Glen Burnie Family Law Blog

One celebrity family feud seems to go on forever over the financial support of their two children. Pop star Britney Spears has made a multi-million-dollar comeback, and her ex-husband feels he is entitled to a piece of the pie. In Maryland and other states, negotiations for more child support become intense between celebrities when one ex signs a new deal for big money.

Britney Spears' ex-husband, Kevin Federline, is asking for more money, claiming it is impossible for him to find work to support his family. He is now re-married with two additional children. The pop star has recently made an astounding comeback in Las Vegas and is currently touring nationally, all of which will enable her to rake in millions.

New changes to tax deductions with the Tax Cuts and Job Act are set to begin on Jan. 1, 2019. All divorce agreements executed by Dec. 31, 2018 will reap the benefits of tax deductions on alimony, but those agreements settled after Jan. 1, 2019 will lose out. Recipients of alimony in Maryland and other states will begin to receive payments tax-free.

Under the new law, tax deductions for alimony or maintenance paid by the higher-earning spouse will be eliminated. For some, that can mean 15-20 years of financial support without any tax relief. Many states have set limits on the time alimony is paid, and lifetime payments may be a thing of the past, even for those who never remarry. In some states, permanent alimony can end when the payer reaches the federal retirement age of 67.

For most women, becoming a mother is the greatest pleasure in life. For some, drug abuse takes precedence over motherhood, and reports show that in 2016, about 92,000 children were taken into child custody because of parental drug abuse. In Maryland and elsewhere, experts say removing a child from its parents can cause trauma even for those very young.

Many mothers who abuse drugs or are in a methadone treatment program often have babies born addicted and suffering from opioid withdrawal. In these cases, children are taken to a foster care program, some directly from the hospital. The results of this were devastating to mothers, and most relapsed, further reducing the chance of reuniting with their child.

For those who are planning to marry, an important aspect to consider before the upcoming nuptials is to have an open and honest conversation about money. While not as glamorous as planning a honeymoon retreat, it is imperative to discuss finances, existing debt and the prospect of a prenuptial agreement. More couples in Maryland and other states are entering into prenuptial agreements while planning for their future together.

Couples should have a casual conversation about financial history and what assets and debt each person will bring to the marriage. These talks can determine if couples will pool finances or keep things separate. Some choose to keep separate accounts and share expenses such as household bills like rent and utilities. Knowing up front how the other handles money opens the lines of communication and can bring couples closer together.