At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we provide exceptional representation for those
in the midst of family law disputes in Maryland.
Our family law attorneys have more than 120+ years of collective legal experience and have earned numerous accolades and achievements in the family law field. We excel in our practice because we combine our extensive legal experience with an approach that combines the compassion we have for our clients with our understanding of the deeply personal and sensitive nature of family law matters.
We of Fait & DiLima are award winning attorneys and passionate advocates for the needs and rights of our clients. We apply our knowledge of the law, family systems, psychology and human interactions to all we do. However, when court is unavoidable, we are skilled, strategic and zealous litigators.
As an award-winning family law firm recognized by U.S. News, Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation with compassion and expertise.
With over 120+ years of combined experience and extensive expertise, we offer the capabilities of a large firm while delivering the personalized service you deserve.
We combine legal expertise with genuine empathy to create compassionate, customized solutions for your family law needs.
We have a deep understanding of the complex legal issues that impact families. No matter the area, we pride ourselves on our ability to use our expert knowledge with compassion to bring you exceptional results.
We guide our clients through all aspects of alimony issues, working together to achieve fair and sustainable support arrangements during separation and divorce.
Read MoreWe are dedicated to helping you reach agreements or strategize for custody litigation to prioritize your child’s well-being and provide stability for your family.
Read MoreWe utilize our knowledge of the Maryland child support guidelines to establish support arrangements that prioritize your child’s well-being and financial security.
Read MoreDivorce is complicated. Divorce mediation is designed to empower you to resolve your divorce matters without the need for protracted litigation.
Read MoreWe are zealous advocates, using our breadth and depth of experience, to assist individuals and families regarding the complexities of domestic violence allegations in family systems.
Read MoreWe combine our expertise and experience with other resources to uncover hidden assets when necessary, resulting in favorable property distribution.
Read MoreWe use our breadth and depth of experience to assist clients in the complex world of high asset divorce.
Read MoreWe have in-depth knowledge regarding the interplay of personality disorders (narcissist) and divorce. Let our expertise guide you through the conflict laden battleground of divorce with a narcissist.
Read MoreWe are here to represent you to obtain protective orders to safeguard you and your family from domestic abuse.
Read MoreExplore how we’ve supported our clients with compassion and expertise in their family law matters.
The legal system can disrupt family dynamics, and while negotiated settlements are often ideal, some family law issues require litigation. Whether negotiating or litigating, we prioritize your best interests with skill, knowledge, compassion, and innovative thinking.
Our statewide practice, focusing on Frederick, Montgomery, and Howard counties, is equipped to handle complex issues such as gender, personality disorders, addiction, narcissism, and mental health challenges. We understand how these factors escalate conflicts and competently and compassionately, provide exceptional care and representation.
Information and guidance on family law.
August 27, 2024
On the Dad to Dads Podcast, family law attorney Erin Schaden unpacks the challenges of high-conflict divorces involving narcissistic personalities, offering practical strategies for documentation, planning, and safeguarding children throughout the custody process.
April 02, 2024
In this compelling follow-up appearance, family law attorney Erin Schaden provides candid insights into the complexities of modern divorce proceedings, from custody battles and domestic violence to the role of emotional maturity and AI, while emphasizing the critical importance of prioritizing children’s wellbeing throughout the process.
March 19, 2024
Marjorie G. DiLima, Managing Partner of Fait & DiLima, appeared on the “Lawyers Who Care” podcast to discuss her commitment to compassionate and effective family law advocacy.
Answers to questions commonly asked by our clients.
Non-custodial parents have limited rights over how the money from child support payments is used. Child support is intended to benefit the child by covering expenses such as clothing, food, housing, medical care, school fees, and extracurricular activities. While the receiving parent may indirectly benefit when using these funds for shared household expenses like rent or utilities, the money should not be used for their personal indulgences.
In Maryland, courts do not require the receiving parent to provide an accounting of how child support is spent. If you believe your child isn’t benefiting from the support you provide or suspect the funds are being misused, please contact our child support lawyers.
Unlike many other states, Maryland does not have “common law” marriage, in which couples cohabiting for a certain period of time have the same property and other marital rights as a married couple. So, while you do not need to take legal action to end this relationship, there may be issues dividing jointly owned property and debts.
If you have a valid common-law marriage created in another state, one which does assign property rights to common-law spouses, then you will need to take legal action to dissolve the marriage and work through the courts to divide joint liabilities and assets. Our family lawyers can help with this.
Our divorce coaches help clients create post-divorce life plans. We can recommend emotional support and practical guidance to help build a positive future after divorce. We assist with co-parenting arrangements, parenting plans, financial advice, budgeting, and more.
There are less-obvious realities many people face post-divorce, ones that you may not be thinking of during the split. A divorce coach can help you avoid common pitfalls newly separated people fall into, as well as guide you to opportunities you may not notice. They can create a comprehensive plan to help you create a new routine and schedule and look toward your best interests.
If you have concerns about your child’s safety while they’re spending visitation time with the other parent, you may petition the judge to require that each visit be supervised. Our visitation attorneys can explain your options to have a neutral third party supervise the interactions between your child and their parent.
Maryland’s courts generally only order supervised visitation if the judge has a reasonable belief that the child has been abused or neglected by the parent in the past or that abuse or neglect could occur during unsupervised visits. Bear in mind, though, that supervised visitation likely won’t be approved if you disagree with the other parent’s parenting choices, only if the child could be in danger.
Maryland family courts may deem a parent unfit if they fail to provide proper care, support, and guidance for their child, putting the child at risk or otherwise not acting in the child’s best interests. This can include situations involving physical abuse, neglect, substance abuse, domestic violence, or a history of criminal behavior.
Our attorneys can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your petition, such as photos, videos, police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. We will present this evidence according to the state’s rules to advocate for your child’s well-being.
Stay informed with the latest family law news and advice from Fait & DiLima, LLP.
Family Law Parental rights form the foundation of most family law matters. In Maryland, these rights include the ability to make decisions about a child’s education, health care, and upbringing, as well as the right to physical custody and visitation. Whether you’re married, separated, or never married, these rights apply to both parents unless a […]
Divorce Dealing with a divorce is already difficult, but the process becomes even more stressful when one spouse refuses to participate or communicate. Whether your spouse is ignoring paperwork, avoiding court appearances, or deliberately delaying progress, it’s important to know that you’re not without options. In Maryland, the law provides several ways to move forward, […]
Joint custody can give both parents the chance to stay involved in a child’s life after separation or divorce. While the goal is to support shared parenting, it doesn’t always go smoothly. Disagreements over schedules, decisions, or communication often lead to court involvement. When that happens, the court steps in to decide how to move […]
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