Christmas in America.

Since I have helped so many newly minted citizens assimilate into American life I would like to take a moment to celebrate Christmas in America.  This may be your first Christmas in the United States, but each and every year many of us observe this holiday in late December with much reverence.

Here are some facts about Christmas in America –

1.  Nine out of ten Americans say that they celebrate Christmas.

2.  Just over half of us are not challenged by the greeting “happy holidays”.

3.  A growing share of citizens say that religious symbols should not be on govt. property.

4.  Two-thirds of us believe that Christmas is based on historical fact.

Whatever your beliefs we at Arnold Law wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holiday seasons as we get ready to welcome in 2019 on our calendar.  The new year will be challenging for immigration, but we will be here when you need us.  Just give me a call…Briana Arnold at (410) 484-1400.

Don’t Be Blindsided by Alimony Reforms.

In the last several years many U.S. states have gotten on the alimony reform bandwagon.  Until about 1980 the only alimony that could be awarded in the State of Maryland was technical alimony.  It was considered simply as a monetary allowance at stated intervals to a spouse when the two were living apart.

Whatever the future holds for alimony in The Old Line State know this…the courts are striving to maintain “the typical American family”.  What that meant in the last century is far different than its meaning today.  These days, the family model has a far different dynamic with the role of the husband and wife dramatically changing in some households.

To sort out the complexities of alimony and discover how much is owed by whom you call on the legal expertise of Baltimore Family Lawyer Briana Arnold.  From her office located at 1777 Reisterstown Road Suite 385 you will fully understand your rights to alimony in a Maryland divorce case.  Give Attorney Arnold a call today at (410) 484-1400.

Divorce in Maryland…How to.

Divorce is hopefully something that you will never have to go through.  It is certainly not something you plan on when you tie the knot.  Ugly divorce actions are legendary in the courthouse and by this, I mean legal actions that involve months, and sometimes years, of stress, anxiety and frustration as the parties fill the court with arguments and testimony.

Here are some of the grounds that most people face –

1.  Physical abuse…the door swings both ways

2.  Adultery…emotions run high

3.  Desertion or even complete abandonment

4.  Emotional abuse…not as easy to define but very, very, real

Fortunately, Maryland law has evolved in recognition of the fact that such divorces benefit no one!  In 2018 a compassionate divorce attorney will help you sort through the vitriol and get to the best decision possible.  My name is Briana Arnold.  I am a Baltimore area family lawyer.  Please call me for a consultation at (410) 484-1400.

Child Support in the State of Maryland.

Let’s take a look at some of the nuances of child support in Maryland, specifically in the Baltimore area.  Child support in our state generally focuses on the incomes of the parents rather than expenses accrued by the children.  Simply put…kids with divorced parents are entitled to the same level of financial support.

In our state there are two different forms for calculating child support.  If one parent has primary physical custody of the children while the other parent has less than 128 overnights a year, then the primary physical custody guidelines worksheet is used to calculate child support.  If there is shared physical custody the parties use that particular worksheet.

One thing is certain…no matter what side of the decision you are on you want to get a fair and equitable result.  To help insure that you call Baltimore family and child custody lawyer Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold will represent your side with vigor and help you attain a proper outcome.  Call her today for a consultation at (410) 484-1400.

Hey, That’s Your Kid Too!

Sometimes a man will walk away from a relationship with minor children feeling that his obligations are finished.  How wrong is that?  They cannot legally run from their responsibility even if they live in another state.  Know this, child support agencies in different states are required to help each other establish and enforce child support orders.

There are a couple of ways to collect child support when the other parent does not live in Maryland.  You may formally ask a Maryland court to order child support payments even though the other parent doesn't live here.  You also can ask the child support agency where the other parent lives to help establish a child support order.

Help in doing so comes in the form of Baltimore area family lawyer Briana Arnold.  She has dealt with “deadbeat” parents for a long time and she will fight aggressively to make sure that you get the money required to raise your kid(s).  Contact attorney Briana Arnold today to arrange a sit-down at her 1777 Reisterstown office by calling (410) 484-1400.

When to Call a Lawyer.

If you watch television, you would think that you should have a personal injury lawyer on speed dial.  The hope, of course is that you never need one.  In the calm of day, with no imminent emergency (I hope) this may be a good time to cover some of the timing issues of when to call an attorney after an accident.

When should your make that call?

1.  Beware of the statute of limitations of how long you have to file AFTER an accident.

2.  Follow the rules.  When do you need to file a police report?

3.  Your insurance company may NOT have your best interests at heart.

4.  You may not know the full extent of your potential damages.

5.  Proving liability is no “piece of cake”.

When and if you need a hard-working personal injury attorney in the Baltimore area I am a phone call away.  My name is Briana Arnold.  If you call, I will give you my full attention in assessing your particular case.  Please arrange an appointment at my office located in Baltimore’s Commerce Center East by calling (410) 484-1400.

Why Should I Hire a Female Divorce Attorney?

No one has to tell you what a stressful time that you go through in the divorce process.  This is especially true when there are minor children involved.  All you want is for the whole thing to be over already!  Your life is ahead of you and maybe you do not have any animosity, but you want and need a fast and fair resolution.

Here are some reasons why you should hire a woman to fight for your rights –

1.  E=MC squared.  Not what you think…emotion = more compassion.

2.  I know how to multi-task.

3.  I am a great listener.

4.  You can always approach me with any issue.

5.  I am on the side of you and your children.

No matter what the situation may be; contested, uncontested, minor children involved, whatever,  I believe that I am the right choice to represent you in a Maryland divorce court.  I am Briana Arnold, a noted Baltimore area family lawyer.  Why not make an appointment at my 1777 Reisterstown Road office by calling (410) 484-1400?

Don’t Accept Back Child Support as the Norm.

So often, primary custodial parents will not pursue what they and their children are absolutely entitled to.  If you have a good job and you are providing for your minor children, you might find it more convenient to just ignore the elephant in the room.  If it is an ever-mounting child support past due payment, then it’s time to fight back!

Federal and state laws mandate tough enforcement procedures.  Those who are delinquent and owe back child support are often called "deadbeat parents," It is not just a colorful term, but it also is often used in the titles of state laws meant to ensure the timely payment of child support.  If someone is delinquent in paying their fair share they are considered to be “in arrears”.

Attorney Briana Arnold believes that every custodial parent in the state of Maryland is entitled to his or her fair share.  Child support should be taken very seriously.  The well-being of your kids is at stake here!  For a consultation about collecting past-due child support payments make an appointment with Attorney Arnold in her Baltimore office by calling (410) 484-1400.

Fighting for Child Custody.

Your total commitment is to win custody of your minor children.  Everything that you have been doing or thinking has lead up to your court appearance(s) to make that determination.  Did you know that even the way you dress in front of a family court judge could be a deciding factor in how much time you will be spending with your kids in the years to come?

Here are some things to do before you walk into court –

1.  Show willingness to work with your ex.

2.  Request an in-home evaluation.

3.  Always be aware that perception IS reality.

4.  Prepare any and all documents.

5.  Work with an experienced attorney.

As to that final point, if you live in Baltimore County contact Briana Arnold right away.  She is an experienced child custody lawyer serving the Baltimore area.  You have everything to gain and nothing to lose by sitting down at her office located at 1777 Reisterstown Road.  Call to arrange an appointment at (410) 484-1400.

Forms, Forms, and more Forms.

Filing for divorce in the state of Maryland does not have to be any more complicated with the proper assistance.  These times are stressful enough without adding research and form-filling to the mix.  One could go to the proper website (if they are sure which is the best) and begin downloading forms.

On these aforementioned forms there are lines to fill out and boxes to check.  If you do it incorrectly you will probably have to start the process all over.  For example, the Complaint for Absolute Divorce is a five-page document that needs to be filled out to begin that particular process and on it goes from there.

Why not remove a great deal of the stress by calling Baltimore County female divorce attorney Briana Arnold.  Attorney Arnold knows Maryland family law inside and out and will guide you around the potholes of this rocky road.  Briana Arnold is just a phone call away.  Come in for a free family law consultation at her 1777 Reisterstown office.  That’s (410) 484-1400.

Child Support Questions and Answers.

Here is a fact that you need to know.  Under Maryland law, child support continues until the minor child reaches the age of 18.  Here is another heads up…It may be extended to age 19 if the child is still enrolled in high school.  And if there is a past-due amount it must be paid no matter what age the dependent may be.

What if you are legally separated but not divorced, can you get child support in the State of Maryland?  Well, there is no such thing as legal separation in this state.  You do not need to file such papers.  You simply need to file for child support.  By the way, if one of your children is turning 18 and the other is not look for a modification.

All of these things need to be sorted out by a family attorney in the state of Maryland.  Just such a person is Baltimore child support lawyer Briana Arnold.  Please visit her website at www.brianaarnoldlaw.com and see what she will do for you to fight for your interests.  Then give her a call at (410) 484-1400.

The Best Interests of All.

When an impending divorce results in a child custody battle the lines often blur.  This is not about “winning at all costs”.  It truly is about what is best for the child (children).  Many times, cooler heads do NOT prevail.  You need to develop a plan that is carefully thought out and involves all parties.

Ultimately, the court will decide on the issues of primary or joint custody as well as financial responsibility.  There are many important considerations.  Among them are…

1.  The proper method to divide parental involvement.

2.  The fitness of each spouse to be a good parent.
3.  Stability at each home.
4.  The continuing education and religious upbringing of the minor children.

During this painful time, you need a representative in court who has your best interests at heart.  May we suggest a highly qualified female lawyer?  Briana Arnold is a Baltimore area child custody attorney.  She has practiced before various family judges in Baltimore County and she will represent you!  Give Attorney Arnold a call today at (410) 484-1400.

Don’t Give Up the Fight.

Fighting for child custody may be one of the most taxing things that you ever do, but it is worth every effort that you can expend.  The first order of business is the scout motto…BE PREPARED!  You must assemble the proper documentation to prove in family court that you are the best parent for the job of child rearing.

The court will look at a variety of factors before rendering a decision such as…

1.  What are the personality traits of the two adults?

2.  Your employment status has a great deal to do with it.

3.  What is the physical and mental health of each parent?

4.  Which parent will encourage a healthy relationship with the other household.

To prepare for this important event in your life you need the advice and counsel of someone who has fought these battles for years.  The clear-cut choice is Baltimore area child custody lawyer Briana Arnold.  She knows what lies ahead in family court and will have you ready.  Call Attorney Arnold for a free consultation today at (410) 484-1400.