One of the most difficult conversations you will have during your divorce is speaking with your kids about getting divorced. It is natural to feel anxious or scared about having this conversation. Here are some helpful tips to consider:

1. Make a plan as to how you will tell them. Whether you decide to sit them down with your ex, do it alone, or engage the services of a counselor to help you, it is important to have a defined plan as to how and when you will do it. Be mindful that timing is critical; you should not do it before school, during holidays, or during other important times. It is recommended that you find a time that the kids will have to process the information.

2. Do not play the blame game. You do not want your children to feel caught in the middle. Your children do not need to know every little detail from either side. Using phrases like “we made a decision to separate” may help convey that it was a joint decision as to avoid the kids feeling that they are caught in the middle or have to pick a side.

3. Be sure to tell your children what will change in their routine. Give them the reassurance that everything will be fine and also give them time to ask questions. It is your duty to explain to them who they’re going to live with, their new schedules, and what will be changing about their lives.

4. Be patient as your kids process the information. It is normal that they will have a reaction. Make sure to give them the space to feel and express to you what is going on with them. Using the services of a counselor may help in the transition.

While divorce is never an easy topic to discuss with children, it is important to remember that children need consistency and routine. If you have any questions about the divorce process, please contact us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to assist.

There are now major changes to Maryland’s child support guidelines. Below is a summary of some of the important changes that took place as of July 1, 2022.

1. Guideline Range. Prior to June 30, 2022, the Maryland child support guidelines mandatorily applied to parents with combined monthly incomes ranging from $100 – $15,000. As of July 1, 2022, the schedule has increased the amount to combined monthly incomes up to $30,000.

2. Voluntary Impoverishment. In a dispute regarding voluntary impoverishment, the law mandates that the court shall make a finding as to whether, based on the totality of the circumstances, the parent is voluntarily impoverished. If the court finds that the parent is voluntarily impoverished, the court will consider the potential income of the parent to determine child support obligation. To calculate potential income, the court will consider the following factors:

   • parent’s age;

   • parent’s assets;

   • physical and behavioral condition;

   • educational attainment;

   • special training or skills;

   • literacy;

   • residence;

   • occupational qualifications and job skills;

   • actual income from all sources;

   • employment and earnings history;

   • record of efforts to obtain and retain employment;

   • criminal record and other employment barriers;

   • any other factor bearing on the parent’s ability to obtain funds for child support; and

   • employment opportunities in the community where the parent lives.

3. Declining to order child support. The new statute will give the court authority to decline to order child support in very specific and limited circumstances.

4. Self-support reserve. The self-support amount is now $1,145 and the court can deviate if the child support obligation leaves a parent with less.

An experienced attorney can assist you in answering your questions about the revised child support guidelines and how this may impact your legal matter. Call us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss your case.

Parental alienation comes in many forms. Generally, parental alienation means that one parent tries to program the child in an effort to undermine or interfere with the child’s relationship with the other parent. Examples include:

• Speaking negatively about the other parent

• Blaming the other parent for the divorce or why the relationship did not work

• Denying the other parent access to the child

• The child begins challenging your decisions and undermining your parental authority

• The child is taking sides and begins to internalize any negative talk from your ex

• The child has too much information about sensitive matters that should be kept between the parents

What Should I Do if My Ex Refuses to Comply with the Custody Order/Agreement?

If you have a custody agreement or order and your co-parent fails to comply with it, you should file a petition for contempt or a petition to enforce the terms of the custody order/agreement right away. Often times, the court will give you the make up time and may even consider awarding attorney’s fees.

If you believe that you have been a victim of parental alienation, our firm can work with you to review the facts and see if court intervention is possible so that the custody and visitation order is enforced. The court will intervene if they deem it is in the best interests of the minor child to do so. Contact us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to discuss your case with you.