Moylan Family Law Moylan Family Law 2026-10-01T21:36:53Z https://www.towsonfamilylawattorney.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1605299/2026/01/cropped-moylanSiteicon-32x32.png On Behalf of Moylan Family Law <![CDATA[Dissipation in Maryland divorces: What are the red flags]]> https://www.towsonfamilylawattorney.com/?p=249549 2026-09-03T14:11:55Z 2026-09-03T13:49:32Z Maryland, courts try to divide property fairly during a divorce. However, a behavior called “dissipation” can ruin this process. Dissipation happens when one spouse wastes or misuses marital money. This reduces the total wealth available to be split, which hurts the other spouse If one spouse dissipates marital assets, it can distort the numbers the court is working with. When that happens, the court may address it during the property division process. A judge may not impose a separate fine, but they can treat the dissipated amount as part of the offending spouse’s share. This can increase your share of what remains to help offset what was lost.

What Constitutes Dissipation?

Maryland is an equitable distribution state. This legal standard does not automatically split marital property 50/50 in divorces. Instead, the court will divide marital property fairly based on statutory factors. If your spouse dissipates marital assets, it interferes with this process. When dissipation occurs, the court may address the issue in the final distribution analysis. While the offending spouse may not receive fines, the judge may factor the spent amount into their side of the distribution. This can grant you a larger share of the remaining assets to offset the lost or spent amount.

Red flags of dissipation

The complexity of a high-net-worth divorce often leads to financial disputes. Your spouse may often use sophisticated maneuvers or display suspicious behavior. Here are a few red flags that indicate your spouse may be hiding financial activity:
  • Sudden “gifts” to family or friends: Your spouse can attempt to store money or assets with trusted people and reclaim it after your divorce finalizes. They may appear as bogus loans or large gifts to family members that do not reflect past gifting history.
  • Neglect of marital assets: Dissipation is not always about spending. In reality, it can also involve the intentional devaluation of assets. It can include actions such as failing to pay mortgages or allowing insurance policies to lapse. These actions lead to a real loss in value.
  • Spending on extramarital affairs: Maryland law clearly states that spending funds on lovers can constitute dissipation. It includes expenditures such as hotel stays, expensive dinners, jewelry or paying rent. If you notice charges you did not participate in, it may indicate the diversion of marital wealth.
There are many ways that dissipation of assets can happen. For example, excessive gambling and transferring of funds to hidden accounts are also common methods to hide or waste funds.

Protecting your wealth

In a high-net-worth divorce, the complexity of your divorce can cause disputes and issues. If you suspect your spouse is depleting assets, working with legal counsel can help you trace the flow of funds. Documentation such as bank statements and credit card records are essential to your dissipation claim.]]> On Behalf of Moylan Family Law <![CDATA[3 things to know about divorce as a business owner in Maryland]]> https://www.towsonfamilylawattorney.com/?p=249544 2026-07-30T08:37:55Z 2026-08-05T12:00:52Z Building a successful business often requires countless sacrifices. Many owners devote evenings, weekends and years of their lives to turning an idea into something that supports their families and creates opportunities for others. When a marriage ends, it is natural to worry that those years of effort could become entangled in the divorce process. Knowing how Maryland handles business interests during divorce can help business owners approach the process with perspective. Here are three things business owners should keep in mind when going through divorce.

1. Not every business is automatically divided

Owning a business does not automatically mean a court will divide it during a divorce. In Maryland, whether a business becomes part of the marital estate often depends on factors such as when it was established, how it was funded and whether either spouse contributed to its growth during the marriage. For example, a business that existed before the marriage may remain separate property in some respects. However, if the company increased in value during the marriage because of marital efforts or resources, part of that increase could become relevant during property division. Each situation depends on its own facts.

2. Determining the business's value can be an important step

Before spouses can resolve property division, they often need to understand what the business is worth. A valuation may involve reviewing financial records, business assets, outstanding debts, income and future earning potential. In some cases, financial professionals assist with this process. Because the value of a business can influence settlement discussions and the overall division of marital property, an accurate valuation provides a stronger foundation for informed decisions.

3. Divorce does not always mean losing the business

Many business owners assume divorce will force them to sell or close the company, but that is not always the case. Depending on the circumstances, one spouse may keep the business while the other receives different marital assets to achieve an equitable property division. Planning ahead can also help reduce disruptions to employees, customers and daily operations while the divorce moves forward. Understanding these issues can help business owners prepare for important financial decisions while protecting what they have worked hard to build.

Preparing for what's next

Divorce often requires business owners to make personal and financial decisions at the same time. While those choices may feel overwhelming, understanding how Maryland law approaches business ownership can help reduce uncertainty and make the road ahead easier to manage. By seeking guidance from an experienced Maryland divorce attorney, business owners can better understand their legal options and make informed decisions that support both the future of the business and the next chapter of their lives.]]> On Behalf of Moylan Family Law <![CDATA[How are retirement accounts divided in a Maryland divorce?]]> https://www.towsonfamilylawattorney.com/?p=249530 2026-06-30T01:30:20Z 2026-06-30T01:27:52Z Retirement accounts are marital property Maryland follows equitable distribution rules, which means the court divides marital property fairly, though not always equally. Maryland courts typically treat retirement accounts that you or your spouse earn during the marriage as marital property, even if only one spouse owns the account. Common types of retirement assets subject to division include:
  • 401(k) plans
  • Individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
  • Pension plans
  • Deferred compensation plans
  • Certain employer-sponsored retirement benefits
The court generally looks at when the retirement benefits were earned to determine what portion qualifies as marital property.

How courts divide retirement assets

Dividing retirement accounts often requires more than simply splitting a balance in half. Courts may consider several factors when determining a fair distribution, including:
  • The length of the marriage
  • Each spouse’s financial contributions
  • Each spouse’s future financial needs
  • Whether part of the account existed before the marriage
  • Tax consequences associated with different division methods
In many cases, courts use a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide employer-sponsored retirement plans without triggering tax penalties or early withdrawal fees.

Not all retirement assets are treated the same

Different types of retirement accounts may require different division methods. For example, courts may divide pensions based on future payment distributions, while they may divide 401(k) accounts based on current account balances. Proper valuation and legal documentation are often necessary to ensure a fair division.

Why timing and documentation matter

Accurate financial records play a critical role in retirement account division. Statements, contribution history, and employment records help determine what portion of the account qualifies as marital property. Delays or missing information can complicate the process and may affect the final outcome of your case.

Why legal guidance matters

Dividing retirement assets involves complex financial and legal rules, including tax implications and compliance with federal retirement regulations. An experienced Maryland family law attorney can evaluate your retirement accounts, identify marital and separate portions, and help ensure a fair division of assets. If you are facing divorce in Towson, consulting a family law attorney can help you understand your rights, protect your retirement savings, and plan for your financial future.]]> On Behalf of Moylan Family Law <![CDATA[How to protect your assets from divorce without a prenup]]> https://www.towsonfamilylawattorney.com/?p=249528 2026-06-10T10:16:13Z 2026-06-10T10:16:13Z Preserve separate property and document ownership Not every asset you own automatically becomes part of the marital assets in a divorce. Under Maryland law, property acquired during a marriage generally falls within the definition of marital property. Property obtained before the marriage, received through inheritance or given by a third party often remains separate. Since ownership history matters, several actions can help create a clearer record:
  • Keep separate accounts: Avoid placing inherited funds or premarital savings into joint accounts. Mixed funds can make ownership harder to prove.
  • Maintain detailed records: Keep bank statements and account histories. These documents can show where the property came from and when you acquired it.
  • Consider a trust: A properly structured trust can separate specific holdings from jointly owned resources. The terms and funding history still matter.
  • Avoid using separate funds for shared obligations: Using your inherited money to pay shared debts or property costs can blur the line between separate and marital finances.
  • Explore a postnuptial agreement: You can use this type of agreement to define how the parties will treat certain property if the relationship ends.
These steps create a clearer paper trail for tracing separate property. They help show whether a specific property should remain separate rather than be included among the assets the court reviews.

Planning early can reduce future disputes

Ownership questions often become harder when separate and marital property have been commingled. Early organization of records can make those issues easier to address if disagreements arise. However, documentation alone does not determine the outcome. Every family’s circumstances differ. Hence, the right approach depends on the property involved and its history. Legal guidance can help you review documents and available options before any major decisions.]]> On Behalf of Moylan Family Law <![CDATA[Does a criminal record affect your custody rights in Maryland?]]> https://www.towsonfamilylawattorney.com/?p=249510 2026-05-14T08:31:39Z 2026-05-14T08:31:39Z A criminal record's role in custody decisions Maryland family courts center on the child's well-being and interests in every custody determination. A conviction does not mean you will lose custody, but the court will examine what the offense involved, when it occurred and whether it reflects a pattern of behavior. Judges also consider whether the conduct poses any current risk to the child's physical or emotional safety.

Offenses that can influence your case

The following categories of offenses tend to raise more concern for Maryland judges:
  • Domestic violence or protective order violations
  • Drug or alcohol charges, including DUI
  • Child abuse or neglect
  • Sex offenses
  • A pattern of repeated offenses, regardless of how severe
Even when one of these offenses appears on your record, the court may still grant restricted shared custody, or, in more severe cases, mandate supervised visitation to ensure the child's safety.

Options to mitigate your record's impact

If you have completed probation, attended counseling or substance abuse treatment, or maintained a clean record since your conviction, those efforts can work in your favor. Demonstrating that you have taken concrete steps to address the underlying issues reflects a commitment to your child's safety and stability. Expungement may also be an option depending on the nature of your offense. Maryland law allows certain convictions, such as disorderly conduct or misdemeanor theft, to be expunged from your record, which could remove the conviction from consideration in a custody proceeding.

Preparation before a custody hearing

Walking into a custody hearing with a criminal record can feel daunting, but solid preparation can make a real difference. Gathering evidence of your rehabilitation, stable housing and active role in your child's life gives the court something tangible to weigh alongside your record. It also helps to anticipate what the other parent may raise during the hearing. If your criminal history is likely to come up, addressing it directly and honestly can show accountability rather than avoidance. Consulting an attorney can help you understand what Maryland judges look for in a custody case. That knowledge can help you present a picture of who you are today rather than letting your past define the outcome.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Lauri M. Moylan <![CDATA[Who gets the art and jewelry in divorce?]]> https://www.towsonfamilylawattorney.com/?p=249457 2026-04-17T16:02:06Z 2026-04-17T16:02:06Z Why some assets are harder to divide Not all property fits into a simple or direct division process. Some assets need closer review before any decisions move forward, especially when their value or ownership is not immediately clear. Several factors make these assets more difficult to address:
  • Values depend on appraisals rather than fixed numbers
  • Market conditions change over time
  • Ownership may remain unclear, especially with gifts or inherited items
  • Emotional attachment influences how each party views the asset
  • Some items are easier to overlook or undervalue
Together, these factors can turn a single item into a point of dispute. What seems minor at first may become more important as both sides take a closer look and weigh both financial and personal value.

How valuation may work in these cases

Courts often rely on professional appraisers to determine the value of unique assets because these items do not have a set price. An appraiser reviews the condition of the item, its history and current market demand to estimate what a buyer might reasonably pay. In some cases, each side presents a different appraisal, which creates a gap in value that both sides must address. In many cases, the focus stays on fair market value rather than the original purchase price, so current resale value often matters more. Questions about whether an item counts as shared property may also affect how both sides approach valuation. Supporting records such as receipts, certificates of authenticity and prior appraisals can help establish value, while limited documentation may lead to longer discussions as both sides work toward a reasonable estimate.

Ways these assets may be divided

Because these items cannot be split physically, courts and parties often look for practical ways to divide them while keeping the overall distribution balanced. Common approaches include:
  • One person keeps the asset while the other receives property of similar value
  • The item is sold and the proceeds are divided between both parties
  • A collection is divided across both sides based on estimated value
At times, both sides reach an agreement based on personal preference. One person may place higher value on a specific item, while the other may prefer financial assets in return, which can help resolve the issue without further dispute.

What this may mean for your case

Art, jewelry and collectibles may represent only part of the total estate, but they can still affect how a case moves forward. Disputes over value or ownership may extend timelines or influence settlement discussions, especially when both sides view the asset differently. These items also carry personal meaning that goes beyond financial value, which can make decisions more difficult even when the numbers appear straightforward. If you expect these types of assets to be part of your case, learning how courts and parties handle them can help you prepare for the process ahead and make more informed decisions.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Lauri M. Moylan <![CDATA[Can you change a divorce settlement years later?]]> https://www.towsonfamilylawattorney.com/?p=249458 2026-03-05T07:38:08Z 2026-03-05T07:38:08Z Custody or child support circumstances change Courts can change custody or child support when something important in your child’s life or your financial situation changes. A major income shift, a move that affects parenting time or new medical or school needs may give the court a reason to update the order.

The alimony order allows modification

Alimony can change later if the divorce order allows it. Some support orders stay open to change because financial situations can shift over time. Retirement, illness or a significant drop in income may give the court a reason to review the amount. If the order says alimony cannot be modified, the court will usually keep the terms as written.

Hidden assets or fraud come to light

A court may revisit a divorce settlement if one spouse hid money or property during the divorce. Divorce requires both people to share full financial information, including bank accounts, investments and business interests. If someone kept assets secret or gave false financial details, the agreement may rest on incomplete information. When clear proof shows that happened, the court may step in and address the problem even years later.

Find out if your situation qualifies for a review.

If something about your divorce settlement no longer adds up, start by looking at which part of the order concerns you and what has changed since the divorce. Some terms stay final, while others may change in the right circumstances. A conversation with a family law attorney can help you understand whether your situation fits one of the limited paths.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Lauri M. Moylan <![CDATA[3 financial mistakes high earners make in divorce]]> https://www.towsonfamilylawattorney.com/?p=249459 2026-07-29T07:31:50Z 2026-01-30T14:53:49Z After working hard to build significant income and assets, you might assume that the success you have earned will carry over into your divorce. However, that kind of assumption can lead to costly mistakes. Maryland’s divorce law favors preparation and credibility over money. Knowing where professionals stumble can help protect what you have built.

Mistake 1: Assuming income guarantees leverage

High income does not automatically give you control in a Maryland divorce. Maryland follows equitable distribution. Judges divide marital property fairly, not always 50/50, after classifying and valuing it. Your income affects alimony, child support and monetary awards. Maryland courts look at marital lifestyle to determine spousal support, make decisions on dissipation claims or to gauge a spouse’s financial credibility. They may also review earning capacity and ability to pay. A strong salary can increase support awards and trigger closer review of spending habits. If you assume income protects you, you may miss early opportunities to shape the proceeding’s outcome in your favor.

Mistake 2: Treating complex compensation as simple income

You may misjudge how courts view compensation. Executive pay rarely fits into a simple box. In Maryland, the key question is whether compensation is marital or nonmarital and what portion ties to marital effort. Certain forms of pay may receive close attention. Labels do not control the outcome. The timing of the compensation, the purpose of the payment and the degree of marital effort matter more. Maryland judges may examine:
  • Performance bonuses earned during the marriage
  • Deferred compensation tied to marital work
  • Stock options or RSUs that vest later
  • Business income mixed with personal expenses
You may also underestimate the tax impact of these assets as a high earner. RSU withholding, option timing, bonus dates and pass-through entity taxes can change the actual value of a settlement. Even without giving tax advice, after-tax value often drives settlement fairness. Early clarity can reduce disputes and cost.

Mistake 3: Waiting too long to define the financial narrative

Delays may weaken your position. Courts and opposing counsel form impressions early. If you wait to organize records or explain financial decisions, you lose control of the story. Because Maryland courts commonly require sworn financial statements and robust documentation, any gaps or inconsistencies can affect your credibility. Relying on informal agreements can also backfire. Early expectations shape negotiations and court decisions.

Winning requires more than earning power

As a high earner, you will succeed when you act with strategy. Understanding how Maryland courts view income and assets matters more than raw numbers. Strong outcomes come from early planning. Legal support can help you protect your future by managing the process.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Lauri M. Moylan <![CDATA[The role of valuations in Maryland high-asset divorces]]> https://www.towsonfamilylawattorney.com/?p=249460 2026-01-08T04:42:58Z 2026-01-08T04:42:58Z Influence on asset division in Maryland high-asset divorces Maryland uses equitable distribution. You do not start from a fixed split. The court focuses on fairness after it sorts property into marital and nonmarital categories and sets a value for the marital share. Valuation helps you compare options. You may keep an asset that does not divide easily, then discuss an offset through other property or money. Maryland also allows the court to consider marital debts as part of the overall picture, which can change the figures you work from.

Application to complex marital property

High-asset divorce cases often include property without a public market. Your review may involve items such as:
  • Closely held companies: Limited sales history may affect comparison.
  • Investment accounts: Market movement may shift the reported value.
  • Professional practices: Income may depend on personal effort.
  • Real estate: Mixed personal use and rental income may affect the review.
You may reach out to appraisers or financial professionals to estimate value ranges. The court may then use those ranges when it evaluates a monetary award or eligible transfers.

How valuation ranges may shape later decisions

From here, you may look at which assets carry the widest value ranges and which figures could influence near-term decisions. You may also decide whether obtaining clearer numbers would help compare options or frame tradeoffs. That review can guide what financial details deserve attention next.]]> On Behalf of The Law Office of Lauri M. Moylan <![CDATA[New year, new path: Preparing for a Maryland divorce]]> https://www.towsonfamilylawattorney.com/?p=249461 2025-12-31T15:19:51Z 2025-12-31T15:19:51Z Divorce resolution list Maryland law recently changed to simplify the divorce process. You can now file for divorce based on six months of separation, mutual consent or irreconcilable differences. To prepare for this transition, consider the following steps:
  • Establish independence: Open individual bank accounts and draft a post-divorce budget to gain clarity on your future finances.
  • Use the parenting plan tool: Download Maryland Form CC-DR-109 to begin outlining custody and visitation arrangements for your children.
  • Audit general records: Collect your pay stubs, marital property deeds, and household debt statements to create a clear financial snapshot.
Organizing these foundational documents now will save you significant time during the legal process. Clear records help ensure your lawyer effectively advocates for your interests.

Strategy for complex marital estates

For households with businesses, professional practices or diverse portfolios, the discovery process requires a more technical approach to achieve an equitable distribution of marital property. You must look beyond basic income to protect your long-term interests and business holdings. Consider these high-level actions:
  • Inventory complex assets: Gather documentation for business interests, stock options, deferred compensation and out-of-state real estate.
  • Trace separate property: Identify assets acquired before the marriage or through inheritance to ensure they remain classified as nonmarital property.
  • Keep an eye on commingling: While assets like inheritances are generally considered nonmarital, they can lose that protection if they are mixed with joint funds, such as depositing an inheritance into a shared savings account. Keeping these assets in separate accounts is the best way to ensure they remain yours.
  • Secure tax documentation: Collect at least three years of joint and business tax returns to identify potential commingled funds.
Detailed documentation of these complicated holdings is vital during the discovery phase of a high net worth divorce. Proper preparation prevents unexpected liabilities and ensures your marital estate is valued accurately.

Taking the first step

Approaching 2026 with an organized plan and a positive mindset is the best strategy for a smooth transition. For estates with complex assets and custody arrangements, having skilled legal guidance is essential to ensure your long-term financial interests and parental rights are fully protected under Maryland law. Investing in a tailored legal strategy now allows you to move forward with confidence and clarity. You deserve a sophisticated approach that reflects your unique goals for the coming year.]]>