Parental alienation comes in many forms. Generally, parental alienation means that one parent tries to program the child in an effort to undermine or interfere with the child’s relationship with the other parent. Examples include:

• Speaking negatively about the other parent

• Blaming the other parent for the divorce or why the relationship did not work

• Denying the other parent access to the child

• The child begins challenging your decisions and undermining your parental authority

• The child is taking sides and begins to internalize any negative talk from your ex

• The child has too much information about sensitive matters that should be kept between the parents

What Should I Do if My Ex Refuses to Comply with the Custody Order/Agreement?

If you have a custody agreement or order and your co-parent fails to comply with it, you should file a petition for contempt or a petition to enforce the terms of the custody order/agreement right away. Often times, the court will give you the make up time and may even consider awarding attorney’s fees.

If you believe that you have been a victim of parental alienation, our firm can work with you to review the facts and see if court intervention is possible so that the custody and visitation order is enforced. The court will intervene if they deem it is in the best interests of the minor child to do so. Contact us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to discuss your case with you.

A pre-birth order is a legal document that ensures that the intended parents have all the legal rights when the child is born and that they are listed on the birth certificate. Maryland courts grant pre-birth orders. The intended parents and gestational carrier enter into a gestational surrogacy agreement prior to obtaining a pre-birth order.

A gestational surrogacy agreement is a legal document that specifically sets out all the expectations and responsibilities between the surrogate and intended parent(s). The agreement is voluntary and consensual with everyone working together towards the goal. A gestational surrogacy agreement will cover issues like expenses, the birth of the child, the pregnancy, medical history and personal information, and other stipulations. Drafting a gestational surrogacy agreement is in everyone’s interest. An experienced attorney can assist you in making sure that all the terms are clear so that everyone can move forward with confidence and peace of mind. Call us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to meet with you to discuss your case.

If you are going through a divorce, it is highly beneficial for the parties involved to engage in the mediation process. Mediation is a voluntary settlement process that both parties can participate in to resolve their marital disputes, which can include marital property, child custody, and child support.

It is important that both parties prepare for mediation if they choose to participate in it. This choice to participate in mediation is important because it gives the parties control to make their own decisions about how to handle their marital property and child custody issues rather than a judge having to do so. They will have to put the work in to make it successful. This may include meeting with their respective attorneys prior to the mediation so that they can be properly advised as to the process and expected outcomes. They parties should also show up prepared to the mediation with a list of all assets and debts and any other records that may help the process along. The parties should set out their reasonable expectations and goals for the mediation. Finally, the parties should always keep the best interests of the minor children in mind when discussing legal and physical custody. When discussing issues regarding marital property and assets, the parties should consider how each decision will affect the minor children.

Choosing to participate in mediation is an important step in a divorce. For more information on how to prepare for mediation or to speak with a family law attorney, please contact us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to meet with you.