Silver Spring Family Lawyer Guides Maryland Spouses and Children

Dedicated advocate handles matrimonial and parenting litigation

If you require skillful legal guidance for delicate family matters, turn to the Law Offices of Jeanett P. Henry in Silver Spring for comprehensive and compassionate legal services. Family law cases are among the most stressful and impassioned proceedings in today’s court system, but with proper counsel, you can overcome distractions and focus on your future. I have more than 30 years of experience representing Maryland and DC clients in these matters and make sure that frustration over divided assets and shared finances is tempered with sensitivity for any children caught up in the dispute. If you’re going through a divorce, custody dispute or some other domestic challenge, you can trust my firm to offer diligent, determined representation in pursuit of the best outcome.

Proven divorce attorney serves Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and DC

When it’s time to end a marriage, nothing can make the experience pleasant, but guidance from a seasoned family law attorney will help you safeguard your rights and start a new chapter positively. In Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, my firm details the laws that govern:

• Grounds — Both MD and DC have no-fault grounds for divorce that requires separation from 6 months to 1 year.  MD also has fault grounds for adultery and desertion.
• Property division — If parties cannot agree on the allocation of marital property, the court divides assets and debts according to the principle of equitable distribution. In other words, the judge decides on what he or she thinks is fair, which does not necessarily mean an equal split. After a thorough review of the property involved, I’ll make a compelling argument for my client’s fair share.

Maryland attorney experienced in negotiating and litigating alimony agreements

When determining whether or not alimony should be granted, how much should be awarded, and how long it should continue, Maryland judges weigh certain factors, including a couple’s length of marriage, their standard of living during the marriage, the relative income of each individual, and the needs of each spouse. Retaining an experienced and trusted alimony attorney can help you convince the court of your need for support, increasing the chance that alimony will be awarded. Alternatively, I can also work to convince the judge that your ex-spouse does not need spousal support or needs less than he or she asked for.

In Maryland, there are four types of alimony agreements:

• Alimony. Alimony payments can be awarded during the course of a divorce proceeding and after the divorce is finalized. In most cases, payments are designed to rehabilitate a spouse’s ability to become self-supporting. If this is a point of contention in your divorce, we will discuss the factors that go into these decisions and how to marshal the evidence to support the claim.
• Temporary alimony. This type of alimony provides support during the divorce action, which may include attorney fees and relevant litigation costs.
• Rehabilitative alimony. Rehabilitative alimony helps a dependent spouse become self-reliant and may end when an ex-spouse has found a job or has completed his or her education.

Family law mediator who encourages cooperation

Mediation gives you and your spouse the opportunity to negotiate a divorce settlement in a more amicable setting by working with a trained facilitator. The mediation process fosters cooperation between partners and produces less stress and hostility than is usually associated with litigation. Mediation often reduces the time and costs of divorce, and puts the decisions in your hands. I can help you obtain the most equitable divorce settlement, fair child support agreement and healthy child custody arrangement.

Whether your property distribution is handled through mediation or in court, you can count on my knowledge and wealth of experience handling divorce cases to see you through these often difficult proceedings.

Accomplished counselor assists with child custody, visitation and support terms

Parents of minor children will need to communicate and cooperate long after their divorce is final. With this in mind, it’s almost always preferable to reach agreements on legal custody, physical custody and visitation through mutual agreement. I work hard to find creative, comprehensive solutions that benefit both children and parents. If the matter must be decided by a judge, decisions will be made based on what the court decides is in the child’s best interests. That determination is based upon a variety of factors, including parental fitness, the suitability of each parent’s home, and the child’s preference if he or she is mature enough to make a thoughtful choice. My firm advocates for arrangements that give my clients’ sons and daughters the best chance to thrive in a safe environment, supported by both parents. Whether residential custody is awarded to one parent or shared, I will also outline what type of child support rate you can expect based on parental income, childcare expenses and healthcare costs. If a dispute exists regarding hidden income or you need help with a modification or enforcement action, I will seek proper relief.

Meticulous adviser creates fair prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

Nothing is ever certain in marriage, which is why fair agreements formed when the spouses are communicating well can avert major problems down the road. My firm works with clients to establish prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that address issues such as property and alimony in the event of a divorce. Though you might never need one of these documents, they give clients the security of knowing that their financial interests are protected. I will make sure that the terms are appropriate and enforceable under Maryland or DC law so that time and money isn’t wasted rehashing these matters if the marriage is dissolved.

Contact a knowledgeable Maryland and DC family law attorney for a consultation

The Law Offices of Jeanett P. Henry, LLC advises clients from Prince George’s and Montgomery counties as well as DC on a full range of family law concerns, including divorce, custody and the creation of prenuptial agreements. Please call 301-830-4017 or contact me online to talk about the details of your case with a lawyer who zealously looks out for your best interest. My office is in Silver Spring.