The attorneys of Macari & Wilson are prepared to represent you through each phase of your domestic matter. From the initial consultation to trial, Macari & Wilson will zealously advocate for you. We offer a comprehensive package of services which are uniquely tailored for the specific needs of each client. These services may include, but are not limited to:

Pre Divorce Strategy / Consultation Services. For nearly all parties seeking a divorce, the process can be both daunting and confusing. The decision to seek a divorce rarely happens overnight and typically comes after months or even years of deliberation. Getting ahead of the process can eliminate a significant burden during the process. The attorneys of Macari & Wilson can help you prepare for the divorce and orient your matter to streamline the process and protect your access to vital information about your personal and family finances. 

Settlement Negotiation.  Once the decision to seek a divorce has been made it is important to keep in mind the short  term and long-term goals of the divorce. Many different considerations must be made to ensure that the divorce goes as smoothly as possible. This often includes the negotiation of a marital settlement agreement.  An MSA is the binding contract between you and your spouse which encompasses all of the terms necessary to seek a divorce through what is known as a mutual consent divorce. The attorneys of Macari & Wilson are experienced and knowledgeable in the process of drafting and negotiating the terms required to achieve a divorce in the state of Maryland including spousal support otherwise known as alimony (see below), property distribution, and other related terms pertaining to items such as bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investment portfolios

Divorce Stemming from Abuse. Although it is rare, the parties to a divorce may be so far removed from one another that no meaningful discussions can be had regarding the distribution of any assets or the custody of the child. In these cases, it is often better to prepare for the fight before coming to the negotiating table. Cases that fall into this designation often stem from a history or pattern of abusive conduct. abuse can take many forms, including physical , financial , or sexual abuse. Should you find yourself in an abusive situation it is important to have an attorney on your side who is capable and willing to defend not only your goals in the divorce but also prevent you from falling into greater harm. The attorneys of Macari & Wilson have successfully represented and defended victims of abuse from further acts that could have harmed them and secured highly favorable results for their clients against their former abusers.

Mutual Consent Divorce. There is an adage that says approximately 90% of all lawsuits end in settlement. That is no less true in divorce cases. In the event that a settlement is reached it is important to be prepared for what is called an uncontested divorce hearing. This hearing is designed to give the judge or magistrate a snapshot overview of the terms reached by the parties and ensure everyone understands the finality of the proceedings. Given the uncontested nature of these proceedings you could reasonably expect less than an hour actual Court time and a reduced or non-existent cross examination by the opposing attorney if your spouse has opted to hire one. In short, the issues to be discussed are the terms themselves and confirming that you understand them. The attorneys of Macari & Wilson are experienced and capable of representing you before the court for both contested and uncontested matters and will ensure you are prepared regardless of what type of hearing is being convened.

Spousal Support and Alimony. Alimony, otherwise known as spousal support, is a hot button issue in most divorce matters. Maryland essentially recognizes two forms of alimony (temporary versus permanent). The court will consider a wide array of factors in deciding who, if anyone, is entitled to alimony and the amount and length thereof. Alimony is not inherently awarded to either side and both parties may make a good faith claim for the amount and duration of any payments. As a general matter, the court will place a great deal of emphasis on the needs of the recipient spouse versus the ability of the paying spouse to make these payments while also remaining self supporting. The attorneys of Macari & Wilson are prepared to evaluate and assess the need for alimony against the ability to make these alimony payments and will diligently pursue the claim or defense of each client's unique needs.

Mediation. Oftentimes, parties to a divorce matter may want to engage the services of a mediator to help resolve outstanding issues. A mediator serves a vital role in reaching an agreement as they are neutral and do not take the position that either party is inherently at fault. The mediator will hear both versions of what led to the divorce and will hear both versions of what should be done with the marital estate. The mediator then crafts a settlement proposal for both parties to review and helps broker an agreement between both sides. A unique aspect of mediation is the removal of formal obligations imposed by a court through the discovery process and allows the parties greater flexibility in what is actually required to settle their matter. Mediation is available pre litigation and can streamline reaching a marital settlement agreement and later uncontested divorce. The attorneys of Macari & Wilson have extensive experience attending and reaching favorable results through mediation and have a network of trusted mediators who will help facilitate meaningful discussion.

Custody litigation. An area of domestic cases that requires a unique and specific touch is the area of child custody. The court will want to resolve three major issues at the time of divorce. The first is legal custody, i.e., the decision making authority over a minor child. The court has a wide range of discretion in allocating this authority and is always weighed against what is in the child's best interest. Second is physical custody, i.e., the parenting time each parent has with the minor child, which is also weighed against the child's best interest. Finally, the court must make a decision on child support. Notably, this is not a subscription fee to see the child but is instead each parent's obligation and responsibility to take care of their child reduced monetary figure. Important considerations are the number of overnight visitations each parent receives, out of pocket medical expenses, work related child care expenses, and any other special needs the child may have. The attorneys of Macari & Wilson are prepared to advocate for and defend your right to receive child support and will zealously defend your interest in protecting your child's financial welfare.

Establishment of Paternity. A somewhat less common issue in custody matters is the issue of paternity. Should you have questions of parentage, the attorneys of Macari & Wilson will work with you to determine paternity of the minor child and will diligently work to enforce your rights as a parent to that child. 

Protective and Peace Orders. The process for reclaiming one's peace from the hands of an abuser requires a great deal of bravery. Oftentimes the first step in that process is seeking a peace or protective order from the court. Beginning the process to obtain protection from the court can Grant you immediate albeit temporary relief from the abuse suffered. You may also seek protection for your loved ones including your minor children even if the abuser is related to the minor children. You can rest easy knowing the attorneys of Macari & Wilson are ready to stand up for your rights and fight to protect yourself and your loved ones  from abuse no matter what form it may take. 

Modification of Child Custody. Once a decision has been made concerning custody of a minor child, the court maintains jurisdiction to modify and adjust that decision as needed. To do so, the court must find  a material change in circumstances affecting the minor child's best interest. These material changes can be positive or negative, but, in either circumstance, must affect the child's best interest. Seeking a modification can be difficult and frustrating, but doing so is often required to protect your child. The attorneys of Macari & Wilson are prepared to assist you in modifying your custody arrangement in light of whatever the change in circumstances may be. 

Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements. Despite the reputation pre and post-nuptial agreements may have, they serve as a wonderful tool to prepare and protect both spouses in the event of a divorce. By negotiating the fundamental divorce terms in advance, the remaining issues can be paired down to just a few outstanding items. The attorneys of Macari & Wilson are prepared to represent you throughout the drafting and negotiating process and will assist you in reaching an agreement that is both fair and simplifies your divorce, should you need to seek one in the future.

Adoption. An understated area of law in domestic matters is the area of adoption. Understanding that families are not only those that are biologically related to us but also those whom we have come to love as if they were, the adoption process is a means of formally recognizing the familial relationship between those who already feel that relationship. Adopting a child it's not something that should be taken lightly and is a decision that could have consequences far exceeding the immediate future. The attorneys of Macari & Wilson are prepared to represent you throughout the adoption process and will assist you in formalizing and establishing the family you have created as if they were your own flesh and blood