Rockville MD Divorce Law Blog

Sports fans in Maryland remember Michael Jordan for all his success on the court as one of the greatest NBA players in history. Even though his first marriage may not have been quite as triumphant as his basketball career, MJ is giving marriage another shot with his new wife, a 33-year-old model, that he has dated since 2009. The couple was married on April 27 in a Florida church, witnessed by plenty of celebrities and old NBA teammates and competitors alike.

Jordan wisely had his new wife sign a prenuptial agreement prior to their marriage, which will still pay her handsomely, if the couple ever divorces. According to the prenuptial agreement, in the event of a split, his wife will receive $1 million for each year they have been married, and, if they remain married for 10 years or more, that amount will increase to $5 million per year.

People in Maryland may have seen a recent editorial article discussing how divorce is not always a bad thing. While the common reaction to hearing that divorce rates have increased substantially over the last two decades was generally negative, there are certainly some instances where a divorce can be a blessing in disguise, or a way out of an abusive or loveless marriage.

The author of the story told of a grandmother who had suffered for many years as a near-indentured servant to her husband's mother, and dutifully endured an abusive and painful marriage to a husband who did not show love or affection. Her explanation was that she did not know any differently, and, in her generation, women did not have the available resources to strike out on their own. "That's just the way it was," she says. "I didn't know it could be any other way."

People in Maryland may remember Kordell Stewart, most notably as quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The NFL player -- once given the nickname "Slash" for his ability to play multiple positions -- may now be famous for his no-nonsense approach to filing for divorce from his wife, Porsha. Allegedly, Stewart filed for divorce without even telling his estranged wife of two years, who was shocked to learn of the divorce filing through media outlets.

Additionally, Stewart is claiming that Porsha has no right to any of his assets because of a prenuptial agreement the couple signed prior to their marriage. Stewart and his wife have been staples on the reality TV show "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," and as a result the media attention given to the couple's marital troubles has been widespread and sensational.

People in Maryland and readers of the blog may have seen a recent Forbes article about the way divorce can change a person's family and financial life. While some things are inevitable and may just be considered the cost of not remaining in an unhappy marriage, there are things that couples with children can do in order to soften the blow while protecting their children's best interests.

Child custody is often the most contentious issue in a divorce. Even in an amicable divorce, parents can differ about what is in the child's best interests, which can lead to bitter conflict. By default, Maryland courts will consider joint custody between both parents as the norm, or name one parent the primary residential parent and grant the other parent visitation and family time. Of course every situation is different, and if good cause is shown the court may also grant sole custody to one parent.