Practice Areas

At the Law Office of Elizabeth Stup, LLC, we take seriously the legal and emotional impact that family law matters have on you and your loved ones. Representing clients in Frederick, Washington, Howard and Carroll Counties, we provide comprehensive representation in the following areas:

Divorce / Separation Agreements

Our attorneys provide supportive guidance throughout the entire divorce or separation process, ensuring that our clients' interests are protected. Every divorce or separation presents a new and unique set of facts and issues. We will listen to your concerns and help you make the best decisions for yourself and your family regarding the various issues that accompany the ending of a relationship, including:

• Child Custody & Modifications - Nothing in a divorce is more difficult or complex than the issues of child custody and visitation. Our attorneys help parents develop workable visitation schedules and parenting plans that meet their children's needs and fit the families' unique goals and objectives.

Even years after a marriage has ended, events may transpire that affect the terms of a divorce agreement. When circumstances change, a party can petition for a post-judgment modification. For example, changes may be made if the current arrangement becomes detrimental to the child, or because a parent has remarried, moved or the child's needs have changed. If your original divorce agreement no longer reflects the current circumstances, we can help you seek a modification.

• Child & Spousal Support / Alimony - In some divorces, one spouse will be ordered by the court to pay child support, or to financially support or pay alimony to the other spouse. We help families establish an arrangement that meets the needs of both the parties and the children.  If a settlement is not reached, we work to present a case that will assist the court in reaching a decision that is most favorable to our client.

• Financial & Property Issues - Maryland is an equitable distribution state, which means that property acquired during a marriage is not divided by ownership or title, but in a way that takes into account the circumstances, earning ability and standard of living of both parties. We work to help divorcing couples reach agreements to divide their property and debts in a manner that meets the needs of both parties rather than leave the matter to the court.  In cases where settlement agreements cannot be reached, we make every effort to persuade the court to divide the property in the manner most beneficial to our client.

Mediation & Collaborative Process

We believe that amicable divorce agreements, achieved through mediation or the collaborative process allow separating spouses to resolve issues in a financially and emotionally beneficial manner. Whenever possible, our attorneys work with clients to achieve a favorable divorce or separation agreement without the stress of litigation.

Domestic Violence / Protective Orders

In cases of spousal or child abuse, a party may ask a court for a protective order by filing a civil suit, which is distinct from filing criminal charges against your spouse or partner. A protective order requires your spouse or partner to stay away from you, your home and place of business and to obey certain rules for a specified period of time, often during the pendency of a divorce or custody matter. The order may limit contact with you or your children, or prohibit contact entirely. Our attorneys help victims of domestic violence obtain protective orders.  We also defend against such orders in cases where charges may have been brought without merit.

DSS/CPS Actions

Our attorneys assist clients with matters involving the Department of Social Services (DSS) or Child Protective Services (CPS), including child protective actions, adult protective actions, domestic violence issues, and neglect and abuse cases. Our goal is to protect children and assist parents in providing proper care and attention to their children.

Advanced Directives

We help clients prepare advanced directives, which establish the medical treatments that you wish to receive or not receive in the event of serious injury or illness. You are encouraged to make such directives because they are the best way to ensure that your health care wishes are known and considered if you are unable to speak for yourself for any reason. Our attorneys discuss options with clients openly and honestly, to allow the client to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Adoptions

If you are considering adoption, you need an experienced, supportive attorney to guide you through the process. We have assisted clients with a variety of adoption matters, including stepparent adoptions, foster parent adoptions and private adoptions. Please see our adoption page for additional information about this important area of our practice.

Wills & Powers of Attorney

Our attorneys assist clients with estate planning, including the preparation of wills and powers of attorney, as well as probate for small estates and guardianships for disabled adults.

Seek Experienced, Dedicated Representation

If you are considering divorce or face another legal matter involving family relationships, please contact the Law Office of Elizabeth Stup, LLC for comprehensive legal counsel.