Bethesda Family Lawyer

A family law practice built on over 30 years of client representation in Bethesda and the surrounding area.

If you are dealing with a family law matter in Bethesda, MD, the outcome will likely affect your finances, your living situation, and your relationship with your children for years after the case is resolved. Retaining our Bethesda, MD family lawyer is one of the most consequential decisions you will make during this process. Fait & DiLima Family Law, LLC has represented individuals and families across Montgomery County for more than three decades. Schedule a consultation to speak with our attorneys about your case.

Family Lawyer Bethesda, MD

When does a disagreement between two parents become a legal matter that requires court intervention? At what point does a spouse’s financial behavior during a marriage affect how a court divides property? These questions sit at the center of family law, and the answers depend heavily on the facts of each case.

Family law in Maryland encompasses divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, property division, protective orders, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and related matters. The Montgomery County Circuit Court handles these cases, and the applicable statutes are found primarily in the Maryland Code, Family Law Article. A Bethesda family attorney who practices in this area regularly understands how local judges apply those statutes and what evidence matters most in contested proceedings.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle in Bethesda

Family law covers a wide range of legal issues, and no two cases present the same combination of facts, assets, and personalities. Our firm represents clients in the following areas across Bethesda, MD:

• Divorce. Maryland recognizes three no-fault grounds for absolute divorce: mutual consent, six-month separation, and irreconcilable differences. Whether your case is straightforward or involves contested issues, we guide clients through filing, discovery, negotiation, and trial when necessary.
• Child custody. Custody disputes require evidence that speaks directly to the best interest of the child. Maryland courts examine parental fitness, each parent’s willingness to foster a relationship with the other, and the stability of each household. Our attorneys have handled cases ranging from initial custody determinations to contested modifications.
• Child support. Maryland calculates child support using statutory guidelines based on both parents’ incomes. Disputes often arise when one parent is self-employed, receives non-standard compensation, or fails to pay what the court has ordered.
• Alimony. Spousal support in Maryland is not automatic. The court weighs factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial standing, contributions to the household, and the standard of living during the marriage. Alimony must be requested before the divorce decree is finalized.
• Divorce mediation. Mediation offers couples a structured way to negotiate the terms of their divorce outside of court. Our firm is certified in both mediation and collaborative law, and we represent clients in alternative dispute resolution when the circumstances make settlement a realistic option.
• High net worth divorce. Cases involving substantial assets, business interests, trusts, or deferred compensation require a level of financial analysis that goes well beyond what a standard divorce demands. Classifying assets as marital or non-marital and uncovering hidden assets are central to protecting our clients’ financial interests.
• High conflict divorce. Some family law cases involve a spouse who refuses to negotiate in good faith, manipulates the process, or creates conflict at every stage. We have significant experience representing clients in cases involving narcissistic behavior and parental alienation.
• Domestic violence. When abuse is present in a family, the legal response must address immediate safety, protective orders, and the long-term implications for custody and visitation. Our attorneys handle these matters with the urgency they require.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Marital agreements define how property, debts, and spousal support will be handled in the event of a divorce. We draft and review prenuptial agreements that are designed to withstand legal challenges.

Why Choose Fait & DiLima Family Law, LLC as Your Family Lawyer in Bethesda, MD?

Marjorie G. DiLima: Background and Qualifications

Marjorie G. DiLima, Managing Partner, has practiced family law in Montgomery County for over 30 years. She graduated with honors in 1994 with both a J.D. and M.B.A., then earned a Masters in Taxation (LL.M.) from Georgetown University Law. That financial training sets her apart in cases where the dispute centers on property classification, business valuation, or a spouse’s attempt to obscure income and assets.

Marjorie is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, and the U.S. Tax Court. She is certified in mediation and collaborative law. She also serves as a Best Interest Attorney in cases where the court appoints counsel to represent the interests of a minor child. The American Inns of Court granted her a lifetime position, and she teaches professionalism and legal ethics to paralegals at Montgomery College.

Recognition and Results

The firm has earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report in its Best Law Firms rankings. Marjorie has been named to the Super Lawyers list for over a decade and has appeared on Washingtonian’s “Best Lawyers” list. The Maryland Bar has recognized her multiple times for her commitment to the delivery of legal services, and she was featured as Attorney of the Month by Attorney at Law Magazine. Our firm’s record in contested family law matters includes favorable custody outcomes, successful asset protection in high net worth cases, and appellate work before the Maryland Court of Special Appeals.

What Is Important to Understand About Family Law Cases?

Key Legal Concepts in Maryland Family Law

Maryland’s Family Law Article governs how courts resolve disputes involving families. Several foundational concepts apply across most case types:

• The best interest of the child standard controls custody decisions. Courts evaluate fitness, stability, the child’s relationship with each parent, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other.
• Equitable distribution governs property division. Maryland does not split assets 50/50. The court considers factors including the length of the marriage, each party’s financial and non-financial contributions, and the economic circumstances of each spouse at the time of divorce.
• Alimony determinations depend on need and ability to pay. The court reviews factors like age, health, earning capacity, and how long a spouse would need support to become self-sufficient.
• Protective orders in Maryland are governed by the Family Law Article, and a petitioner can obtain temporary and final orders based on evidence of abuse, threat of harm, or other qualifying conduct.

What Are Important Aspects of a Family Law Case?

The early stages of a family law case often determine the trajectory of the entire proceeding. Several aspects deserve close attention.

Financial disclosure is mandatory. Both parties are required to provide sworn statements of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Failing to disclose an asset, or misrepresenting your income, can result in sanctions and undermine your position in the case. Property classification also matters significantly. An asset acquired during the marriage is generally marital property, but exceptions exist for gifts, inheritances, and assets excluded by a valid prenuptial agreement.

Custody proceedings require evidence, not assumptions. A parent seeking primary custody must be prepared to present testimony, documentation, and sometimes evaluations from mental health professionals that demonstrate why the proposed arrangement serves the child’s best interest. And temporary orders issued at the beginning of a case can shape custody, support, and possession of the family home while the matter is pending.

What Is the Family Law Case Timeline?

Timelines in family law vary dramatically depending on the type of case and whether the parties can reach agreement.

• Mutual consent divorces with signed settlement agreements can be finalized in 30 to 60 days after filing. Court scheduling in Montgomery County may add a few weeks.
• Contested custody or divorce cases typically take 9 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the issues, the volume of discovery, and whether the case goes to trial.
• Protective order hearings are expedited. A temporary order may be issued on the same day the petition is filed, and a final hearing is typically scheduled within seven days.
• Post-judgment modifications, including changes to custody or child support, require a showing of material change in circumstances and can take several months to resolve.

What Should You Bring to Your Family Law Consultation?

Preparing for your first meeting with a family attorney allows us to evaluate the facts of your case more efficiently. Gather what is available from the following:

• Financial records including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account balances
• Existing court orders related to custody, support, or protective orders
• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, separation agreements, or any written agreements between you and your spouse
• A timeline of significant events, including dates of separation, incidents of domestic violence, or major financial transactions

During the consultation, we will review the facts of your situation, identify the legal issues involved, and explain the procedures and potential outcomes under Maryland law.

What Are Important Maryland Legal Resources for Family Law Cases?

Maryland offers several public resources for individuals involved in family law disputes.

• The Maryland Courts family page is the state judiciary’s central resource for information on divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence, and court forms.
• The People’s Law Library publishes plain-language articles on Maryland family law topics including divorce, custody, property division, and alimony, sponsored by the Maryland Thurgood Marshall State Law Library.
• The Montgomery County Self-Help Center provides free walk-in legal assistance for unrepresented individuals in family law matters at the Montgomery County Circuit Court.
• Maryland Family Help Centers are available in most circuit courts statewide and are staffed by attorneys who can help with forms and basic legal questions.
• The Maryland Family Law Article contains the statutory text governing divorce, custody, support, and other family law proceedings.

Reach Out to Fait & DiLima Family Law, LLC to Schedule a Consultation

If you are facing a family law matter in Bethesda or anywhere in Montgomery County, our attorneys are prepared to review the facts of your case and explain your options under Maryland law. We represent clients in divorce, custody, support, protective order, and property division matters at every level of complexity. Contact us to schedule a consultation at our Rockville office, which serves clients throughout Bethesda, MD, and the surrounding communities.