claims absent fraud, mistake, or reserved jurisdiction. Remarriage does not cancel an […]
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Key Takeaways A scheduling conference happens after a Complaint and Answer are filed or a default order is entered. Judges use scheduling conferences to identify case issues and order helpful court programs. Divorce, custody, alimony, and support matters in Maryland circuit courts commonly require a scheduling conference. Maryland Rule 2-504 requires scheduling orders to set […]
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Key Takeaways Maryland courts weigh statutory factors under Family Law Section 11-106 rather than a fixed formula. The marriage’s length, contributions, and standard of living all shape the alimony outcome. A spouse out of the workforce for years may still return to self-sufficiency. Alimony can be pendente lite, rehabilitative, or indefinite, with indefinite awards being […]
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Key Takeaways AI divorce tools now surface hidden financial assets in discovery far faster than traditional document review. Digital communications such as texts and emails can be analyzed algorithmically and introduced as custody evidence. Maryland courts still require a licensed attorney to interpret, argue, and apply any AI-generated findings. According to the Maryland Courts, a […]
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Key Takeaways Maryland recognizes irreconcilable differences as a standalone no-fault ground for absolute divorce. Fault-based grounds were eliminated in Maryland in 2023, simplifying how couples can file. Three no-fault paths exist: irreconcilable differences, mutual consent, and six months of separation. Marital fault can still influence alimony decisions even when it does not determine divorce eligibility. […]
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Key Takeaways Maryland’s HB 1191, effective October 1, 2025, replaced decades of case law with 16 statutory custody factors. Judges must now document findings on every factor, bringing consistency across all Maryland counties. The law shifts focus from the parent character to the child’s developmental, emotional, and physical needs. Factors cover practical considerations like parental […]
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