An Experienced Leonardtown Family Attorney Who Is Here to Help

Of all the legal challenges you could face, such as a severe injury or bankruptcy, family law issues can be among some of the most difficult to navigate. In addition to the emotional difficulties, family law issues can also involve complex financial and legal issues that require careful consideration. From custody issues to support, navigating these issues can be overwhelming for non-lawyers. The good news is that you don’t have to figure this out on your own – invest in a brighter future by working with a compassionate and dedicated Leonardtown family attorney.

Leonardtown Family Lawyers Providing Personalized Legal Representation

Every family is unique with its own special dynamics and particular needs. These dynamics and needs are amplified when facing legal issues. As a result, you need a Leonardtown family attorney who understands that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to your legal problems. Instead, you need someone who can provide carefully tailored legal services that can help you and your family navigate whatever legal challenges you are facing to achieve a successful outcome.

Full-Service Family Law Representation in Maryland

With over 30 years of experience, Leonardtown family lawyer Thomas E. Pyles is positioned to help you no matter what your family law needs may be. We work with clients on the following family law matters:

• Child support
• Child visitation and custody
• Alimony and spousal support
• Division of property
• Separation agreements
• Divorce
• Guardianships
• Grandparents’ rights

Many of the clients who come to us aren’t sure what options or rights they may have. We work with our clients every step of the way to ensure that they can make informed decisions about their family’s future and their rights are protected.

Your Divorce Doesn’t Have to Be an Ugly Battle

Many people are hesitant to begin the divorce process for fear of the ugly emotions that can arise. While spouses can become bitter and vindictive, an experienced Leonardtown family lawyer can help diffuse some of that tension to help you work towards an amicable outcome.

It is important for people to understand that full-blown litigation is not your only option when it comes to your divorce. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR), specifically mediation, can be an especially effective way to navigate the divorce process. With mediation, both parties get the opportunity to resolve their differences in a neutral setting. The process is essentially a negotiation, facilitated by a neutral third-party mediator. In a successful mediation, the parties are able to reach a compromise where both sides are happy with the outcome. Your lawyer can provide guidance on how to negotiate for what you want and whether your spouse’s demands are unreasonable.

However, ADR isn’t always an option, and sometimes going to court is the only viable option. As seasoned litigators, we are always fully prepared to litigate for our clients if necessary to protect their rights.

Division of Property in Maryland

One of the most important issues in a divorce is how the marital property will be divided between the spouses. Maryland is an equitable distribution state, which means that the court will try to distribute the property between the parties as fairly as possible. However, it is important to understand that this does not necessarily mean that the division of property will be equal between the parties. In some cases, an equal distribution of property may not be possible or even desirable. Whether you have significant assets or are of more modest means, a Leonardtown family attorney can help you reach a fair and equitable property settlement. We can help you reach a fair outcome whether it involves selling real estate, disposing of business interests, or dividing retirement or investment income.

Child Custody Issues in Maryland

For most divorcing couples, issues related to the future of their child are perhaps the most intimidating. Unfortunately, these issues can also become some of the most difficult issues to resolve when the process becomes clouded by fear and emotion. To protect your child’s future and your rights as a parent, you need someone on your side. A Leonardtown family attorney can draw upon their experience and knowledge of the law to provide objective, yet dedicated, guidance concerning custody, support, and visitation issues.

When considering child custody, Maryland law recognizes that some type of joint custody is preferable in most cases. That said, the courts will still award physical custody to the primary caregiver, while awarding joint decision-making authority to both parents. Your lawyer can help you understand your options and what a realistic outcome may be in your case.

Our Leonardtown Family Lawyer Can Help You Get Child Support

Decisions regarding custody and support often go hand-in-hand. That said, it’s important to realize that financial support isn’t always shared equally between the parents. Child support is awarded based on Maryland state guidelines that will rely on various factors such as the income of both parents and the number of children. A Leonardtown family lawyer can make sure that the child support awarded in your case is fair for both you and your children.

Child Visitation in Maryland

Visitation can be another difficult issue in the midst of a divorce. For example, one spouse may have unrealistic expectations regarding visitation or may be using visitation as a way to lash out at their former spouse. Another common issue is that the parents neglect to take specific logistics into account, such as school and sports schedules, which make it nearly impossible for one or both parents to honor the visitation agreement. Whether you need to create a visitation agreement or your agreement requires revision, a Leonardtown family lawyer can help you reach a reasonable outcome.

Maryland Spousal Support and Alimony

In addition to the division of property, one of the spouses may be entitled to support. Alimony is not automatic in Maryland, but will be awarded by the court upon consideration of several factors:

• The length of the marriage
• The health of the spouses
• The earning history and earning potential of the spouses

Whether you are in need of support or your spouse is requesting you to pay spousal support, a Leonardtown family lawyer can provide the guidance you need and protect your interests.

Contact Leonardtown Family Attorney Thomas E. Pyles Today

Whether you are facing divorce or dealing with guardianship issues, the decisions you make today could have long-term consequences. At the Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, we provide compassionate, dedicated representation to ensure your rights and the future of those you love are fully protected. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case, call us today at 301-705-5006 or contact us online.