Maryland Divorce Lawyer - Cynthia H. Clark

Navigating Alimony: What You Need to Know About Spousal Support

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a payment made by one spouse to the other during and/or following a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to help the receiving spouse maintain their standard of living during divorce litigation and/or following the end of the marriage. In this article, we will provide comprehensive information on navigating alimony and help you understand the factors that determine spousal support awards.

What is Alimony and How Does it Work?

Alimony is a court-ordered payment made by one spouse to the other during and/or following a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to help the receiving spouse maintain their standard of living during divorce litigation and/or following the end of the marriage. Alimony can be awarded as a lump sum or as ongoing payments, and the amount and duration of the award can vary depending on the individual circumstances of each case.

Factors That Determine Alimony Awards

There are several factors that a court will consider when determining an alimony award, including:

The length of the marriage;
The age and health of both spouses;
The earning capacity of each spouse;
The standard of living established during the marriage; and
The contributions of each spouse to the marriage, including non-monetary contributions such as homemaking and child-rearing.

Types of Alimony

There are several types of alimony that a court may award, including:

Temporary alimony: This type of alimony is awarded during divorce proceedings to help the receiving spouse maintain their standard of living while the divorce is pending.
Rehabilitative alimony: This type of alimony is awarded to help the receiving spouse become self-sufficient after their divorce litigation has concluded. It is typically awarded for a limited time and the amount is intended to help the receiving spouse obtain the education or training necessary to become self-sufficient.
Permanent alimony: This type of alimony is awarded following a long-term marriage and is intended to help the receiving spouse maintain their standard of living following the divorce. Permanent alimony can be awarded in a lump sum or as ongoing payments.

How to Negotiate Alimony

In many cases, alimony awards can be negotiated between the two spouses without the need for a court hearing. This can save both spouses time and money and provide a more customized solution that meets the needs of both parties. When negotiating alimony, it is important to consider the factors that a court would consider when determining an alimony award and to come to an agreement that is fair to both parties.

Modifying or Terminating Alimony

In some cases, a court may modify an alimony award due to a change in circumstances, such as a change in a parties’ expenses, if the parties’ Court Order so permits. An alimony award may also be terminated if a party’s circumstances meet certain statutory criteria or terms set forth in the parties’ Judgment of Divorce.

Conclusion

Navigating alimony can be complicated, but it is important to understand the factors that determine alimony awards and the various types of alimony that may be awarded. Whether you are negotiating alimony with your spouse or seeking a court-ordered alimony award, it is important to work with an experienced family law attorney like us at Cynthia H. Clark and Associates to ensure that your rights and interests are protected.

Divorce, Legal Separation

Conquering Separation Anxiety: A Guide to Navigating Maryland Divorce with Confidence

Going through a divorce is a difficult and emotional time for many people. It can be overwhelming to think about ending a marriage and starting a new chapter in life. It is normal to feel anxious about the future, especially when it comes to divorce. Separation anxiety can manifest in many different ways, such as feeling worried, panicked, or uncertain about what lies ahead. However, it is important to understand that these feelings are normal and that you are not alone in your experience. Cynthia H. Clark and Associates, isn’t just a law firm in Maryland, we’re people too who have witnessed the anxiety caused by a divorce first hand, and we’re here to provide support and guidance during this challenging time.

Here are some tips for managing separation anxiety and preparing for a Maryland divorce:

Seek Support: One of the most effective ways to manage separation anxiety is to reach out for support from loved ones, friends, family, or a therapist. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust can help you process your emotions and provide a sense of comfort during this difficult time. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who care about you can help you feel less alone and more empowered to handle the challenges of divorce.
Create a Plan: Having a clear understanding of the steps involved in the divorce process, as well as a timeline, can help you feel more in control and reduce stress. When you have a plan, you know what to expect and can take the necessary steps to prepare yourself for each stage of the process. Your plan should include a timeline for important deadlines, a list of documents and information you need to gather, and a list of goals for the outcome of your divorce.
Educate Yourself: Understanding the laws and procedures of divorce in Maryland is important for making informed decisions and knowing what to expect during the process. Doing your research will give you a better understanding of the legal system, your rights, and the steps you need to take to protect your interests. You can also consult with an attorney to learn more about the process and how you can prepare yourself.
Focus on Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being during this time is crucial. Engaging in activities you enjoy, practicing mindfulness, or seeking therapy can help you manage stress and anxiety, and boost your overall sense of well-being. Exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep are also important for maintaining physical and mental health during this time.
Hire an Experienced Divorce Attorney: An experienced divorce attorney can guide you through the process, advocate for your rights, and help you reach a fair settlement. Your attorney can also help you understand the legal aspects of divorce, such as property division, alimony, and child custody. By hiring an attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you have a strong advocate on your side.

At Cynthia H. Clark and Associates, we’re people too so we fully understand that divorce is a difficult and emotional time for many people. Our experienced divorce attorneys are here to provide support and guidance during this challenging time. We are committed to helping our clients navigate the divorce process and ensuring that their rights are protected. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your Maryland divorce.

In conclusion, separation anxiety is a normal response to the stress and uncertainty of divorce. By seeking support, creating a plan, educating yourself, focusing on self-care, and hiring an experienced divorce attorney, you can manage your anxieties and prepare yourself for the divorce process in Maryland. At Cynthia H. Clark and Associates, we are here to provide support and guidance during this challenging time.

Child Custody

Difference between sole and joint custody

What is the difference between sole and joint custody?

Many have heard the terms “sole custody” and “joint custody”; however often times the meanings and implications of same are misunderstood. Joint custodial arrangements (physical and legal) are certainly more common than sole arrangements and are in most instances preferred by the Courts. In these arrangements, the parties share time with the children and have to consult with one another when making decisions regarding the children. However, a parent may be able to obtain sole custody dependent upon the particular details of their specific situation.

Sole custody means that one parent has exclusive legal and primary custody rights with respect to their minor child or children. The minor child or children primarily reside with the parent with sole physical custody, and that parent does not have to consult the other when making decisions for the children as they have sole legal custody. A parent usually obtains sole legal and physical custody if the other parent is deemed to be unfit, which sometimes occurs in cases of drug or child abuse. Though a parent may have sole custody, this does not mean, and it is rarely the case, that the other parent does not have visitation rights with the minor child or children.

Cynthia H. Clark & Associates, LLC is an Annapolis-based family law firm serving clients throughout the state of Maryland. If you are experiencing custodial issues with your partner regarding your children, please contact our firm to reserve a consultation time at our office

Divorce

Things to keep in mind when healing after a divorce

When a marriage comes to an end, no matter how long it lasted, it can be a very difficult time for all involved. Often times the healing that occurs after a divorce can feel just as stressful as the divorce itself. One may wish for what used to be, one may choose to harbor resentment towards their ex-spouse or one may replay the failed relationship over and over again their minds to attempt to figure out why the marriage ended.

Healing after a divorce is certainly a process that is different for each person. Jennifer Twardoski, a relationship coach and blogger for The Huffington Post, offers some things to keep in mind when healing after a divorce:

Healing takes time and patience. The length of time it takes one to heal can be days, months or years. For others, they may never truly fully heal. Be compassionate with yourself and give yourself the full amount of time you need to heal – do not base your period of healing off of what others have experienced.

Analyzing and replaying what happened over and over again is not going to change anything or make you feel better. This is not healthy as you are remaining attached to your suffering, which keeps you out of the present. You can get worn down physically as you put yourself through the grieving process over and over again.

Forgiveness is key. Forgive not only your ex-spouse, but yourself. Even if you feel you are not able to do so, simply saying out loud “I forgive you”, despite whether or not you mean it, will aid in your healing process.

No relationship fully ends – it just changes form. Even though you are no longer married to your ex-spouse, the relationship doesn’t end. It has, at one time, existed and therefore continues to impact your life. If you have children with ex-spouse, you will continue to forever have a relationship with them. It will just be in a different form. When you come to accept the new state of the relationship, the healing can begin.

Cynthia H. Clark & Associates, LLC is an Annapolis-based family law firm serving clients throughout the state of Maryland. If you and your spouse are considering a divorce, please contact our firm to reserve a consultation time at our office.

Child Support

IRAs and child support calculations

Income for purposes child support calculations pursuant to the Maryland Child Support Guidelines is defined by the Family Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland as actual income. This includes, but is not limited to, salary, wages, pension income, social security benefits and disability insurance benefits.

Withdrawals from one’s IRA accounts are also deemed to be income to a party pursuant to the Family Law Article as they are taxable income. However, issues have arisen as to whether the amount in a payor’s IRA can be deemed a potential source of income for the payor. Along with that comes the question that if the payor chooses not to take any withdrawals from this account, would that refusal lead a court to believe that the payor is purposefully diminishing his income in order to pay a lower amount of child support. If the Court deemed this to be true, then the income (annuitized) could potentially be imputed to the payor for child support purposes.

There is no definitive answer to the above issue. Courts in other jurisdictions have been reluctant to impute annuitized IRA income to the payor that were not actually made, especially those withdrawals that would trigger an early withdrawal penalty. However, an argument can be made that this income could be imputed to payors who have reached the age in which penalty-free withdrawals are permissible, or if the payor has no other available income and the child is in need (best interest of the child).

Cynthia H. Clark & Associates, LLC is an Annapolis-based family law firm serving clients throughout the state of Maryland. If you have a child support calculations questions, please contact our firm to reserve a consultation time at our office.

Divorce

Emergence of Pet Custody Disputes

Often times, a client will be sitting in their attorney’s office discussing settlement terms of their divorce matter will bring up pet custody. They will say “she can have the timeshare … I don’t care about the Porsche … but under no circumstances can she have Fido!” Fido, or course, is not one of the parties’ children. He is the parties’ eight year old Beagle.

This scenario is becoming more common as pets are not treated as items of property, but rather as members of one’s family and their companions. Elderly persons have a therapeutic, if not spiritual, attachment to their pets. Single persons rely on their pets for security. Grieving persons rely on their pets as a source of comfort. Young children experience pure joy and contentment at the companionship and friendship their pets provide. The Courts are beginning to change their outlook regarding pet custody disputes to adopt this point of view as well. More often than not, people are willing to expend copious amounts of legal fees to ensure that they receive ownership of their companion pets.

Animals are technically considered to be property, and in divorce matters, as with any other items of property, the presiding Judge or Magistrate will typically equitably divide up all items of property between the parties. Animals would be included in this mix, similar to items of furniture or kitchen appliances. However, an increasing trend that is now emerging is that the Court is beginning to reject the strict property analysis when determining custody of parties’ pets, and is now using the best interest standard applied to determining child custody disputes. Many Courts are finding that animals have feelings and are individuals, and their welfare and best interest need to be taken into consideration when an award of custody is made.

Among those factors to be considered are which party paid attention to the pet’s basic daily needs; who takes the pet to the veterinarian; who provides for the pet’s social interactions (in the case of dogs) with other dogs and/or people; which party maintains appropriate supervisions to ensure state and local regulations are complied with; and which party has the greatest financial capability of providing for the pet’s needs.

I consider my dog, William Wallace (named after the valiant tough-as-nails warrior in Braveheart, but he is really more of a soft teddy bear), to be my first born child. I treat him just as I treat my son – he gets a birthday party, birthday presents, Christmas presents, and presents for no reason at all. I take him on car rides, and have special “Mommy-Wallace” time with just us. These issues speak to my heart, and if you find yourself in a dispute regarding pet custody, please contact me at Cynthia H. Clark & Associates, LLC

Divorce

Restoration of Former/Maiden Name

When a party divorces, often times a spouse will desire returning to your maiden name afterwards.

Under current Maryland law, a spouse who took on the other party’s name during the marriage may be restored to any former name:

if they no longer wish to use that name;
the name change is requested in the divorce action;
the request is not for any fraudulent, illegal or immoral purpose. The request to begin returning to your maiden name name needs to be made at the time of the divorce and entry of a Judgment of Divorce.

HB793 of the 2017 (PDF) legislative session revised some of these requirements. Effective October 1, 2017, the request to be restored to a former name may now be granted within eighteen (18) months of the date of the divorce upon motion of the party requesting the restoration. Additionally, the request must be made by the spouse seeking the restoration of their former name. A spouse may not request the name change for the other spouse.

Uncategorized

Tips for Getting through a Divorce

Going through a divorce, and a long one in particular, is a difficult, emotional, stressful and tense situation. Family members, friends, and even those acquaintances that have also been through a divorce are a good support system to lean on throughout this difficult process. Here are 5 divorce tips from a divorce lawyer.

Randall M. Kessler, a blogger for The Huffington Post, provided some helpful tips to further assist you throughout your divorce:

Help your attorney help you. You know your marriage, your spouse and your children better than anyone else, certainly more so than your attorney. Provide suggestions to your attorney as to how to best deal with your spouse and inform your attorney as to those issues that are most important to you so that your attorney can focus on those issues.

Provide your attorney with all necessary information. Create a detailed history of your marriage and provide it to your attorney. Further, if you think an event, situation or fact isn’t important to your matter and that you do not need to inform your attorney as to same, do it anyway. Let your attorney determine its importance.

Make your divorce a priority. If your attorney needs to speak with you or needs you to come into the office, be available. They do not attempt to speak or meet with you if they do not have something important to discuss with you. Further, not being available to discuss your case, or if you are not willing to take leave from work to attend mediation or 4-way meetings with your lawyer, spouse and their attorney, gives the impression that you are uncooperative. Settling your matter may prove to be even more difficult.

Spite will only harm, not help. Resist the urge to be spiteful and the need to win every battle you may engage in with your spouse. It is important to focus on the “bigger picture” and on the best way to prevail on those issues most important to you. Antagonizing your spouse, or “rubbing it in” when you either get a good result in court or get them to agree with your position on an issue that is important to you, does not help your cause and may backfire on you later down the road in settlement negotiations.

Check in regularly with your attorney. Schedule regular status appointments with your attorney. This will give you and your attorney the opportunity to discuss strategies moving forward and also ensures that you are both on the same page. Regular meetings may also bring to light questions you have for your attorney that you may otherwise not have thought about.

Uncategorized

Resolution of Child Dependency Exemption Issues in a Separation and/or Divorce

As the tax filing season approaches, a common question amongst couples who are considering a separation or are currently in the process of divorcing centers around how to resolve who will be claiming the parties’ children as dependency exemptions on their income tax returns. Another related question that often arises is who will be claiming head of household.

Parties can agree upon a myriad of ways to resolve how to determine which party will claim the parties’ children as dependency exemptions on their income tax returns in certain years. In matters where parties agree to have joint custody of their children, the parties either alternate claiming the children every other year, or if there is an even number of children, each party will claim the same number of children each year as their dependents (i.e. if the parties have four children, each will claim two). If the parties’ have an odd number of children, by way of example three children, each may claim one child every year and alternate the third child. This is an issue that should be discussed when considering a separation from your spouse or if you are currently in the process of a divorce.

The party who is the custodial parent is permitted to file as head of household on their income tax returns. A question arises when parties are sharing 50/50 custody of their children. If the parties agree to alternate claiming their children as dependency exemptions, the year in which one party is claiming the children they can be designated to have 183 overnights, instead of 182 overnights, with the children in that year so that they would be permitted to file as head of household. This is also an issue that should be discussed when considering a separation or if you are currently in the process of a divorce.

Divorce

Financial Preparation for Divorce

Financial preparation for divorce is a large part of discussion when filing for a divorce in Maryland. It is important to review your financial situation when considering a separation to make sure you have a handle on your current financial position.

Review your debt and expenses. What are your monthly household expenses? If you are moving out of the marital home, will any of these monthly expenses increase? For what debt are you going to be responsible for? What assets will you have to fund your expenses and pay for your debt?

Focus on your personal financial preparation for divorce. Look into getting your own credit card if you have a joint card with your spouse or if you need an additional source of funds. Open your own bank account and have your salary directly deposited into this account. Set yourself up for financial success and to be independent.

Consider child support and alimony. If you have children, determine whether you will be responsible for payment of child support to your spouse or if you will be receiving support. Calculate the monthly expenses of your children – activities, clothes, food, etc. If you are the primary monetary contributor to your marriage,

Cynthia H. Clark & Associates, LLC. is an Annapolis-based family law firm serving clients throughout the state of Maryland. If you and your spouse are considering a divorce, please contact our firm to reserve a consultation time at our office.