Family Law Archives - Zirkin and Schmerling Law

Benefits of Choosing a Mutual Consent Divorce

No matter the situation, divorce is a stressful process that can take an emotional toll on all parties, including children. There are often waiting periods and legal proceedings to go through in addition to resolving alimony and property division. However, despite the imposition of going through a divorce, many couples understand that it’s inevitable and […]

Meet Kristen Fon L. Lim, Associate Attorney

Zirkin & Schmerling Law welcomes Kristen Fon L. Lim as she joins the firm. She’s an associate attorney and will primarily practice family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, and visitation arrangements. Prior to joining Zirkin & Schmerling Law, Kristen worked as a public defender and children’s attorney in Baltimore. During her time as […]

10 Factors a Judge Considers in a Maryland Custody Case

When you’re going through a divorce and the child custody process, it may feel as though the state of Maryland is suddenly snooping into your life. Now a judge wants to know all kinds of details about your finances, relationships, home setup, and parenting style. A family law and child custody attorney can help you […]

Do You Need a Divorce During Coronavirus?

People are stuck inside their homes during the coronavirus pandemic, causing long-standing friction to come to a boiling point. Anger and arguments are arising in some families – sometimes escalating to the point of violence. Soon after the pandemic hit, there was a sharp rise in domestic violence reports. Children and spouses are at a […]

Custody Withholding During Coronavirus

The coronavirus has wreaked havoc on many couples’ custody agreements causing disruptions in schedules and co-parenting relationships. Maryland’s stay at home order specifically delineates that parents are required to follow whatever custody order they have for their minor children. However, many parents are withholding their children from the other parents, stating that they are worried […]

Domestic Violence in Carroll County

About 33% of women and 10% of men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives. In fact, more women are injured every year by domestic violence than muggings, car accidents, and rapes combined. There has been a rise in domestic violence reports over the past few years in Carroll County, Maryland. Although […]

Legal Guardianship An Important Step in the Lives of the Child, the Parents and the Guardian

You’ve probably heard the term “legal guardian.” Do you know exactly what it means? A legal guardian is a non-parent adult who temporarily takes responsibility for a child, even if the child’s parents still retain their parental rights. A legal guardian addresses the child’s basic needs, including food, clothing and shelter. They also support the child’s […]

What You Should Know About Torts, Spousal Relationships and Divorce

Do you know a major change to Maryland tort law allows you to sue your spouse for harming you? Even though it’s been 16 years since this change was put into effect, it’s still a complex area of the law to understand. Here is what you need to know about torts, spousal relationships and divorce. […]

Top Reasons Couples Divorce in Baltimore

Most people are aware of the common reasons for divorce. What about cyber-cheating? Although 90% of Americans will get married at least once before age 50, about 45% of marriages end in divorce. Second and third marriages have even higher breakup rates, with about 67% to 80% eventually leading to divorce. What causes so many […]

Maryland Long Distance Parenting Plans Put Kids First

Divorcing Parents Live Far Apart, Raising a Child Together Becomes Complex Under Maryland divorce and custody laws, parents are strongly encouraged to establish a parenting plan with a visitation schedule that clarifies exactly where a child will spend their time. Of course, it’s not always as simple as it seems. Sometimes, the long distance involved […]