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:

Understanding Peace Orders in Maryland

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. 

EXCELLENT Based on 67 reviews
shane stephen
shane stephen
May 3, 2021.
Highly recommend for any situation. Mr. McKenzie was swift in his work, and dedicated to help.
Ashe Stephen
Ashe Stephen
April 28, 2021.
I had a serious family matter regarding some issues from the past that somehow resurfaced. I made a call to Mr.McKenzie, and he got back to me in a timely manner. He explained what the process would be and without failure, and solved the case presented. Everything from the assistants in the office communicating information to ease you through the process. I highly recommend this law firm, and if necessary will use them again!! You gained a client
Phoebe Trocano
Phoebe Trocano
February 25, 2021.
My husband had a complicated ticket issue in Maryland that went back 34 years ago that the McKenzie - Tehrani staff handled quickly and professionally, all while my husband and I were living on the west coast!
Irving G
Irving G
December 5, 2020.
Professional lawyers who are attentive to detail. Mr. McKenzie is taking on a case for a family member and has always kept us up to date on all details. They’re prices are fair for the quality of their service. I will definitely work with them in the future
dennis
dennis
August 26, 2020.
Just wanted to ask questions , and Joseph helped me And gave me advice on what my next steps should be . I’m happy I called and really appreciate the help !
Melvin Reyes
Melvin Reyes
June 23, 2020.
Mr. Mckenzie You have represented me on two occasions and I need your help. I have contacted your secretaries but I have no clear answers. I am in a serious process of migration and I am urgently asking for your help. I hope you can contact me att. Melvin reyes
R De Campos
R De Campos
June 2, 2020.
Joseph McKenzie is a very good attorney. One of my go to.
MJRUSS84
MJRUSS84
January 25, 2020.
Mr. Tehrani recently represented me in District Court for a 3rd DUI charge. Despite the seriousness of this offense and possible severity of penalties, Mr. Tehrani’s thorough preparation before the trial and professionalism during the trial resulted in a minimal sentence involving no jail time or incarceration. Mr. Tehrani was very honest about the possibilities I was facing throughout this entire process and was always very responsive to any requests or questions that I had. I would highly recommend Payman Tehrani to anyone in need of great representation. - M.R.

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