Glen Burnie Family Law Blog

Prior to getting married, most Maryland couples and others around the country have countless issues to discuss. Not only do they have to decide every detail of their wedding ceremonies, they also often ponder what their lives will be after they tie the knot. More and more couples are also adding prenuptial agreements into the mix of topics prior to the wedding date. Over half the matrimonial lawyers in a recent survey stated that they had witnessed an increase in couples requesting prenups.

While the reasons for couples seeking prenuptial agreements vary, many cite the need to protect the finances that they are bringing to the marriage. Some individuals have already amassed an amount of savings, property or business interests and want to safeguard those in the event of a divorce down the line. Others may have inheritances or family heirlooms that they do not wish to see divided in a property division decision by a court.

When Maryland couples and others around the country get divorced, there are many decisions reached that impact them financially. If a couple has children, a major component in the divorce decree could be child support. One party may be required to provide this monetary support for a designated period of time for any minor children. Unfortunately, it is fairly common to hear that an ex-spouse has failed to make the support payments. One county in another state recently arrested over three dozen people for being delinquent in making their child support payments.

The effort required over 40 law enforcement officers and lasted three days as they issued warrants and made arrests. Reports showed that the 38 delinquent men and women owed over $850,000 in child support. Previously, less than $22,000 had been collected in support payments from those arrested. One individual owed over $86,000 in child support. The majority of the people arrested had made no payments at all or had paid minimal amounts.

When couples in Maryland or elsewhere around the country plan to get married, many of their major decisions are centered on the wedding itself. For example, they must discuss the venue, what the wedding party will wear or even what food will be served. While introducing the topic of prenuptial agreements may not be the most likely subject while wedding planning, some experts contend that having a prenup may actually strengthen a couple's psychological bond.

Many couples may view discussing the terms of a prenup as the opposite of a romantic activity. However, counselors suggest that while plans are being made to spend a lifetime together, it is also a good time to talk about protecting one another should something happen in the future. Discussing each other's expectations and goals openly and honestly can build trust before a marriage. Ideally, this discussion could be broached before many plans for the wedding have begun, even soon after the engagement. In most cases, it would not be wise to suggest developing one close to the big day.

Most divorced parents in Maryland wants what is best for their children. It is therefore only natural for a noncustodial parent to be concerned about how the child support he or she pays every month is spent. Is it used as intended to support the various aspects of the child's life, or does the custodial parent spend it on him or herself? Although there is no law to dictate precisely how child support money should be spent, there are basic guidelines to ensure it is used in the best interest of the child.

Depending on the age of the child and the custodial parent's circumstances, child care fees such as day care, after-school care and babysitting might require a significant percentage of the monthly check. Next on the list of priorities are the child's daily needs, including food, shelter and clothing. Medical expenses will depend on which parent carries health insurance, but child support money might have to cover prescription costs, medical co-pays and health insurance deductibles.