Over 30 Years Of Compassionate Divorce Representation
JC Law has its roots and foundation with James E. Crawford Sr., when in 1961 when he put himself through night law school while teaching fifth grade during the day. James E. Crawford Jr., developed the firm as a premier domestic firm with the belief that a boutique law firm is better able to provide the personalized attention people going through a divorce need and deserve. Since then, we have grown into the “go to” group of family law attorneys that has helped thousands of people resolve their divorce.
Our Formula For Successful Divorce Representation
Our formula for success in divorce cases is simple: provide clients with compassionate, competent and straightforward representation. We know that when you come to us for help, you are going through one of the most difficult times in your life, and we treat your case appropriately. We use our decades of experience and the outstanding working knowledge we have of the Maryland court system to create a clear path through the divorce process to achieve your goals.
The measure of our success in divorce cases can be seen in the stellar reputation we have built among our peers and in our community, as well as the stream of referrals we receive from former clients who were pleased with our family law representation.
What To Do To Prepare For Divorce
The first step is picking up the phone and calling us at (888) JCLaw-10 for a free consultation.
Once you have spoken with our team, or even before, some key steps you can do to prepare include:
- Come up with your list of priorities. Think about what assets are most important to you. Do you absolutely want to keep the family house, or is that something you can let go of? Would you like to receive alimony? What would you like child custody arrangements to look like if you have kids?
- Compile your financial documents. This includes documents like pay stubs, your W-2, bank and checking account statements, investment account statements, and anything along those lines.
- Review your property records. This can be helpful in determining what is separate property and what is marital property. However, keep in mind that just because an asset has your name on it, for example, a car with your name on the title, does not automatically mean it is a separate property.
- Gather your support group. Who are the people who are going to provide emotional support through the divorce process? Maybe it’s a parent or sibling. Maybe it’s a friend. Maybe it’s a therapist. Think about when to tell them about your divorce and what sort of support you want to ask them for.
- Create a plan to break the news to your spouse. Perhaps this is something that you and your spouse have already been discussing. Perhaps it may come as a surprise to your spouse. When and how you let your spouse know that you want a divorce can make a difference.
Negotiation Skills Matter In A Divorce Case
Many times, situations can be fixed or at least improved with simple, straightforward effort. When conflict arises in a divorce case, and it often does, a lawyer’s negotiation skills matter. We know how to effectively negotiate through some of the most intense, emotional conflicts that can come up in a divorce case — conflicts over the well-being of children or over dividing assets to ensure minimal financial struggles in the years to come, conflicts over the future of family businesses or over allegations of mistreatment.
With that said, on those rare occasions when negotiation is not possible, we have the strength of seasoned litigators to fall back on. We recognize that most people do not want their divorce case to go to trial, but at the same time, there may be situations where the other side is asking you to sacrifice too much during negotiations and will not meet in the middle. If such a situation arises, you can be confident knowing that you have a team on your side with the strength to argue for you in a courtroom.
Would You Like A Free Consultation About Your Divorce Options?
Our top priority is you, our client. We know how hard divorce is and we will be there at every step. For a free consultation, contact our law office in Baltimore, Maryland at (888) JCLaw-10. You can also reach out to us by email.
Alimony And Spousal Support
Take control of the family legal process with less expensive, out-of-court settlement agreements. You decide what you want – not a judge. Let our 63 years of practice point you in the right direction.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony, also known as “spousal support,” is a court-ordered payment from one spouse to another. These payments can be:
- Just during divorce proceedings (“pendente lite”)
- Limited to a few years after the divorce is finalized (“rehabilitative”), to help the recipient get back on their feet
- Permanent maintenance payments (“indefinite”)
The idea behind alimony and spousal support payments is that individuals who contributed to the marriage in ways other than monetary still deserve to live a lifestyle they are accustomed to.
For example, the “breadwinner” may have been able to take promotions, extended work trips, and educational opportunities to further their own career because their home and family life were cared for by the other spouse.
Therefore, that spouse contributed to the total household income, even if they didn’t have a job at the time. A judge may rule that alimony is appropriate in that circumstance.
How Can Someone Gain Alimony?
Courts only award alimony to one party in a divorce case before the divorce decree is finalized.
Therefore, someone seeking alimony must ask for it as part of the divorce proceedings; it cannot be granted after the divorce is done.
While both parties can jointly propose what they consider to be fair alimony arrangements, it is ultimately the court’s sole decision as to whether, what kind, and how much spousal support is granted as part of the divorce decree.
Judges consider many characteristics in an alimony claim, such as:
- How long the marriage lasted
- What the household’s standard of living was before divorce proceedings
- Who contributed what to the divorce, both financially and materially
- Who can join (or rejoin) the workforce, and how much they might make
- What led to the divorce, if an at-fault divorce is filed
This is by no means an exhaustive list of alimony considerations. Judges have the freedom to make their decision based on any circumstances or details about the alimony claim they consider relevant to a specific case.
In addition to a general lump payment, the court may also award other types of spousal support. For example, a judge may order that one party’s mortgage be paid for a certain amount of time, or that school fees associated with education toward a future career be reimbursed.
The court may also order accumulated legal fees to be reimbursed at the conclusion of the divorce.
How Can I Fight An Unfair Alimony Claim?
Sometimes, one party in a divorce seeks alimony to “punish” their former spouse. They may ask for an excessive amount of spousal support.
We often see the would-be provider unable to make both spousal support payments and their own household bills.
There are several defenses against excessive alimony and spousal support, including:
- Showing that the requested alimony is excessive and beyond what’s “necessary” to pay
- Proving that spousal support payments would cripple the payer financially
- The other party is acting needlessly vindictive in their alimony claims
Of course, the approach of countering an alimony claim largely depends on each individual divorce proceeding – and the court and judge making the final decree.
Children and Divorce
As much as we all wish we could, it is almost impossible to completely protect your kids in a divorce. You can make the best possible effort, such as limiting your child’s exposure to arguments with your spouse. While you cannot eliminate the emotional turmoil felt by your children in a divorce, you can make a conscious decision to get divorced or separate fairly and amicably.
In other words, you can pick and choose your battles.
Why Hire JC Law?
As family law attorneys, our job is to help you pick and choose the battles worth fighting and help you let go of those that are not. We have represented thousands of clients since 1961. This means you will benefit from our many years of experience handling divorce cases that involve children.
You have probably heard that family law cases focus on what is in the “best interest” of the children. This means that any issue involving kids is determined on a case-by-case basis under a number of factors.
Some factors include:
- The strength of the relationship a child has with their parents, siblings, and grandparents
- The ability of the caregiver (the would-be custodial parent, grandparent, or other family members) to provide for the child’s health and welfare.
When it comes to children and divorce, a judge may determine that the safety and well-being of the child are best served by going to live with one parent over the other parent. This is why it is important to ensure good legal representation.
When Everyone Agrees, Everyone Wins
Stay out of court and hammer out your differences with current or former family members through third-party mediation.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is an out-of-court process that uses a neutral third-party mediator – a sort of “legal referee” – to help two parties agree on major decisions. A mediation can happen in a single session or continue over several sessions.
For divorces, the parties involved would be you and your former spouse. The mediator can be a lawyer – such as our firm – or another professional mediator. They can help identify priorities and possible compromises.
Mediation can work out solutions for many divorce arrangements, including:
- Child custody, support , and visitation
- Tax Issues
How Can Mediation Help My Divorce?
Mediations preserve relationships with your former spouse – and with any children who may be involved.
After all, kids notice tension and conflict between their parents. Resolving disagreements through mediation protects that parent-child bond by taking potential arguments into a safe, confidential space.
Mediation also streamlines divorce proceedings by avoiding a lengthy (and expensive) court trial. That way, you and your loved ones can move past this part of your life and into the next!
Is Mediation An Option For My Family?
Not every divorce needs a long, bitter fight in court. Sometimes, a divorcing couple just needs a neutral party in the room to hash out final decisions.
While divorce mediation isn’t for everyone – especially spouses leaving abusive relationships – we recommend clients consider mediation if they:
- Want a peaceful and “fair” resolution
- Want to maintain relationships after the divorce for family harmony
- Can’t come to an agreement on their own
- Would prefer to avoid a long and expensive court trial
- Don’t want a judge to decide “for” them
“The Law Office team of James E. Crawford provide a comprehensive service that gave me peace of mind when speaking with them. They work with your needs, are fair minded, and put your family first.”
