LegalEase – August 2023

August 18, 2023

From Our Computers to Yours

Dear Friends:

I hope you are enjoying the last stretch of summer.

Twice a year, I help teach a six-part course called “Divorce 101.”  It’s hosted by a divorce and separation support group called New Beginnings.  I have participated in this for many years because I am passionate about the mission of this project: to make the legal processes and language more understandable to non-lawyers.

The next course begins September 19, with my session taking place the following Tuesday, September 26 at 7:00 PM, and costs $10 per session to attend (or $50 for the whole course). The entire course walks you through the separation and divorce process in Maryland.

If you or anyone you know are in the middle of divorce, are considering divorce or separation, or just want to learn more about the divorce process in Maryland, I encourage you to consider attending. To find out more information, please visit https://www.newbeginningsusa.org/divorce_101. And, if you want to register now, you can do so by contacting Carol Randolph at NewBCarol@verizon.net.

In the same spirit, this month’s newsletter will focus on some of the key issues in divorce cases. And, of course, if you need legal advice or assistance with a divorce, or any other matter, please be in touch.

Your Attorney,
Steve Bienstock

NEW LAW IN MARYLAND:
ASSURANCE OF CHILD’S SAFETY ACT

The Assurance of Child’s Safety Act, effective October 1, 2023 in Maryland, will change how child custody cases deal with relocation. The act provides for expedited hearings in the case of a move that would significantly alter a child’s time with the non-relocating parent.

If you have questions about how the Act might apply to your case or otherwise need help with custody, give us a call at 301-251-1600.

DIVORCE MEDIATION:
WHAT IS IT, AND IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?

 Divorce can be a daunting and tiring process, especially if the parties are on bad terms. Mediation can, in some cases, cut down on the time and costs spent on divorce, and may be an option worth considering if you are pursuing divorce.

Mediation may happen instead of, or in addition to, going to court. In some cases, the parties may be able to resolve every issue with the help of the mediator. In other cases, they are able to resolve some of their issues, then only go to court on the remaining ones, significantly reducing legal costs. With mediation, you can help control the outcome rather than leaving it to a judge who doesn’t know your family.

You will still want to have an attorney to help you in mediation because you will be making decisions that have legal consequences, and you’ll want to make sure you are fully informed.

Even in contentious divorces, mediation may be an option worth considering. The parties don’t even have to be in the same room. Mediators can use “shuttle diplomacy” to move between rooms to facilitate negotiations.

Divorce can be challenging, and having an experienced attorney on your side can help you navigate those challenges. If you need additional information or legal assistance, feel free to reach out.

BELIEVE IT OR DON’T! 

A woman in Texas tried to purchase another woman’s baby at the self-checkout line in Walmart.  Guess that could only be done at a cashier checkout.

When the mayor of Tampa, Florida went fishing recently, she caught 70 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $1.1 million.   It was catch and release, though.

A Boston woman is suing an Italian deli because she slipped on a piece of prosciutto and broke her ankle. (Mama Mia, what a ham!)

In Caroline County, Maryland, fortune telling is illegal.

Do you have a question for us?
Are there any topics you would like to hear more about?
Email our Paralegal, Carly, at carly@bienstocklegal.com 
or call us on 301-251-1600.