Glen Burnie Family Law Blog

In the 21st century not all things last forever and that can include marriage. Gone are the days when couples stay together no matter what. Younger Maryland couples -- or millennials -- realize this and are waiting longer to get married. They're also marrying smarter, and that includes marrying with prenuptial agreements in place. 

As millennials are embracing both pre and postnuptial agreements, so too are many more couples, especially those who marry more than once and who find themselves in blended families. Many millennials' parents have divorced and so they might know firsthand what the divorce process entails and may want to safeguard themselves financially. When prenups first surfaced some years ago, they were looked upon as being killers of romance --not so much anymore.

The divorce process for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt started two years ago. Most couples in Maryland or elsewhere around the country would not anticipate that the process would take that long for them. Likely, Jolie and Pitt did not suspect that either; early responses from them indicated that they were anxious to settle their differences and move on. Needless to say, that resolution has not yet occurred. One of the major issues that is still being hotly disputed is that of child custody and how their children should be raised.

The bone of contention between the two celebrities is that they each want to have more time with their children, ranging in ages from 10 to 17. Jolie believes that it is best for her to maintain sole custody of them. However, Pitt seeks to have meaningful time with the children, not only short time periods together awarded by a judge. It has become nearly impossible to reach a custody agreement that will satisfy both parties.

Going through a divorce can often be a lengthy process for couples in Maryland and others around the country. They must address a multitude of issues as they work toward separating the various aspects of their lives. Though a divorce is not something that should be rushed, many experts have suggested that those contemplating a divorce should consider finalizing it in 2018. The impetus behind this suggestion concerns the new way alimony will be treated for tax purposes, beginning next year.

For decades, the person who paid alimony was able to deduct the amount from federal income taxes. The recipient was required to pay taxes on the amount. However, for those divorces finalized in 2019, the situation will be changed. The payer can't deduct the alimony, nor will taxes have to be paid by the person receiving it.

When Maryland couples or others around the country get divorced, emotions can often run high. Issues such as child custody or division of property can become contentious. In many situations, having prenuptial agreements or similar agreements in place can greatly reduce the amount of tension between the parting spouses. However, if one party questions the validity of a marital agreement during the divorce proceedings, the tension is likely to flare again.

Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, is in the midst of seeking a divorce from her husband, Michael Lockwood. She filed for the divorce in another state in June 2016. Lockwood is claiming that he did not realize he had forfeited the opportunity to receive spousal support when he signed two postnuptial agreements.