Jun 30, 2022

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

Divorce is a difficult situation for all parties. People think and hope that their marital vows will last forever, but that’s often not the reality. What are the first steps when you or your spouse decide it’s time to exit the marriage? In Maryland, these are the options:

May 31, 2022

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

In general, divorce mediation will help you resolve your issues with your spouse so that you can then file for an uncontested divorce. The process seeks to turn what is typically a confrontational process into a “win-win” situation. The core principle of mediation is self-determination. 

Feb 1, 2022

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

An Evolving Landscape & New Challenges, Pandemic Related & Otherwise, Impacting the World of Divorce for Men Men and women face different challenges when heading into a divorce, and in terms of divorce for men, the perception by many has long been that they are at a disadvantage in such scenarios. It seems that the odds of achieving the most desired results in terms of big ticket issues such as child custody and child support, as well as alimony, place men at a disadvantage; or at least this is the way the topic is often presented in movies and television shows.

Feb 1, 2022

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

Increased rates of divorce and separation, among overall increased stress and household challenges, continues impacting families Few people imagined the country and the world would still be coping with the Covid-19 pandemic after two years, but it’s become a constant presence in almost everyone’s life. That lengthy period of time has also allowed for the evaluation of the pandemic’s impact, which we see in terms of cases, deaths, and hospitalizations, not to mention on its economic impact, but there’s also a real and ongoing negative impact on mental health.

Jan 20, 2022

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

Understand your Finances This may seem pretty basic, but I speak with people who are pursuing a divorce and have almost no information about their shared financial situation. There are a lot of situations where financial information is not known or shared between spouses. A few key items to understand, or at least have general numbers around include:

Sep 9, 2021

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

High Assets & Complex Spousal Support Situations Asset Protection for Maryland Business Owners If you are facing a divorce, you are likely concerned about the impact it will have on your financially.  If you are a business owner, you have to think about how the divorce and subsequent asset division will affect you both personally and in your business.  In most cases, Maryland would consider a business owned by one spouse a marital asset, and it’s therefore subject to equitable distribution.

Jul 19, 2021

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

Divorce Lawyer for Medical Professionals Near Walter Reed and the National Institute of Health Facing a divorce and working through the process of selecting a family law attorney is not always easy.  For doctors, nurses and medical professionals, that process can be even more challenging due to a demanding schedule and work days that are physically and mentally stressful. Brandon Bernstein is located in downtown Bethesda just steps from both Walter Reed and the NIH.  He has extensive experience working with doctors and medical professionals to help them secure the best possible outcome from their family law situations. Selecting the Right Attorney is Critical to the Success of the Divorce Process Every divorce is unique and so are the people involved, but ultimately divorce is about communication.   It’s about you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse communicating about financial matters and arrange how time with minor children will be shared.  It’s important that you feel able to communicate with your family law attorney easily and effectively. Whether you are getting ready to file for divorce, responding to a petition for divorce or looking to work through custody or post-decree issues, Brandon can help.  He has successfully worked with a wide variety of clients in Maryland and the Washington D.C. area.  His experience with doctors and medical professionals have made him well-versed in complex schedules, high incomes, business ownership and retirement accounts.  During a free consultation, you can explain what you are most concerned about and Brandon can help you understand how the law applies to your situation and the […]

Jun 22, 2021

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

It can seem like conflict and divorce go hand in hand; after all if there was no conflict in the marriage, they wouldn’t be getting divorced right?  However, the conflicts that may have led to the decision to get a divorce do not have to paint the entire divorce process.

Apr 30, 2021

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

For many of my clients, the primary home is the most valuable asset they own. “What to do with the House” can be a big sticking point in any divorce. It’s important to understand what home equity is and how it can affect the financial aspect of your divorce. The following is general information and should not be taken as legal advice, to learn more about your specific situation, take advantage of a Free initial consultation with Brandon by calling 204-395-1418 today. What is Home Equity? In the most basic terms, home equity is the part of the house you own. Typically when people purchase a home, they do not pay for the entire price. Typically buyers make a down-payment for a percentage of the home’s price, and then take out a loan called a mortgage to cover the rest. “Home Equity” refers to the difference between the value of the house and the amount of the mortgage. Here is a very basic illustration; we will use the example of a $300,000 house and a 20%, or $60,000 down payment. Using those numbers, you could say this buyer has $60,00 in “home equity” at the time of their purchase. How Does Maryland Divorce Law Treat Home Equity? Home equity is just like an other asset in a divorce, but unlike a checking account, home equity can be more difficult to calculate as it doesn’t have as clear value. The home can also play a huge non-financial role in a divorce […]

Jan 28, 2021

Resources by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

Financial Records — Home & Property Information Finding yourself getting ready for a divorce can be a daunting process.  You probably are having feelings that are causing anxiety and uncertainty.  Whether or not you end up choosing to get a divorce, this article may be able to help you calm down and feel like you have gained some control.