Chevy Chase Family Lawyer

A Chevy Chase, MD family law firm handling divorce, custody, support, and related matters, with recognition from Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers.

If you are facing a divorce, custody dispute, or another family matter in Chevy Chase, you need an attorney who understands your situation and has the experience to guide you. Family law touches the most personal parts of your life, and the decisions made now can affect your finances and your children for years to come. The right guidance helps you approach those decisions with a clear sense of your options.

At Fait & DiLima Family Law, our attorneys have represented Maryland families across the full range of these matters for decades, and our work has earned recognition from Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. Knowing what to expect from our Chevy Chase, MD family lawyer is the first step toward steady footing. To begin, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Family Lawyer Chevy Chase, MD

A family lawyer represents clients in the legal matters that arise within families, from divorce and custody to support and property division. The work ranges from drafting agreements and negotiating settlements to presenting a contested case at trial. Much of it calls for both careful financial analysis and steady guidance through an emotional period.

A capable Chevy Chase family law attorney also helps a client see how the separate pieces of a case fit together, since custody, support, and property questions frequently overlap. A decision in one area can shift the outcome in another, so the matter is best handled as a whole rather than in isolation. Some matters resolve through agreement, while others require a hearing. A thoughtful attorney sets priorities early so that the most important issues receive attention. Our aim is to protect what matters most to you and reach an outcome you can build on.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle in Chevy Chase

Family law covers a wide range of matters, and many cases involve more than one. Our attorneys handle the full spectrum for clients in Chevy Chase. The areas below are the ones we are asked about most often.

• Divorce. We handle uncontested and contested divorces, from the initial filing through the final judgment.
• Child custody. We help parents establish legal and physical custody under the best interests standard, and we advocate for a parent when the arrangement is contested or needs to be modified later.
• Child support. We establish, modify, and enforce support using the state guidelines, and we address disputes over income, work history, and the cost of a child’s needs.
• Alimony. We pursue or contest spousal support based on need, the ability to pay, and the standard of living during the marriage.
• Visitation. We build and protect parenting-time schedules that give children consistency.
• Property division. We separate marital from non-marital property and pursue an equitable distribution of the marital estate, including businesses, real estate, and retirement accounts that are often difficult to value. We also account for debts incurred during the marriage.
• High asset divorce. We handle divorces involving businesses, investment portfolios, and executive compensation, where accurate valuation and full financial disclosure are central to a fair result.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. We draft and review agreements that set clear expectations before or during a marriage.
• Divorce mediation. We guide couples toward resolution outside court when that path serves their goals and their family.
• Domestic violence. We assist clients seeking or responding to protective orders, with close attention to the safety of the family.

Why Choose Fait & DiLima Family Law as my Family Lawyer in Chevy Chase, MD?

Local Knowledge and Recognized Experience

Our firm has represented families across Chevy Chase and throughout Maryland for decades, and the right family lawyer can change where a case ends up. Marjorie DiLima guides that work. She has been named to Best Lawyers and recognized by Super Lawyers for ten consecutive years, distinctions that reflect sustained regard from her peers. Beyond that recognition, she has accepted court appointments as a Best Interest Attorney, speaking for children directly in custody disputes, and she handles matters involving high-conflict personalities with a measured and well-documented approach.

Her command of financial detail rests on a Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown University Law, which proves valuable whenever assets are intricate or income is contested. She is admitted before the U.S. District Court, the Maryland appellate courts, and the U.S. Tax Court, holds a lifetime position in the American Inns of Court, and teaches integrity and professionalism in the practice of law at Montgomery College.

A Track Record That Holds Up

Results matter in family law, and we bring thorough preparation to every matter we handle. Marjorie maintains an appellate practice and has argued before Maryland’s appellate courts on the financial and custodial questions that often decide family cases. That courtroom experience informs how we build a record from the first filing, because a case that may settle still benefits from being ready for trial. Whether your matter settles through negotiation or proceeds to trial, that preparation is the foundation of how we protect your interests.

Understanding Family Law Cases

Key Areas of Maryland Family Law

Family law in Maryland covers several distinct areas, each with its own rules and standards, and a single case often draws on more than one. Understanding how each area works helps a client weigh the choices ahead. Brief definitions of the main areas appear below. A Chevy Chase family law attorney works across all of them.

• Divorce. Maryland is a no-fault state, and most cases proceed through the divorce process on no-fault grounds.
• Child custody. Decided under the best interests of the child standard, which guides every custody decision a court makes.
• Child support. Set by a guideline formula that draws on both parents’ incomes and parenting time.
• Alimony. Awarded according to need, the ability to pay, and the marital standard of living, as the rules for spousal support provide.
• Property division. Marital property is divided under equitable distribution, a standard that aims for a result that is fair but not equal.

What Are Important Aspects of a Family Law Case?

A few considerations tend to shape how a family law case unfolds. Identifying them early helps a client set realistic priorities and avoid surprises later. Each can stand alone as its own dispute if it is not handled with care.

• Recognizing how custody, support, and property questions interact within a single case.
• Gathering accurate and complete financial information from the outset.
• Protecting children from unnecessary conflict throughout the process.
• Weighing whether negotiation, mediation, or a contested hearing best fits the situation.

What Is The Family Law Case Timeline?

No two family law cases follow the same path, although most move through a familiar sequence of steps. The timeline depends on the issues involved and the level of conflict between the parties. Matters resolved by agreement conclude well before those that require a contested trial.

• Meeting with an attorney and identifying the issues to resolve.
• Filing the appropriate complaint or petition and serving the other party.
• Exchanging financial and other relevant information through discovery.
• Negotiating, attending mediation, or appearing at hearings on contested matters.
• Reaching a settlement or proceeding to trial for a final judgment.

What Should You Bring to Your Family Law Consultation?

Bringing the right records lets us assess your situation efficiently. Bring what you can locate, and we can request anything else afterward.

• Financial records, including tax returns, pay information, and account statements.
• A summary of any children’s schedules and current living arrangements.
• Any existing court orders or written agreements between the parties.
• Notes on the outcome you hope to reach and any pressing concerns.

During the consultation, we will review your goals, explain how Maryland law applies to your circumstances, and outline the path forward. We will also identify the issues most likely to require attention so that you know what lies ahead. Gathering your financial documents in advance makes that first meeting considerably more productive.

What Are Important Maryland Legal Resources for Family Law Cases?

Reliable information supports better decisions in any family matter. The resources below come from the Maryland agencies responsible for the state’s family law and court procedures.

• The Maryland Judiciary provides family court guidance across custody, support, and divorce.
• The Maryland General Assembly publishes the grounds for divorce in the state code.
• The Maryland General Assembly sets out the marital property statute governing distribution.
• The Maryland General Assembly lists the child custody factors a court must weigh.
• The Maryland Department of Human Services administers child support services statewide.

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

Family matters carry lasting consequences for your finances and your children, and sound guidance makes a meaningful difference. Our Chevy Chase family lawyers are prepared to review your situation and explain the options before you. Fait & DiLima Family Law represents clients throughout Montgomery County with care and steady judgment. Contact us to arrange a consultation with us.

Family Law Statistics in Chevy Chase, MD

Across Chevy Chase and Montgomery County, family law affects a large number of households, from divorce and custody to support and property division. Marriage and divorce trends have shifted over the past two decades, and understanding those patterns gives context to the decisions a family faces. The figures below outline the broader picture behind local family law cases.

State and national data show why the range of family matters our attorneys handle remains steady from year to year for Chevy Chase clients.

• The national marriage rate was 6.1 per 1,000 people in 2023, and the divorce rate was 2.4 per 1,000, according to CDC data.
• The U.S. divorce rate has fallen from 4.0 per 1,000 in 2000 to 2.4 in 2023, the same figures show.
• Maryland’s divorce rate was 2.6 per 1,000 residents in 2022, close to the national level, per the CDC state data.
• About one in four children under 21 lived apart from one parent in 2022, according to the Census Bureau’s report on custodial parents.
• Maryland’s marriage and divorce counts are compiled through the National Vital Statistics System maintained by the CDC.

How Do Family Law Cases Work in Maryland?

Family law cases in Maryland follow a general framework, even though the details differ from one matter to the next. Knowing how the process works helps a client anticipate each stage and make informed choices. The points below explain how these cases typically move forward.

• Most cases start in circuit court. Family matters are filed in the circuit court for the county where a party lives, and the filing states what that party asks the court to decide. Chevy Chase cases are heard in the Montgomery County circuit court.
• The grounds and issues are set early. A divorce identifies the grounds for divorce and the questions to resolve, such as custody, support, and property. Clear framing at the outset shapes everything that follows.
• Financial disclosure drives the result. Both parties exchange financial information, and accurate records carry weight. A client who takes time to prepare financially stands on firmer ground.
• Many matters settle by agreement. A large share of family cases resolve through a negotiated agreement, which gives the parties more control than a judge’s ruling.
• Mediation offers a less adversarial path. When both parties are willing, mediation can resolve issues without a trial. The benefits of mediation include lower cost and greater privacy.
• Contested issues proceed to a hearing. When the parties cannot reach agreement, a judge decides the open questions after hearing evidence from both sides.
• Custody and property follow set standards. A court decides custody under the best interests of the child standard and divides marital property under equitable distribution, which aims for a fair result rather than an even split.
• Avoidable errors can raise the stakes. Steps taken in frustration often complicate a case, so it helps to know the common divorce mistakes before acting.

Chevy Chase Family Lawyer FAQs

What does a family lawyer do?

A family lawyer represents clients in the legal matters that arise within families, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and the division of property. The work ranges from drafting agreements and negotiating settlements to presenting a contested case at trial. A family attorney also advises a client on how the pieces of a case fit together, since one issue frequently affects another. In Chevy Chase, MD, that guidance helps a client make informed decisions at each stage.

Do I need a lawyer if my divorce is uncontested?

Even an uncontested divorce benefits from legal review. An agreement that appears complete can leave gaps on property, taxes, or future support that surface later. A lawyer confirms that the terms are fair and enforceable and that nothing important is missing. It also helps to know the questions to ask before signing. Our attorneys review uncontested matters so that a client signs with confidence.

How long does a divorce take in Maryland?

The timeline depends on whether the divorce is contested and how complex the issues are. An uncontested matter can conclude in a few months, while a contested case with disputes over custody or property takes longer. Court schedules and the need for discovery also affect the pace. Several factors shape how long it takes, and our attorneys work to move each case efficiently.

What is the difference between a contested and an uncontested divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, the spouses agree on the terms, including any custody, support, and property issues, and ask the court to approve them. In a contested divorce, one or more issues remain in dispute and require negotiation, mediation, or a hearing. The difference between the two affects both the cost and the timeline. Our attorneys handle each type and help a client understand which path fits.

How is marital property divided in Maryland?

Maryland follows equitable distribution, which means a court divides marital property in a way it considers fair, though not necessarily equal. The court first separates marital property from non-marital property, then weighs factors such as each spouse’s contributions and the length of the marriage. Businesses, retirement accounts, and real estate often call for careful valuation. Our attorneys work to present a complete and accurate financial picture.

What areas of family law does Fait & DiLima handle?

Fait & DiLima Family Law handles the full range of family matters, including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, property division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, high-asset divorce, and domestic violence. Many clients come to the firm with more than one of these issues at once. The firm addresses them together so that the parts of a case work in concert. Our attorneys match the approach to the client’s circumstances and goals.

Can a family court order be changed after it is entered?

Yes, in many situations. Custody, support, and alimony orders can be revisited when a material change in circumstances occurs, such as a move, a change in income, or a shift in a child’s needs. Property division, by contrast, is generally final once the judgment is entered. The party seeking a change must show why the current order no longer fits. Our attorneys review an existing order and explain the options.

Important Resources for Chevy Chase Family Law Cases

Chevy Chase Family Court and Local Resources

Chevy Chase lies within Montgomery County, and family cases for residents are heard in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County in Rockville. The court’s Family Division handles divorce, custody, support, and related matters, and the county offers services that support families through the process. Knowing where to turn helps a client approach each stage with less uncertainty. The organizations below serve Chevy Chase and the wider Montgomery County community.

What Are Important Local Resources for Chevy Chase Family Law Cases?

The resources below assist families with the courts, mediation, support enforcement, and safety. Contact each directly to confirm current hours and services.

• Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Family Division, 50 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, telephone (240) 777-9400, hears divorce, custody, and support cases for the county.
• Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County, telephone (301) 652-0717, offers mediation to help families resolve disputes without a hearing.
• Maryland Child Support Administration, Montgomery County Office, 51 Monroe Street, Rockville, telephone (800) 332-6347, establishes and enforces support orders.
• Montgomery County Family Justice Center, 600 Jefferson Plaza, Rockville, telephone (240) 773-0444, supports families affected by domestic violence.

Fait & DiLima Family Law provides these listings for convenience only. We do not endorse any organization named above, and inclusion here does not reflect a relationship with our firm.

About Fait & DiLima Family Law

Fait & DiLima Family Law handles the full range of family matters for Montgomery County clients, from divorce and custody to support, alimony, and property division. That breadth allows the firm to manage cases where several issues overlap, which is common in family law. Managing Partner Marjorie DiLima leads the practice and has been recognized among Best Lawyers along with sustained peer honors over many years. She earned both a law degree and an M.B.A. with honors, a background that serves clients well when a case turns on complex finances. Clients work with a firm that prepares each matter with care and keeps the focus on a durable result.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“The attorneys and staff at Fait & DiLima, LLC are competent, knowledgeable, and professional yet compassionate and caring at the same time. They listen to each client’s concerns and provide excellent client service while they manage the legal aspects of divorce. I highly recommend them!”

Daria Anne DiGiovanni

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Additional Resources for Chevy Chase Family Law Cases

• How to Get Divorced in Maryland
• 5 Things You Need to Know About Separation
• How to Work Effectively With Your Divorce Lawyer
• The Risks of Using an Online Divorce Service
• Things to Consider When Planning a Divorce

Contact Fait & DiLima Family Law

Family matters carry lasting consequences for your finances and your children, and the right guidance makes a difference at every turn. Our Chevy Chase family law attorneys will review your situation, explain how Maryland law applies, and outline the options available to you. Fait & DiLima Family Law represents clients throughout Montgomery County, and we will go over our fee structure at your first meeting. Contact us to schedule a consultation.