In Other Words: Family Law, Explained

Explore In Other Words: Family Law, Explained, the Zadjura Family Law blog making sense of Maryland family law, one post at a time. From divorce and custody to mediation, parent coordination, and estate planning, we help families understand their options and find resolution with clarity and compassion.

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10 Documents to Gather Before a Divorce or Custody Consultation

Bringing the right documents to a divorce or custody consultation (or having them available to you) can make the meeting significantly more productive. Good preparation allows the attorney to review accurate information instead of rough estimates or assumptions, and it helps the potential client feel more organized and confident walking into an unfamiliar process.

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5 Questions to Ask During a Divorce or Custody Consultation (And Why They Matter)

When someone schedules a divorce or custody consultation, they are usually stepping into one of the most stressful and uncertain seasons of their life. The consultation is not simply a meeting. It is an opportunity to gather information, understand options, and determine whether the attorney across the table is the right fit for the road ahead.

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Top 10 Co-Parenting Tips for the New Year (And Beyond!)

A new year often brings fresh intentions and, for co-parents, renewed hope that communication, schedules, and decision-making can feel more manageable. These 10 co-parenting tips focus on what works in the day-to-day reality of shared parenting from a parent coordinator’s perspective.

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Saving Mementos for the Children of Divorce: Why It Matters

Divorce can feel like a dividing line between before and after. For many parents, the instinct is to erase the reminders of the marriage because those things feel heavy with pain, disappointment, or betrayal. But while those items may symbolize an ending for you, they can represent something entirely different for your children: their beginnings.

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Understanding Mediation in Family Law

When families face separation, divorce, or disputes over parenting or finances, the path forward can feel uncertain. Mediation offers a structured, confidential way to resolve conflict with dignity and without a courtroom battle.

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Understanding Legal Custody in Maryland: Sole, Joint, and Tie-Breaking Authority

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important questions is who gets to make the big decisions for their child. In Maryland, this authority is called legal custody. Legal custody is all about decision-making: education, health care, religious upbringing, and other major aspects of a child’s life.

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Friendship During Divorce: How to Truly Support Someone You Care About

Divorce is not just the end of a legal relationship. It is often the unraveling of an identity, a family structure, and a shared future. And while attorneys, therapists, and financial professionals all play critical roles in the process, the support of a trusted friend can be just as powerful and sometimes more deeply felt.

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Understanding Retirement Orders As Part of Your Divorce: What They Are and Why You Need One

Dividing retirement benefits is one of the most complex and often overlooked aspects of a divorce settlement. While it is easy to focus on more immediate concerns like the marital home or child custody, failing to properly divide retirement assets can have serious financial consequences—sometimes not realized until retirement, disability, or death.

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After Divorce: Why Updating Your Estate Documents and Beneficiary Designations Matters

One very important — and often overlooked — step after divorce is updating your estate planning documents. This includes your Will, Power of Attorney, Advance Medical Directive, and beneficiary designations on financial accounts. Taking care of these updates is an important way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your future.

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Why Many People Choose January to Start Life Changes: A Family Law Perspective

The beginning of a new year often symbolizes fresh starts, new opportunities, and the hope for positive change. For many, January is a time of reflection, resolutions, and taking steps toward building a better future. In the realm of family law, this can mean making difficult but necessary decisions regarding separation, divorce, or custody arrangements.

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Flat Fee Services in Family Law Cases: Understanding The Basics

In family law, cost predictability is often a significant concern for clients. The uncertainty of hourly billing can create stress, especially when dealing with emotionally charged matters like divorce, custody disputes, or modifications. Flat fee services offer an alternative fee arrangement that many clients find appealing. But are they right for every case?

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Finding Safety and Support: Navigating Domestic Violence in Maryland

Domestic violence can leave individuals feeling powerless and trapped, but Maryland law offers avenues to help individuals find safety. As a family law attorney, I have witnessed the toll that domestic violence takes on individuals and families, and I want you to know that you do not have to endure this situation alone. There are resources and community support available to help you reclaim your safety and peace of mind.

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Navigating Summer Co-Parenting Challenges: Tips for Divorced or Separated Parents

Summertime is all about fun, relaxation, and creating lasting memories with your children. But for divorced or separated parents, it can also come with its own set of co-parenting challenges. Juggling vacations, camps, and different routines can be tricky, but with careful planning and clear communication, you can ensure everyone has a smooth and enjoyable summer. Here are some tips to help you navigate the summer co-parenting hurdles.

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Parenting Coordination in Maryland: What You Need to Know

Are you navigating the challenging waters of co-parenting in Maryland? You are not alone. Almost three in every 1,000 Marylanders get divorced every year. Many are parents attempting to have a productive co-parenting relationship. Using a Parent Coordinator as a neutral third party could be what you need for a smoother co-parenting journey.

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Spring Cleaning: A Fresh Start for Your Family and Legal Matters

Planning for the future is essential, especially when protecting your family's well-being and assets. Estate planning is a crucial tool that allows you to ensure your loved ones are taken care of in the event of unexpected circumstances. Whether you are just starting a family or looking to update your current plan, a strong estate plan is key.

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