A recent article in the Wall Street Journal used the Michael Jackson case to serve as a reminder to parents of the importance of naming a guardian for their children as part of their estate planning. Continue reading When Other Parent Is Unfit, Estate Planning Should Prepare For the Worst
All posts by Robert L. Flanagan
Indefinite Alimony Requirements Reviewed in Recent Opinion
A Court of Special Appeals decision on the issue of indefinite alimony has caught my attention. Alimony is an issue that depends on the trial judge evaluating the facts and exercising considerable discretion. Continue reading Indefinite Alimony Requirements Reviewed in Recent Opinion
Same Sex Couples Face New Law Relating to Child Custody and Visitation
There has been a dramatic shift in law concerning custody and visitation involving same sex couples. The same line of cases that has reshaped grandparent’s visitation issues also needs to be considered by same sex couples with children. Continue reading Same Sex Couples Face New Law Relating to Child Custody and Visitation
Child Support Calculations Guidance in Fluctuating Income Cases
Divorce cases in high income counties such as Howard, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Carroll and Baltimore frequently involve setting support based on parental incomes that fluctuates substantially. This is occurring more frequently in the current roller coaster economy. Continue reading Child Support Calculations Guidance in Fluctuating Income Cases
Steps to Consider for Avoiding International Parental Kidnapping
As a Maryland Custody lawyer, nothing is more gut wrenching than parental kidnapping. After blogging on the million dollar verdict awarded to Mr. Shannon against his ex wife and her mother for kidnapping his sons to Egypt, I hasten to discuss various tools for preventing international parental kidnapping. Continue reading Steps to Consider for Avoiding International Parental Kidnapping
Income Tax Issues for Divorcing Spouses
As a Maryland Divorce Attorney, I often counsel my clients on the risks involved in filing joint tax returns with their soon to be ex-spouses. It is not uncommon for individuals with businesses or other complicated returns to obtain an automatic six month extension. For such individuals, October 15th becomes the filing date. Since that date is approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss some related issues a spouse facing divorce might want to consider. Continue reading Income Tax Issues for Divorcing Spouses
Monetary Damage Awarded for Serious Interference with Parental Rights
As a Maryland custody lawyer, a recent jury verdict has led me to evaluate what the future might bring in cases involving serious visitation disputes. Continue reading Monetary Damage Awarded for Serious Interference with Parental Rights
20th Anniversary Of Maryland Child Support Guidelines Portends Update
Efforts to update Maryland’s Child Support Guidelines will be redoubled in the 2010 legislative session. As a Maryland Child Support Attorney and former member of the Maryland House of Delegates who served on the Judiciary Committee when they were enacted, I can attest to the fact that the original guidelines bill was passed with no significant opposition. However… Continue reading 20th Anniversary Of Maryland Child Support Guidelines Portends Update