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Divorce & Family Law Blogs
Welcome to the Divorce and Family Law Blog from the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram. Here, our team shares insights, updates, and practical guidance on topics like divorce, child custody, support, and other family law matters in Maryland. Our goal is to help you stay informed and empowered through every step of your legal journey.
Changes Are Coming to Maryland Divorce Laws
July 31st, 2023
The way Maryland residents get divorced will change this fall. The state legislature has passed new Maryland divorce laws that eliminate the state’s “limited divorce” procedure, and change the wait-times, as well as the legal grounds parties mu…
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Handling Pensions in a Divorce
July 12th, 2023
Your pensions and retirement accounts may be your family’s most valuable asset. Especially if you are a renter or an older adult when your divorce is finalized, you may depend on your retirement accounts to provide for you in your old age, and to e…
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Categories: Divorce
Domestic Partnership, Civil Unions, and Property Problems in Maryland
June 28th, 2023
The number of people choosing to live together without going through a formal marriage is rising every year. But non-marriage alternatives like civil unions and domestic partnership are imperfect replacements for a legal marriage. Before you decide t…
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Categories: Family & Relationships
Attorney Appointed for Children in Custody Cases
June 8th, 2023
When conflict is high in a divorce or custody case, sometimes a child’s voice, and even their best interest, can get lost in the debate between parents. In cases of family violence or abuse, or when a child’s special needs require special attenti…
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Categories: Custody
What is a "Retainer" and Why Do I Have to Pay It?
May 30th, 2023
When you hire a divorce attorney or family lawyer to represent you, you may be asked to pay a “retainer” before any work is done. Depending on the nature and complexity of your case, this may be several thousand dollars. Understanding what this r…
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Categories: Divorce
Collaborative Divorce: A Holistic Approach to Conscious Uncoupling
May 4th, 2023
It is often said that within a divorce there are three unique separations that must each be addressed: (1) legal separation, (2) emotional separation, and (3) financial separation. The Collaborative Divorce model, sometimes called Collaborative Law o…
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How Do I Prepare for a Divorce Deposition?
April 20th, 2023
Testifying under oath can be a stressful experience. For many people, a divorce deposition is the first – sometimes only – time they will be cross examined by an attorney. That’s enough to make anyone nervous. Here are some tips for how to prep…
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Categories: Divorce
Maryland Spring Break Activities for Kids
April 6th, 2023
Spring Break is an opportunity for many parents to connect with their kids and make lasting memories. Whether you are a long-distance parent making the most of school breaks, or a custodial parent looking to break up your everyday routine, these Spri…
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Categories: Family & Relationships
Choosing the Best Divorce Lawyer for Your Case
March 24th, 2023
When you go to court about something as important as family, you want to know you can trust the attorney standing beside you. Choosing the best divorce lawyer for your case isn’t just a matter of reading online reviews or looking at an attorney’s…
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Categories: Divorce
How to Choose the Best Parenting Plan for Your Child
February 21st, 2023
A parenting plan is at the center of every Maryland custody case or divorce involving children. Whether you commit to a collaborative divorce, negotiate a settlement with your co-parent, or ask the Court to resolve your custody dispute, you will need…
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