Chevy Chase, MD Family Lawyer
Premier Family Law Attorneys Serving Washington, D.C. area
Petrelli Previtera, LLC is the premier family law firm representing clients in Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area. The firm is committed to obtaining the best results for their clients, from complex litigation to negotiated agreements and everything in between. Petrelli Previtera, LLC was named on the Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious annual ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Call today (301) 889-8085 to talk with a Chevy Chase Family Law Attorney.
Chevy Chase, MD Office
Phone: (301) 889-8085
5425 Wisconsin Ave
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
While considering divorce, there are many things that you need to be aware of. This includes how the courts determine things such as division of property, spousal support, child support, and custody. The firm’s Chevy Chase, MD office offers its signature legal representation for clients navigating divorce and other family law matters. After helping hundreds of individuals and families for more than 15 years, we fully understand the complexities and stressors our clients face. That’s why our Maryland divorce and family law attorneys provide high-quality legal representation as well as the compassion and responsiveness every client deserves.
Premier Family Law Attorneys Serving Washington, D.C. area
Petrelli Previtera, LLC provides clients in Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area with customized solutions and above-and-beyond client service. Our firm remains in contact with our clients throughout the process to ensure that all questions and concerns are addressed. We assist people with the full range of family-related legal matters, such as:
Divorce: Our Maryland divorce attorneys help clients end their marriages as efficiently and successfully as possible. Every divorce is unique, so we take the time to understand each person’s individual needs and goals and explore all options for the best resolution possible.
Custody: Custody of the children is awarded with emphasis and utmost consideration of the well-being of the children. The granting of physical custody to one spouse will generally result in granting visitation rights to the other party. Legal custody or the right to make major decisions for the welfare of children can be granted solely to one parent or to both jointly.
A judge can award either sole or joint custody, depending on a family’s situation. Our attorneys always work to protect the best interests of our clients and their children. We also assist with court order modifications and relocations if our clients’ lives and needs change.
Child Support: During the entire process of divorce, courts have always put the best interests of the children first. Divorcing couples are responsible for the welfare of the children. Guidelines are utilized to determine the amount of child support, taking into consideration the gross income of each parent and the number of overnights a child will spend with each parent annually.
Courts also take into account the costs of child care and insurance most suitable to a child. Parties who reached an agreement on the terms regarding child support and who have committed the agreement in writing will be responsible to adhere to and follow the terms detailed in the agreement unless the agreement was obtained with the use of force or duress and fraud. The court has the right to adjust or modify the terms put into writing in case they find a fair reason to do so if it will be for the benefit of the children. Also, any written agreement must adhere to the guidelines determining child support.
If you have any questions regarding your Maryland divorce, give us a call today so we can help you keep the process moving while getting started on your new life.
Spousal Support: Supporting a spouse requires one to pay for alimony or spousal support. In Maryland, the law states the right of each spouse to seek alimony from each other. To determine the amount of alimony, the court will consider several factors. The court will take a look at each party’s financial needs and resources (income and assets), their financial obligations and responsibilities, lifestyle, age, health status, and the facts and details that led to a divorce.
Terms of alimony agreed upon by the parties involved and committed to writing is enforceable, unless the agreement was obtained by use of force or duress, fraud, abuse of a relationship that is deemed confidential.
Legal Separation: When spouses are living separately and are unsure about their future, our attorneys can create a legally binding separation agreement to address the important legal aspects of marriage dissolution for the future.
Adoption: The adoption process goes far more smoothly when prospective adoptive parents have the right legal assistance on their side. Our attorneys ensure the adoption process is efficient for private and public adoptions as well as stepparent and kinship adoptions.
Division of Property
All properties acquired by one spouse or by a couple during their marriage is considered marital property. However, any property acquired by a spouse before the marriage, property acquired through inheritance or as a gift, and property that is validly excluded in an agreement are not considered part of a couple’s marital property. Any real estate property under both names, regardless of ownership before the marriage, is considered marital property. The awarding of alimony does not preclude the court from granting a ruling of property division or distribution.
It is important to note that the court has no power to change the title to property, but retains power or jurisdiction over the marital home and retirement funds and pensions. Also, the court can adjust or modify the spouses’ rights through the granting of monetary awards. The amount of and the type of award is determined by several factors. First, the court takes a detailed account of the marital property, its valuation, and the ownership of each piece or parcel of property.
The court also fairly considers how to balance the equities in the marital property and will then determine whether or not to make a monetary award and for how much. Any party who has significant or considerable retirement funds or pensions should consult a lawyer who is adept and well-practiced in foreseeing the preparation of all necessary documentation and paperwork.
Our Maryland office is located in Chevy Chase and serves both residents of Maryland and the greater Washington, D.C. area.
Schedule A Consultation with an Experienced Chevy Chase, MD Family Lawyer
Contact Petrelli Previtera, LLC for more information about our services and to schedule a consultation with a family lawyer in the D.C. area. Our firm offers online scheduling so you can quickly and easily get started by choosing an attorney and a convenient location. As a forward thinking, tech-savvy firm, we also offer video consultations to better fit busy, unpredictable schedules. We welcome you to contact us today for assistance.
