Family Law Attorneys in Maryland | Lerch, Early & Brewer

Lerch Early’s experienced family law attorneys help people resolve domestic issues in Maryland and Washington, DC with the least possible impact on their emotions and their wallets.

Our Approach to Family Law

Ideally, disputes are resolved amicably, without the need for litigation. Our domestic attorneys are excellent listeners, and are highly skilled at negotiation, mediation, and collaborative law. That said, they prepare from day one to go to court if needed, and are forceful advocates before the family law courts in Maryland and the District, with significant trial and appellate experience.

Our Family Law Services

Domestic disagreements are inherently stressful, and can be time-consuming and costly. Lerch Early’s team of family law lawyers, respected as one of the best family law groups in the DC area, represents clients in complex and highly contentious conflicts, as well as in simpler, more amicable matters. These include alimony, asset distribution, child support, custody, and visitation, as well as post-divorce modifications and second marriages.

Alimony

Alimony payments, also commonly referred to as spousal support, are payments by one spouse (or in a domestic partnership in DC, by one partner) to the other for their support. Whether there is alimony and if so, the amount and duration, is subjective and depends on multiple factors, which differ depending on whether you’re in Maryland, DC, or Virginia.

Whether you may pay or receive alimony, our attorneys bring clarity and confidence to your unique situation. We provide careful and intentional consideration and understanding for the roles, obligations, and rights between the partners.

Arbitration

Arbitration is a formal dispute resolution in which the parties present their issues to a mutually agreeable third party who is empowered to issue a binding decision. Some compare arbitration to “picking one’s judge.”

In appropriate matters, such as when a specialized knowledge of the law or experience in a particular subject area is called for, arbitration can be a faster, more efficient, and less expensive alternative to litigation. At Lerch, Early & Brewer, we have certified and experienced arbitrators who can help your family achieve your desired result.

Child Support

Our law firm’s approach to your child support case and the economic drivers that underpin it ensure that the needs of your children are met without creating an undue hardship for either parent.

Our child support attorneys have the financial acumen to address your unique situation, including high-income, high-asset cases. As in all matters involving children and their best interest, we seek to find the appropriate balance that is fair to both parents and their children.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law, also known as the Collaborative Process, is a formal alternative dispute resolution process.

Clients agree to engage in full disclosure and commit to seeking solutions that address both parties’ goals and the best interest of the family without going to court.

Clients who successfully resolve their family law matter through the Collaborative Process often feel like they made it through their family law dispute in a respectful manner and maintain a productive post-process relationship with their former partner.

Custody

Child custody is who cares for and makes important decisions for your children. Our primary goal as child custody lawyers is to protect the well-being of your children.

Divorce

Your specific circumstances will determine when you decide to get a divorce. But if you’re considering divorce, you have to act quickly to consult with an attorney and learn how to protect yourself. We’ll review your situation, the law, and your goals with you.

It’s important to know what your rights are before you take action, because once the court process starts, you must engage or you may be waiving your rights. You have to take action to protect yourself and your children.

Guardianship

Guardianship is the legal process that allows a court to appoint a guardian on behalf of a person who is unable to make decisions and/or care for himself or herself personally or financially.

This could be due to reasons including but not limited to physical and mental disabilities. As a part of the process, the court appoints an attorney to represent the alleged disabled person and their interests.

Mediation

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where the parties work together with a neutral third-party mediator (usually a lawyer) to resolve any number of issues, including divorce, child support, alimony, and custody matters. Mediation can happen before or during litigation.

Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements

Whether you and your fiancé are just starting out in life, have a blended family from prior relationship(s), or have assets or financial obligations that you acquired prior to your marriage, a prenuptial agreement, or prenup, can help you pre-determine rights and obligations in property and support after marriage.

And, if you are already married, it’s not too late. A postnuptial agreement can also pre-determine your rights and obligations in property and support after marriage.

Second and Third Marriages

Congratulations! Love the second time (or third, or…) around should be celebrated. At the same time, it’s important to protect yourself and your family in the event of divorce or death, particularly if you have substantial assets or children from a prior relationship.

Lerch Early attorneys can help safeguard your interests with prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, estate planning, and property protection measures.

Separation

The process of separation is different for everyone, especially if children are involved. Our family law attorneys will walk you through everything you need to consider when separating to protect your children and your finances. We will help you understand and protect your rights, as well as your obligations.

Work With a Compassionate Family Law Attorney

Lerch Early’s family law attorneys help their clients protect their children, their assets, and their dignity—so they can not only survive, but thrive. Reach out to our dedicated team today to learn how we can support you and your loved ones.