When it comes to complex family law matters in Maryland, such as filing for a divorce, we know that protecting your rights and your family’s well-being comes first. We understand that the divorce process can be emotionally and mentally taxing, which is why we strive to handle all the complicated legal matters so you and your family can focus on what matters most — your health.

Get a consultation with our family law attorneys today!

At the Law Offices of McKenzie and Tehrani, we’ve helped thousands of families find effective and affordable legal solutions to their family law cases. Our lawyers have more than 30 years of collective legal experience behind them, making us confident in our ability to help you, too.

The decision to end a relationship and seek a divorce marks a crossroad in your life. You want the best divorce attorneys on your side who will clearly explain every step, every option, and every legal avenue available. This type of guidance can help you make decisions confidently and start the next part of your life with much-needed peace of mind.

At The Law Offices of McKenzie and Tehrani, this is the exact type of representation and counsel we provide each and every client. We know every situation is different. We strive to be the best divorce attorneys in Maryland by taking the time to learn about you and your goals so we can provide detailed advice and help you navigate your divorce action with understanding and a sense of empowerment.

If this is the kind of representation you are looking for, we encourage you to contact us today.

Child support is a legal obligation in the form of regular payments made by a parent to benefit their child. This money is used for basic expenses and necessities such as food, housing, clothing, health care, and educational needs. Regardless of your fight to gain custody of your children, child support will be an issue in your case. You will either be paying for it or receiving it.

Courts have little discretion in setting the amount of child support to be paid. This is because, as a condition of receiving federal aid, the states are required to follow certain standards in their child support statutes. Although the exact procedures and details vary from state to state, there is a certain basic pattern no matter where you live.

Typically, child support is calculated in a very formulaic manner. In most states, the calculations are based upon three main factors: the parents’ income, the percent of time each party has the children, and the number of children involved. The courts have constructed formulas in an attempt to eliminate subjectivity.

The court will review several factors when calculating child support amounts that are to be paid monthly. These can include:

  • The child’s age and gender
  • Any academic, physical, or medical special needs
  • The income and educational level of each parent
  • The number of children involved in the custody hearing
  • The history each parent has with the child or children

The attorneys at the Law Offices of McKenzie and Tehrani will help you every step of the way. Contact us today. 

Maryland Family Lawyer Assisting Clients with Child Custody Cases

Any situation involving child custody in Rockville, Montgomery County, Maryland can get contentious and complicated. Many child custody cases arise when the parents decide to get divorced, but child custody matters can also occur between unmarried parents when there is a dispute over who will make important decisions about the child’s upbringing or how each parent will spend time with the child. Maryland law guides courts in making decisions about child custody, including both legal and physical custody.

If you are facing a child custody dispute, it is extremely important to have an experienced advocate on your side. A Montgomery County child custody lawyer at the Law Offices of Mckenzie and Tehrani, LLC can discuss your situation with you today.

Understanding Legal and Physical Custody in Montgomery County

Maryland law recognizes two different kinds of child custody:

  • Legal custody; and
  • Physical custody.

Legal custody refers to the parent’s right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing, but it does not refer to the time that a parent spends with the child. Physical custody, differently, refers to the amount of time that the parent spends with the child. The following are all possible custody scenarios when there are two parents involved in a custody dispute:

  • Joint legal custody and shared physical custody;
  • Sole legal custody and shared physical custody;
  • Joint legal custody and sole physical custody; and
  • Sole legal custody and sole physical custody.

In situations where one parent has sole physical custody, that parent is referred to as the “custodial” parent and the other parent is referred to as the “non-custodial” parent. When one parent exercises sole physical custody, the non-custodial parent still may be entitled to visitation.

Best Interest of the Child Standard for Determining Montgomery County Child Custody

Maryland courts use the best interest of the child standard for determining whether parents will have joint custody. In determining whether joint custody is appropriate based on what is in the best interest of the child, the court looks at many different factors, including the following:

  • Capacity of parents to reach shared decisions about the child’s welfare;
  • Willingness of parents to share custody;
  • Fitness of the parents;
  • Relationship established between the child and each of the parents;
  • Child’s preference;
  • Potential for disruption of child’s social and educational life;
  • Geographic proximity of the parents’ homes;
  • Parents’ employment demands;
  • Age of the children;
  • Number of children;
  • Sincerity of parents’ request(s) for joint custody;
  • Financial statute of the parents; and
  • Impact on state or federal assistance.

Prior to issuing a final custody order, courts typically issue an initial custody award that takes into account similar factors as those outlined above, as well as other issues such as abuse or abandonment.

Learn More from a Rockville Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody cases can be extremely difficult for all of the parties involved, from the parents to the child. A dedicated and compassionate child custody attorney in Montgomery County can get started on your case today. Contact the Law Offices of McKenzie and Tehrani, LLC online or by calling our Rockville office at 301-309-3669 for more information about the services we provide to families in Maryland.

A properly drafted prenuptial agreement can serve to define and protect the rights and interests of both parties. Entering into such an agreement does not have to be an emotionally charged process. With the guidance of an experienced lawyer, a prenuptial agreement can be a practical, relatively easy solution that may prevent future disputes or difficulties.

Contact Us Today. 

Will Alimony Be a Factor in Your Divorce?

The issuance of an order of alimony is by no means a certainty in a Maryland divorce. The courts will consider a number of factors in determining whether, to what extent, and for what duration spousal support is appropriate. Some of these factors include:

  • The length of the marriage
  • The age and health of both parties
  • The presence of children of the marriage in the respective homes of the parties
  • The need to pay for exceptional additional expenses for the child/children, including but not limited to schooling, daycare and medical treatment
  • The ability of the party seeking maintenance to become self-supporting and, if applicable, the period of time and training necessary
  • The equitable distribution of marital property

Don’t fight this alone. Contact us today. 

If you are involved in a family law matter such as a divorce or the determination of child custody or visitation rights, the granting of a protective order can have a major impact on the outcome of those decisions. We can help you defend yourself against a protective order and the impact it may have on collateral legal issues. We also help defend those that need a protective order. We believe in fighting for the safety of others.

Read more about protective orders in our blog:

Today, same-sex divorces for people who were married after marriage equality became law will proceed in the same way as any other divorce. However, for some couples who have been together for a longer period of time, there may be some additional complications.

Also Read: What You Should Know About an LGBTQ+ Divorce

At the Law Offices of McKenzie and Tehrani, we are here to be your friendly and reliable advocates throughout your divorce to help you get through the process smoothly and to allow you to focus on giving yourself a fresh start. Contact us today. 

With regard to the division of marital property in divorce, Maryland is what’s referred to as an “equitable distribution” state. This means that the court does not attempt to divide property right down the middle, but rather in a way that is fair under all the circumstances. In practice, this often means an approximately equal division.

Property can be tangible, like houses, cars, and bank accounts. It can also be intangible, like goodwill in a family business or intellectual property rights. Property may be marital or separate. It may also be partly marital and partly separate, like a house one party purchased before marriage, but for which marital funds were later used to make mortgage payments. In Maryland, all property is subject to division in divorce.

Property division can be challenging, especially when some property is difficult to value or if there are disputes about whether certain property is marital or separate. At the Law Offices of McKenzie and Tehrani, our family law attorneys can help you resolve disputes regarding the disposition of property using negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law. Contact us today for assistance. 

Natasha Garcia
Natasha Garcia
November 14, 2023.
My boyfriend was in jail for almost 1 year and I paid other Attorney's to get him released on home detention at least but all have failed until I was referred to Mr. McKenzie. He requested a bond hearing, and my prayers were answered; my boyfriend was let out on house arrest and now is able to spend the holidays with his family. Thank you so much Mr. McKenzie, we are all so grateful.
Lastdamn Time
Lastdamn Time
September 5, 2023.
Hands down the most competent and comforting experience , made a major mistake and was liable to spend a good amount of time in jail alongside other consequences. Thanks to the knowledge and wit of Joe I was able to make it out of this predicament without any problems . Thank you again Joe!
Anthony Williams (BIGGHEADTJ)
Anthony Williams (BIGGHEADTJ)
January 5, 2023.
When you are in financial distress and physical pain it is difficult to think clearly and make good decisions. That, in addition to not understanding a legal process complicates matters even more. The Law Office of McKenzie & Tehrani explained the law, outlined in clear language the steps in the process that were needed to be done. I mostly worked with Natalie and she was amazing. She was reassuring, articulate, knowable and effective. Natalie defiantly made the process so much easier and gave me peace of mind in a stressful but successful outcome. This law office was selected on recommendation from a family friend and was some of the "Best" advice I have ever received.
Jerry Berkstresser
Jerry Berkstresser
January 4, 2023.
Mr. Joe McKenzie represented me in a manner that was very caring and concerning of the outcome in my case. He did an excellent job on my court hearing in which provided me with which I feel was the best outcome I could have received. I highly recommend him for an attorney..Thank you very much.
Ben Hanson
Ben Hanson
October 21, 2022.
Absolutely solid, took care of business.
Juan Tolentino
Juan Tolentino
October 20, 2022.
Best firm in the DMV, I had a personal injury case (car accident) Natalie was super professional and my case was resolved in a timely manner. Every time I called the office Ana was super nice and helpful too. Definitely recommend them I referred a friend for a criminal case and her case got dropped on the first hearing date by the Attorneys at this firm! I’ll definitely come back if needed.
Donte Johnson
Donte Johnson
October 11, 2022.
The best lawyers in the state!.... got me off 6 different charges... including DUI and firearms... if you value a clean record and freedom look no further

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