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Family Law

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Life can get complicated when a marriage ends.

If you're going through a divorce, you can rely on the protection and compassion of our family law legal team.

Whether you are faced with the dissolution of your marriage; the beginning of a new life as a partner in a marriage; or a change in child custody or visitation, a member of our legal staff can offer insight into the legal complexities of each situation and guide you towards a viable resolution.

Family Law

Areas of Assistance

Lead Science Legal Services has extensive experience in all areas of family law. The following is brief example of some of the areas in which Lead Science Legal Services can assist you:

  • Divorce litigation, including separation agreements and changes in alimony or spousal support

  • Prenuptial agreements

  • Marital property distribution as part of a negotiation process

  • Child custody including modifications

  • Visitation issues/litigation, including grandparent visitation

  • Domestic violence complaints and protective orders

  • Adoption

  • Guardianship

  • Alternative dispute resolution/mediation for all family law areas

Our Process

We are Here to Assist You in Every Step of the Process

Lead Science Legal Services's goal is to resolve your issues as quickly and thoroughly as possible. In many cases your interests will be best served by resolution of a conflict through negotiations, mediation or alternative dispute resolution. Mediation or alternative dispute resolution can eliminate the need for complicated court involvement. A Lead Science Legal Services staff member would oversee such a process from start to finish.

If a solution by negotiations, mediation or alternative dispute resolution is unattainable, Lead Science Legal Services will work diligently with you to prepare and file the appropriate court documents and to represent your interests fully in court.

For example, in a divorce situation, one of our family law attorneys will address questions such as:

  • What are the pre-marital assets?
  • What assets were acquired during the marriage?
  • Are there pension assets to distribute?
  • What are the tax implications of any property settlement and/or alimony payments?
  • Must the marital home be sold immediately or retained by one of the parties?
  • Who is the decision-maker for the children and where should the children live?

All of these questions must be examined in conjunction with many other factors to formulate the best strategy. Lead Science Legal Services understands that both you and your situation are unique and that there is no such thing as a "one size fits all" approach.

Hands holding a green Family Law book beside a judge's gavel and fountain pen on a desk.
Planning Ahead

Financial Analysis & Planning for the Future

Throughout the process Lead Science Legal Services has the capability of working with you in analyzing the tax implications of such matters as alimony payments, child support payments, property transfers, dependency exemptions, and the like. Lead Science Legal Services also works with appraisers to determine the present value of pensions and other retirement funds and the value of business interests, should these assets be involved.

Once your litigation is complete, you may have questions about estate planning for the future; tax planning for the children's college expenses; the implications of the sale of the family home; and/or the implications of the purchase of another residence. Bulman, Dunie, Burke & Feld, CHTD, also offers legal services in the areas of real estate transactions, estate and tax planning, and business advice.

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Support

We are Here to Direct the Client Through an Array of Emotions

Whether you are seeking an adoption of a child or the termination of a long-term marriage through divorce, chances are that you and your family are embarking on a very emotional journey. Lead Science Legal Services appreciates the vast array of emotions tied to these issues. We work closely with mental health professionals in the community to provide you and your family with the legal assistance and emotional support necessary to obtain a complete resolution of the matter. Moreover, in cases where child custody is in dispute, Lead Science Legal Services works closely with community mental health professionals to assist the parent/guardian to make fully informed decisions on behalf of the child. Whether a custody evaluation is necessary for your litigation requirements or merely, the establishment of a therapeutic relationship for a minor child, Lead Science Legal Services has the experience to guide you.

The Divorce Process

How a Divorce Moves Forward in Maryland

Every family’s situation is different, but most Maryland divorces follow a similar path. We guide you through each stage and keep you informed along the way.

  1. Consultation

    We learn about your marriage, your children, and your goals, and explain your options under Maryland law.

  2. Grounds & Filing

    Maryland divorces are granted on no-fault grounds: mutual consent, six-month separation, or irreconcilable differences.

  3. Financial Disclosure

    Both spouses exchange information about income, assets, debts, and retirement accounts so property can be fairly divided.

  4. Negotiation & Mediation

    Many issues, including custody and property, can be resolved through negotiation or mediation without a trial.

  5. Agreement or Trial

    We finalize a settlement agreement or, if needed, present your case in court so a judge can decide the open issues.

A professional in a suit explains paperwork to a young couple seated across a desk.
Our Reputation

We are Here to Offer Experience and an Established Reputation

You will find that retaining an attorney from Bulman Dunie brings access to a firm with an established reputation in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Attorneys from the family law department have been appointed by Judges of the Montgomery County Circuit Court to carry out a variety of court functions. Often in a particularly heated custody dispute, the court, concerned that a minor child's best interests are not being fully examined, will select an attorney from the community to serve as a Best Interest Attorney or guardian ad litem for the child. The role of a court appointed attorney is often fulfilled by family law attorneys at Lead Science Legal Services. Our attorneys are also asked to facilitate disputes through mediation in order to prevent further conflict and litigation. Lead Science Legal Services attorneys have served the community in this capacity. Lead Science Legal Services's reputation of integrity and professionalism allows us to work effectively with attorneys, judges, and court personnel to reach your desired goal.

Nancy B. Farren, Megan N. Rosan, Daniel S. Shaivitz and Jane Rodgers are the attorney members of the Family Law Practice Area. A staff of associates and legal assistants supports them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Family Law FAQs

Answers to common questions about divorce, custody, and family law in Maryland.

What are the grounds for divorce in Maryland?

Since October 1, 2023, Maryland grants divorces only on no-fault grounds: mutual consent, a six-month separation, or irreconcilable differences. Fault-based grounds such as adultery and desertion were removed. Mutual consent requires a written agreement resolving all issues, including those involving children.

Is legal separation still available in Maryland?

No. Maryland eliminated limited divorce, its form of legal separation, on October 1, 2023. Spouses who are separating often sign a separation agreement that addresses property, support, and the children while they move toward an absolute divorce.

How do Maryland courts decide child custody?

Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child. Courts consider factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, each parent’s ability to provide care, and the parents’ ability to communicate and cooperate. Custody orders can later be modified if circumstances materially change.

How is property divided in a Maryland divorce?

Maryland uses equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Property acquired during the marriage is generally marital, while assets owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance may be treated as non-marital. Pensions, retirement accounts, and business interests may need to be valued.

The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal advice. Every case is different.

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