Family Lawyer Frederick, MD

Our Frederick, MD Family Lawyer Is Here To Protect Your Family

Getting the courts involved in a family dispute or issues isn’t something we want, but sometimes, it’s unavoidable. When the legal relationships of one family member to another change, or when one or both parties want it to change, then there’s a need for representation from our skilled Frederick, MD family lawyer. Family law covers one person’s legal obligations and rights to another. Marriage and divorce, child custody and paternity rights, and child or spousal support are all family law matters that may require court intervention. Our role is to support your interests in the family law matter you’re facing, helping you preserve relationships as much as possible and ensuring that you and your family are protected.

At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we have many years of experience handling complex, contentious family law matters. We listen to your concerns and desire for the outcome of the matter and work with you to achieve a positive resolution. Please contact us today to discuss your concerns.

Types Of Family Law Matters We Handle

Family law encompasses a wide range of legal matters. These cases can be delicate to handle from a legal perspective because there are so many overwhelming emotions involved. We help keep you focused on your goals in cases like:

• Divorce. Our goal is to help you get the best possible settlement, from a good share of marital property to ensuring that you aren’t saddled with debts that aren’t yours. We want you to have the means for a bright future, including as much time with your children as you want. Our representation addresses every issue involved in a divorce settlement, including filing orders of protection.
• Child custody and support. Although a Maryland judge will make the final determination of whether a custody arrangement is in the shared child’s best interest, we can help you create a shared custody plan that is more convenient for your needs and wants. If your child is old enough, we can also work with you to consider their option of where to live.
• Adoption. While we cannot vet adoption agencies for you, we can help you understand what to look for to avoid common scams, prepare your application to adopt and all the other legal forms, and prepare for your home visit.

We can also help you with compliance with court orders. If you have a court order in place, like for child support or an order of protection, and the other party violates it, we can petition the judge to take action.

Our Family Law Attorneys Fight For Your Family

When you’ve been handed divorce papers, you need to make sure that your adoption goes smoothly, you want to explore your options for grandparents’ rights, or you’re in a domestic violence situation, you need a powerful legal ally on your side. The attorneys at Fait & DiLima, LLP, fight for your family. We use our many years of experience, deep knowledge of Maryland family law, and local experience with circuit judges to ensure that your rights are protected and your interests are served. Please call us today for a compassionate consultation with our Frederick family lawyer.

Child Support And Custody Explained

When parents separate or divorce, decisions about child support and custody often become the most important and emotionally charged part of the legal process. These decisions affect where a child lives, how much time they spend with each parent, and how their financial needs are met. As we move through the process, it helps to understand how Maryland law approaches these issues and what factors courts consider when reaching a decision. A Frederick family lawyer can be of assistance from our firm.

Legal And Physical Custody

Custody includes both legal and physical components. Legal custody refers to decision-making authority for matters like education, healthcare, and religion. Physical custody is about where the child lives and how parenting time is shared. Courts may award sole or joint custody depending on what is in the child’s best interests.

We should be ready to think practically and honestly about what arrangement supports stability for the child. Factors like each parent’s work schedule, the child’s routine, and the ability to communicate with each other all play a role. Maryland courts focus on creating an arrangement that helps the child maintain strong relationships with both parents whenever possible.

Parenting Plans And Scheduling

To make custody work in real life, we often need a clear parenting plan. This plan outlines day-to-day schedules, holidays, school vacations, and how transitions will happen between homes. A detailed plan helps avoid misunderstandings and provides consistency for the child.

While every situation is different, the goal should be to create a structure that works for the family. If we can agree on a plan outside of court, it often leads to better cooperation. If not, the court will make those decisions based on the child’s needs and the information presented by both parents.

How Child Support Is Calculated

Child support in Maryland is calculated using a formula that takes into account both parents’ incomes, the number of overnights each parent has with the child, and the cost of items like health insurance and daycare. These guidelines aim to create a fair distribution of financial responsibility based on the family’s resources.

It’s important to provide accurate financial information when support is being calculated. Misreporting income or expenses can lead to a support amount that doesn’t reflect reality—and may be challenged later. We also need to understand that support is for the child’s benefit and covers basic needs like housing, food, clothing, and education.

Adjustments And Modifications

Circumstances change, and when they do, support or custody orders may need to be modified. A job change, relocation, or change in the child’s needs can all justify a review of the current order. Courts will consider modifications when the change is significant and ongoing.

Working with a qualified Frederick family lawyer can help make these adjustments smoothly. We can also make sure the right documents are filed and presented correctly if a court hearing is required.

Why Legal Support Matters

At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we understand how important child support and custody decisions are to families. Our firm helps clients prepare clear parenting plans, calculate fair support, and address legal matters with practical guidance.

If you’re dealing with custody or child support in Maryland, it’s a good time to speak with our firm. The right support can help you make decisions with confidence and keep your child’s well-being at the center of every choice. Contact a Frederick family lawyer to learn more about your next steps.

Common Causes Of Family Issues

Family issues can take many forms, and while every situation is unique, some common causes often lead people to seek legal support from a Frederick family lawyer. Whether it’s a breakdown in communication or a major life transition, these challenges can affect everyone involved. At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we work closely with individuals and families facing difficult decisions and disputes, helping them move forward with clarity and confidence.

1. Breakdowns in communication
   A lack of honest, respectful communication can create tension in any household. When couples or parents and children stop listening to each other, small problems can grow quickly. Misunderstandings, repeated arguments, and an unwillingness to compromise often lead to broader relationship issues.
2. Financial strain
   Money troubles are one of the leading causes of stress within a family. Disagreements over spending, debt, or income imbalances can put pressure on a marriage or create conflict between parents and older children. Financial problems can also influence child support and alimony decisions, especially during separation or divorce.
3. Parenting disagreements
   Parents may have different ideas about discipline, education, or religious practices. When those differences turn into ongoing arguments, the entire household can feel the impact. Co-parents—whether divorced or separated—often face even more challenges when trying to maintain consistent rules or schedules across two homes.
4. Infidelity or broken trust
   When one partner has an affair or breaks trust in another serious way, it can reshape the relationship entirely. Rebuilding trust after betrayal is difficult, and in many cases, this leads to separation or divorce. Even if a couple tries to stay together, unresolved emotional wounds can cause long-term conflict.
5. Substance abuse or addiction
   Alcohol or drug abuse often affects more than just the person struggling with the issue. Families can become divided over how to respond, especially if the addiction leads to neglect, financial issues, or safety concerns. In some cases, this may result in custody disputes or protective measures.
6. Mental health struggles
   Depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns can impact how people communicate, make decisions, and relate to their family. If left unaddressed, these issues can create distance or confusion within the household. When mental health becomes a legal concern—such as in custody matters—it’s often necessary to involve outside help.
7. Major life transitions
   Big changes like moving, job loss, or the death of a loved one can disrupt a family’s stability. Adjusting to a new routine or dealing with grief and uncertainty can sometimes bring out unresolved tensions. These shifts may also lead to changes in custody, support, or visitation agreements.

If you or someone you know is dealing with any of these challenges, working with a Frederick family lawyer may be the next step toward resolution. At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we focus on providing clear guidance and reliable support for families going through legal matters. Speak with a trusted Frederick family lawyer today to learn how we can help you take the next step with confidence.

Questions To Ask A Frederick Family Lawyer

When people begin the legal process for family-related matters, one of the first things they want to know is how long family court takes. In Frederick, Maryland, the answer depends on several factors—such as the type of case, whether both parties agree, and how full the court’s schedule is. Families facing issues like custody, divorce, or support want clear answers about what to expect. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common voice-search questions related to family court timelines in Frederick.

How Long Does It Take To Finalize A Divorce In Frederick Maryland

In uncontested divorce cases—where both parties agree on everything—a divorce can be finalized in as little as 90 days after the paperwork is filed. If there are disputes over custody, property, or support, the process can take several months or more. The court schedules conferences, hearings, and sometimes trial dates, which can extend the timeline. Delays also happen if one party doesn’t respond or if additional documentation is needed.

How Soon Can I Get A Custody Hearing

In most Frederick custody cases, the court schedules an initial hearing within 30 to 60 days of filing, depending on the court’s calendar. If the matter is urgent, such as in cases involving safety concerns, the court may grant an emergency hearing much sooner. After the first hearing, a final custody order could take several more weeks or months, especially if evaluations, mediation, or multiple court dates are required.

What Affects How Long Family Court Takes

Several factors can extend the process. These include how many issues are in dispute, whether both parties are cooperative, how busy the court docket is, and whether outside professionals—such as custody evaluators or financial experts—need to be involved. Cases involving multiple hearings, child custody evaluations, or high-conflict communication often take longer to resolve. Hiring a Frederick family lawyer can help reduce unnecessary delays.

Can A Mutual Agreement Speed Up Family Court

Yes, when both parties agree to terms related to custody, child support, property, or spousal support, the process moves more quickly. Courts still review the agreement to make sure it follows Maryland law and serves the best interests of any children involved. But in most cases, mutual agreement allows for fewer hearings and a much shorter wait to finalize the matter.

Do All Family Law Cases Go Through A Trial

No, not every case ends in a trial. In fact, most do not. Mediation is often required in family law matters like custody and can help reach agreements outside of court. Settlement conferences also give parties a chance to avoid trial. When families work through issues ahead of time, the court’s role becomes more limited, and the overall time spent in the legal process is reduced.

If you’re dealing with a family law matter in Frederick, it helps to have clarity on what the court process involves and how long it might take. At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we work closely with individuals and families to prepare strong cases and keep the legal process on track. Whether you’re facing divorce, custody, or another legal issue, hiring a Frederick family lawyer who understands the local system can make a significant difference.

Contact us today if you’re looking for a Frederick family lawyer who can help you move forward with efficiency and focus.