"... describes and analyzes three types of agreements: premarital agreements, postmarital agreements, and domestic partnership agreements. A premarital agreement is a contract between prospective spouses, including same-sex couples, made in contemplation of marriage. A postmarital agreement is a contract executed by parties to an ongoing marriage and not incident to a divorce or marital separation. A domestic partnership agreement, sometimes known as a cohabitation agreement, is a contract executed by a couple whose domestic arrangements may not be state-sanctioned. However, the term also includes such an agreement executed incident to a civil union or registered domestic partnership. Generally, all of these agreements are used to define the property and support rights of the parties upon termination of the marriage or other relationship by death or dissolution. Some parties also opt to include financial obligations during the marriage or other relationship. This Portfolio does not cover separation agreements that settle property rights, spousal and child support obligations, and child custody matters incident to a separation or divorce"--Portfolio description.

Walk Away From Divorce with Financial Security Family lawyer Gayle Rosenwald Smith has designed this thoroughly researched, practical, and easy-to-read guide to help the reader through difficult, emotional, and often overwhelming divorce processes. She comprehensively explains the financial issues that can impact divorce and, most importantly, tells the reader what they can do to better understand their situation and how to take proper action. Included are effective tools and strategies to: Choose the best lawyers, financial advisors, and more Track assets with checklists and charts Evaluate and understand stock options and other "perks" Prepare a budget and expense sheets Value business, pension plans, and retirement funds-401(k)s, IRAs, and more Understand the importance of insurance in divorce Determine the best course of action for the family home and other property Get a good property settlement agreement Ensure your future financial security and economic well being

Guess which couple got more of what they wanted: Charles and Charlotte, who worked out a negotiated settlement together? Or John and Joyce, who let the court settle their differences? Couples who want to negotiate their own divorce settlements now have a comprehensive self-help guide, complete with ground rules, agendas for discussion, sample forms, and options for divorce mediation without "bloodshed." Not quite a "do-it-yourself" manual - you'll still need an attorney - but packed with real-couple examples of successful agreements on Co-Parenting, Custody, Financial Support, College Planning, Property, Insurance, Taxes.... An organized, thorough guide to the important issues for every separating couple, and an effective aid for those who seek professional mediation. "Your chances of getting the outcome you want are best when you take control of the decision-making process," says Martin Kranitz, Director of the National Center for Mediation Education in Annapolis, Maryland. "Couples can work out their own decisions, if they know what to talk about."

Millions of fathers are currently fighting for custody of their children. Many wonder if they will ever again be an important part of their children's lives. Fathers' Rights covers every aspect of the custody process, including protecting the parent/child relationship as a break-up occurs, determining when to settle and when to litigate and explanations concerning the court's determination of a fair level of child support. This new edition updates the ever-changing laws in this area and expands into additional topics of importance concerning paternity issues and fathers serving in the armed forces. Numerous court cases are used as examples to illustrate relevant situations. An extensive list of resources including agencies, organizations and websites is included as easy reference for the reader.

Simplify the Divorce Process A divorce can be the most painful and expensive experience of your life. Whether you use a lawyer or not, protect yourself by getting all the information you need about divorce laws and your legal rights. Let File for Divorce in Maryland, Virginia or the District of Columbia help you get control over this stressful time in your life. Learn how to: - File an Uncontested or Contested Divorce - Protect Your Assets, Yourself and Your Children - Save Money when Working with a Lawyer - Negotiate Child Support and Visitation Agreements Essential documents you need to: - End the Marriage and Start Fresh - Resolve Property Disputes - Calculate Child Support - Develop a Visitation Schedule - And much more . . .

Learn to resolve problems divorcing couples often face, including disagreements over physical and legal custody, the primary residential schedule, child access and visitation, telephone contact, day care dilemmas, holidays and vacations, interacting with school officials, teachers, doctors and therapists as well as access to medical and educational records, sports involvement, participation in special events and extracurricular activities, financial woes and parent to parent communication difficulties. A uniquely informative, child focused, thought provoking, inspirational and lightly entertaining book full of sound and sensible legal, parental, practical and situational guidance. The author survived his own gut wrenching high-conflict child custody battle and shares his knowledge and wisdom to immediately and effectively assist you. The collaborative divorce model is introduced and many valuable resources, including sample parenting agreements and collaborative contracts, are included.

Richard H. Chused examines more than 1300 petitions for divorce in Maryland filed during the first half of the nineteenth century. By weaving together information on the legislative handling of these petitions, the voting patterns of the state legislators, and the judicial treatment of related disputes, Chused shows the connections between politics, regional differences, and the development of American family law. His analysis also provides valuable insights into the social history of the time, a period when traditional Southern family values were at odds with the more modern values brought about by urbanization.

Providing accurate and objective information to help make the right decisions during a divorce in Maryland, this guide provides answers to 350 queries such as What is the mediation process in Maine and is it required? How quickly can one get a divorce? Who decides who gets the cars, the pets, and the house? What actions might influence child custody? How are bills divided and paid during the divorce? How much will a divorce cost? and Will a spouse have to pay some or all attorney fees? Structured in a question-and-answer format, this divorce handbook provides clear and concise responses to help build confidence and give the peace of mind needed to meet the challenges of a divorce proceeding.

Gram teaches Otis how to cope and deal with his parents' divorce, to not blame himself, and to realize that he still has a family.