Posted on August 18, 2025 in Divorce

Child custody is often the most difficult issue in a divorce. Parents want to remain in their children’s lives, but they may have different ideas about what is best. Maryland law provides several options for custody arrangements, both for decision-making authority (legal custody) and parenting time (visitation). Although parents are highly encouraged to create a parenting plan on their own, when this is not possible, courts make custody decisions based on what will best serve the child’s welfare.

As of August 2025, Maryland family law continues to follow Md. Code, Family Law § 5-203, which states the rebuttable presumption that both parents are the "joint natural guardians" of their child. This law also gives the court authority to make custody determinations in the best interests of the child, considering factors such as parental fitness, stability of each home, and the child’s adjustment to school and community.

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 Posted on July 21, 2025 in Divorce

For many couples in Maryland, the family home is their most valuable asset and there are many years, if not decades, of memories with family and friends attached to it. But homes are expensive and seem to get more expensive every year. Figuring out what to do with the mortgage in a divorce can be just as important as deciding who will keep the house, especially if either party is not sure they can afford the mortgage on their own.

Maryland law requires courts to divide marital property equitably, which does not always mean splitting everything in half. If you do decide to take over your house’s mortgage entirely after your divorce, you need to protect your financial stability and credit. With the help of our Anne Arundel County, MD divorce attorneys and our experience in asset division, you can make informed decisions about what to do with your mortgage as part of your divorce settlement.

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 Posted on June 18, 2025 in Divorce

Few things are more frustrating than standing in a courtroom and listening to your spouse lie under oath. Whether the falsehood concerns parenting, finances, or accusations of abuse, the immediate instinct is to ask, "Can anything be done?" The answer is yes, but the process is not simple, and the remedies depend on the context of the lie, how it is uncovered, and what the court believes the truth to be.

In divorce cases, the stakes are high. False statements can distort custody arrangements, financial support orders, and a party’s overall credibility. For this reason, Maryland courts take deliberate measures to detect deception, evaluate credibility, and impose consequences when necessary. Having an outstanding Glen Burnie, MD divorce attorney who understands how Maryland courts handle cases like this can significantly impact the outcome of your divorce.

Lying Under Oath in Maryland Divorce Cases

Lying in court, known legally as perjury, is a criminal offense in Maryland. However, family law judges do not usually criminally charge people for this behavior. Instead, they focus on the immediate issue before them: Determining what is true, what is false, and how any falsehoods affect the outcome of the case.

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 Posted on July 01, 2024 in Divorce

Readers can contact our Maryland family law lawyers at 410-760-9433, to book a consultation at our Glen Burnie or Cambridge office.

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 Posted on June 06, 2024 in Family Law

Readers can contact our Maryland family law lawyers at 410-760-9433, to book a consultation at our Glen Burnie or Cambridge office.

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 Posted on February 21, 2024 in Divorce

Readers can contact our Maryland family law lawyers at 410-760-9433, to book a consultation at our Glen Burnie or Cambridge office.

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 Posted on February 14, 2024 in Divorce

In a significant shift, Maryland has overhauled its divorce laws, making it easier for couples to part ways. The new legislation, effective from October 1, 2023, eliminates all fault grounds for divorce. This means that couples no longer need to prove adultery, abandonment, or cruelty, thereby speeding up the divorce process and reducing emotional tolls. Instead, the law introduces two new no-fault grounds: a six-month separation and irreconcilable differences.

The six-month separation no longer requires couples to maintain separate residences, and they can now be separated but reside in the same household as long as they maintain separate lives and bedrooms. This change is particularly beneficial for couples for whom maintaining two separate households is not economically feasible.

The introduction of ‘irreconcilable differences' as a ground for divorce allows couples to agree that they just don't get along anymore or can't fix the marriage. This change is a significant step towards making divorce more attainable and less contentious

If you have any questions about how these changes may impact your situation, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help guide you through these changes and provide the support you need during this time.

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 Posted on February 12, 2024 in Family Law

Catch up on the latest 2024 Maryland Super Lawyers Magazine, which includes a feature on Zide Law Group, LLC Law.

In the ever-evolving world of law, staying informed is crucial. The 2024 edition of the Maryland Super Lawyers Magazine serves as a valuable resource for this purpose. This edition is particularly noteworthy as it features an article on Zide Law Group, LLC, a prominent entity in the legal field.

The Maryland Super Lawyers Magazine is renowned for its comprehensive coverage of the legal landscape. It features articles on various legal topics, profiles of outstanding lawyers, and insightful pieces on the latest legal trends. The 2024 edition continues this tradition of excellence, making it a must-read for anyone interested in law.

The article on Zide Law Group, LLC can be found on page 28 of the magazine. It offers readers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the workings of a successful legal firm. From their case handling methods to their client relations, the article covers all aspects of Zide Law Group, LLC's operations.

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 Posted on September 14, 2023 in Family Law

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 Posted on July 23, 2023 in Divorce

Robyn Dixon, from Real Housewives of Potomac, Meets With Marla Zide To Discuss Prenup Options | (S7 E5)

Why and When to Get a Prenup in Maryland

A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, is a contract between two people who are about to get married. It outlines how their assets and debts will be divided in the event of a divorce.

There are many reasons why couples might choose to get a prenup. Some of the most common reasons include:

• To protect assets that one spouse brings into the marriage.
• To protect the inheritance rights of children from a previous marriage.
• To protect a small or family business.
• To shield one spouse from the other spouse's debts.
• To address lifestyle issues after a divorce, such as how children will be raised.

In Maryland, a prenup must be in writing and signed by both spouses before the wedding. It must also be fair and equitable. If a prenup is found to be unfair, it may not be enforceable.

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