Resources

Mar 31, 2023

Resources by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

Child Support in Maryland When parents divorce, one of the most pressing issues is child custody and support.  Under Maryland law, child support continues until a minor child turns 18. It may be extended to the age of 19 if the child receiving support is still attending high school. Any past-due child support will not be waived, regardless of the age of the child. In most cases, support obligations can be collected through withholding orders, which ensures prompt payments by the custodial party, and accurate payment tracking. 

Feb 28, 2023

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

The economic trends of the past year were discouraging in many ways, and they have continued into 2023. Inflation closed out 2022 with a 6.5% increase. The S&P 500 lost nearly 20% in 2022, recording its worst year since 2008. These negative economic trends have an impact on couples considering whether to file for divorce. Additionally, these factors can force already-divorced couples to consider seeking modified divorce orders. A Bethesda divorce attorney can help you evaluate, given the current state of the economy, whether this is the proper time to seek a divorce or modify your divorce decree. 

Jan 31, 2023

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

Alimony is a periodic payment made by one former spouse to the other after a divorce. The purpose of alimony is generally considered to be rehabilitative – that is, to give an opportunity for the receiving spouse to become self-supporting.

Dec 30, 2022

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

Throughout history, circles have represented wholeness, totality, perfection, eternity, and timelessness. Engagement and wedding rings are symbolic: their circular shapes are emblematic of enduring love and devotion. 

Nov 30, 2022

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

Marriage is an important institution in the United States, unlike other parts of the globe. In fact, the United States has more marriages and more divorces than any other country in the world. The Centers for Disease Control reported that, as of 2022, the current divorce rate in the State of Maryland was 2.4 for every 1,000 inhabitants. This represents an increase from 2020 when the figure was 1.7 per 1,000. 

Oct 31, 2022

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

The issue of child custody is typically an extremely emotional issue for both parents as they go through the divorce process. While the court is primarily focused on the best interests of the child, it is generally recognized that the healthiest situation, in most cases, is for both parents to be able to interact with and raise the child. Bethesda child custody attorney Brandon Bernstein can help you navigate this area with knowledge and tact. 

Sep 30, 2022

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

Going through a divorce is often extremely emotionally challenging and draining. And, in many cases, it causes significant financial challenges as well. If you’ve been ordered by the court to pay alimony to your spouse, it can be disruptive to your budget and lifestyle. Paying alimony to your ex-spouse can be a difficult, ongoing financial obligation. Though it typically doesn’t go on forever, as the purpose of alimony in most cases is to help non-earning spouses become financially independent, it can seem like it. 

Aug 31, 2022

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

There’s no lack of stories on the news or the internet about divorce statistics in America. Divorce has become a way of life not only in America but around the world.  One major statistic is that divorce has been on the decline in the U.S. over the past decade. Some people speculate this is both due to people marrying later and fewer people marrying overall.  

Jul 29, 2022

Family Law by The Law Offices of Brandon Bernstein

Family law typically covers such legal areas as divorce, divorce mediation, separation agreements, property distribution, child custody, alimony, child support, and prenuptial agreements. Even under the best of circumstances, these are charged issues and the parties can sometimes react very strongly, particularly when testifying in a courtroom.

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: