Services
Family Law
We provide representation in the areas of Separation, Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Name Change, Adoption, and Guardianships, Estate Planning, and Mediation. We can effectively guide you in the process of completing a Voluntary Separation and Marital Property Settlement Agreement all the way through to an Absolute Divorce. We assist in obtaining alimony, fair distribution of marital property and the division of retirement assets. We can help you obtain or modify custody, visitation, and child support. We happily assist families through the adoption process and compassionately assist in obtaining guardianships.
Separation Agreements
Many clients come to us seeking a "legal separation". Unfortunately, there is no such option available in Maryland. Instead, many parties opt to enter into a Voluntary Separation and Marital Property Settlement Agreement which can resolve all of the end of marriage issues such as custody, visitation, and child support as well as the marital property issues, such as who will live in the family home during the separation, and how the marital property assets will be divided. This is a great way for parties to move forward in their lives when they've made the decision to separate without the unease and apprehension of not knowing how to behave during the time of separation before the divorce.
Absolute Divorce
Once you have the grounds for an absolute divorce, we can help you navigate through this process, whether it's uncontested or requires litigation. We will navigate you through the courts in as timely a manner as possible and with a goal of reaching an amicable resolution if possible, but if not, will always strongly advocate towards a successful outcome.
Adoption
We guide you through the independent adoption process in a positive and respectful manner so you can move forward with building your family. We also represent parties in cases requiring a termination of parental rights if needed.
Custody
We provide comprehensive representation in all aspects of custody litigation. We utilize all available resources to ensure the necessary and relevant information is presented to the court in contested cases. We work closely with child psychologists, social workers, family therapists, expert witnesses, and other related professionals to ensure the best case possible is presented to protect the rights of our parent clients. We stay abreast of current case law, psychological studies, and current court trends to ensure our understanding of the potential outcomes.
Child Support
With an indepth understanding of the child support process in Maryland, we are able to effectively represent our clients in all aspects of child support litigation. We work closely with the Bureau of Support Enforcement and utilize up-to-date technology in determining the Maryland Child Support Guidelines.
Mediation
In these trying economic times, many people are unable to afford the high cost of divorce litigation. Additionally, parents who disagree on custody issues often do not have the financial means to hire attorneys and have their issues resolved in court and thus cause ongoing turmoil for their children and families.
Mediation is a great alternative to these costs. It is a process by which a neutral third person helps parties work through the details and make tough decisions regarding the legal, financial and emotional issues surrounding a separation/divorce and/or custody matter. It is a cost-effective way for parties to resolve all of the end-of-marriage issues such as custody and visitation as well as those tough property issues such as how to divide up the assets and how to deal with the marital expenses. The goal is to produce a written agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the parties’ resolutions.
In addition to saving both time and money, mediation also gives parties the ability to control the process as well as the outcomes instead of having their lives decided by a stranger.
Jennifer Dill, Esq., has completed extensive mediation training and is an experienced family law attorney specializing in high conflict custody and marital property disputes. With this wealth of experience she has considerable insight into the legal and emotional aspects of divorce and custody disputes. She successfully guides participants to written agreements helping them to avoid the financial expense and emotional toll of divorce and custody litigation.
Last Will & Testaments, Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives
There is no greater peace of mind than knowing that all of the end-of-life issues have been resolved for your family members. We endeavor to represent our clients with respect in assisting in all aspects of estate planning. Our attorneys regularly attend continuing education and work with financial and tax consultants to ensure clients have all the necessary information to make sound financial decisions when determining disposition of their assets. We also assist in the preparation of Powers of Attorney so that clients can utilize the assistance of others in dealing with their affairs. We compassionately assist in drafting Advance Directives to help you make the difficult decisions that would otherwise be left up to your loved ones in an already difficult time.
We help our clients navigate the complicated probate process by assisting in obtaining appointments of personal representatives to administer decedents’ estates. We prepare all required forms throughout the probate process and work closely with the Register of Wills and Orphans Court to ensure the timely and comprehensive administration of both small and large estates.