Once parties obtain a judgment of absolute divorce which incorporates a child custody schedule, a custodial parent may face some challenges if they want to relocate to a new location. Usually there will be a ninety (90) day notice provision that the court allows in a custody agreement that the relocating party must give to the other parent of their intention to move. The relocating party must follow each step set out in the parties’ custody order for said notification to be given. If the noncustodial parent agrees, then there would not be a need for any court intervention. If the noncustodial parent does not provide their consent, then you will need to obtain the court’s intervention and prove to the court why it is in your child’s best interest to relocate them. The relocating party will have to provide evidence as to their child’s standard of living, access to family and friends, educational opportunities, and their bond with each parent in considering whether to grant the relocation or whether to keep the custodial arrangements as is.

Before you move, it is best that you consult with an attorney and weigh your options especially if the noncustodial parent objects to the relocation. Please call us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to answer all of your questions.

What is temporary alimony?

Temporary alimony is a monetary amount that a court may award before a divorce is finalized. It is often known as “pendente lite alimony" and the goal is to keep the financial status of the party who is seeking it status quo during the pendency of the divorce case. It is usually awarded in the early stages of the divorce process. The court considers several factors in determining whether to award temporary alimony including having to determine what the parties financial needs are and the other party’s ability to pay temporary alimony. Even if the court awards a party temporary alimony at a pendente lite hearing, it does not necessarily mean that the court will award alimony once the parties obtain an absolute divorce.

If you are considering filing for divorce, you should understand how alimony could impact your case. Alimony can have a significant impact on your life and how you move forward. If you have any questions, please call (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss your options.

Discovery is a legal process that enables you to gather pertinent information from the opposing party so that you can use it at trial. The discovery process enables you to gather all of the evidence you need to prove your case and also defend any claims made against you. In family law cases, it’s very common that each party will send interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and requests for admissions. Parties may also have depositions which means one party can ask other questions under oath.

It is imperative that you complete the discovery process because failure to do so can severely hamper your case. You will not be able to present evidence to the court if you did not disclose it in discovery. Furthermore, if a party refuses to comply with discovery, the court may order them to do so if it’s brought to the court’s attention. If you have any questions about the discovery process, please call us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to help.