Family Law Attorneys Serving Hagerstown & Washington County, MD

Family law matters — divorce, custody disputes, child support, protective orders — can be among the most stressful situations a person faces. The decisions made during these proceedings can affect your family, your finances, and your daily life for years to come. The Law Offices of Andrea Cheeatow represents individuals and families in family law matters in Hagerstown, Washington County, Frederick County, and throughout the surrounding Maryland communities.

Our attorneys work to help clients understand their options, prepare for what lies ahead, and navigate the legal process with clear communication and practical guidance. Every family law matter is different, and the right approach depends on the facts of your situation.

Dealing with a Family Law Matter?

Contact our Hagerstown office to speak with a family law attorney about your situation.

Family Law Services

Our attorneys handle a range of family law and related protective-order matters in Maryland courts. Below is an overview of the types of cases we handle.

Divorce

Maryland currently recognizes three grounds for divorce: mutual consent, 6-month separation, and irreconcilable differences. A divorce proceeding can also address related issues such as alimony, marital property division, child custody, parenting time, and child support. The specific approach that makes sense depends on the facts of your situation.

An attorney can help you understand the process, the grounds that may apply to your circumstances, and what to expect at each stage of the proceeding.

Child Custody

Custody decisions are among the most significant outcomes of any family law proceeding. Maryland courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent's fitness, the child's relationship with each parent, the child's preference (depending on age and maturity), and other relevant circumstances. There is no automatic presumption in favor of either parent.

Custody arrangements can involve legal custody — the authority to make major decisions about the child's upbringing — and physical custody — where the child primarily lives. These can be sole or joint, and the specific arrangement depends on what the court determines serves the child's best interests. Custody can be resolved by agreement between the parties or decided by the court after a hearing.

Our attorneys represent clients in custody matters in Washington County Circuit Court and other Maryland jurisdictions, whether the matter involves an initial custody determination, a modification of an existing order, or a contested hearing.

Child Support

Maryland uses income-sharing guidelines to calculate child support obligations. The guidelines take into account both parents' incomes, the number of children, the custody arrangement, and certain expenses such as health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs. Courts generally follow the guidelines, though there are circumstances where a deviation may be appropriate based on the facts of the case.

Child support orders can also be modified if there has been a material change in circumstances since the original order was entered. An attorney can help you understand how the guidelines may apply to your situation and what options may be available.

Protective Orders & Peace Orders

Maryland provides two distinct types of civil court orders designed to protect individuals from harm or harassment: protective orders and peace orders. They are not the same thing, and the eligibility requirements differ.

A protective order is available to individuals who have a qualifying relationship with the alleged abuser — such as a current or former spouse, a household member, a co-parent, or certain other defined relationships — and who have experienced or are in immediate danger of abuse as defined under Maryland law. Protective orders are issued in stages: interim, temporary, and final. A final protective order can remain in effect for up to one year and may be extended. Violating a protective order is a criminal offense.

A peace order is available when the parties do not have a qualifying relationship for a protective order. Peace orders can address a broader range of conduct, including harassment, stalking, trespass, and malicious destruction of property. Like protective orders, peace orders are issued in stages and carry legal consequences if violated.

Whether you are seeking a protective or peace order, or responding to one that has been filed against you, it is important to understand the process and your rights. Our attorneys can help you navigate these proceedings in Washington County and surrounding Maryland courts.

Separation Agreements

A separation agreement — sometimes called a marital settlement agreement or property settlement agreement — is a written contract between spouses that addresses the terms of their separation. A well-drafted separation agreement can resolve issues such as property division, spousal support, and, where applicable, custody and child support, without the need for contested litigation.

A separation agreement does not by itself terminate the marriage. However, it can provide a framework for the parties to live separately and, when the applicable requirements are met, can be incorporated into a final divorce decree. Having an attorney review or draft a separation agreement can help ensure that the terms are clear, enforceable, and consistent with Maryland law.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement — also called an antenuptial agreement — is a contract entered into by two people before marriage that addresses property rights, financial matters, and related issues in the event of divorce or death. Prenuptial agreements can be a practical planning tool for individuals who have significant assets, prior marriages, children from prior relationships, or other circumstances that make advance planning appropriate.

Under Maryland law, a prenuptial agreement is generally enforceable if it is in writing, signed by both parties, and entered into knowingly and voluntarily. The specific enforceability of any agreement depends on the circumstances. An attorney can help you understand what a prenuptial agreement can and cannot accomplish and assist with drafting or reviewing an agreement.

Alimony & Spousal Support

Maryland courts may award alimony — also called spousal support — in connection with a divorce. Alimony can be awarded on a temporary basis during the pendency of the case, for a defined period after the divorce (rehabilitative alimony), or, in limited circumstances, indefinitely. The court considers a range of factors, including the length of the marriage, each party's financial circumstances, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living established during the marriage.

Whether alimony is appropriate, and in what amount and duration, depends on the specific facts of the case. An attorney can help you understand how Maryland law may apply to your situation.

Property Division

Maryland is an equitable distribution state, meaning that marital property is divided fairly — though not necessarily equally — upon divorce. The court distinguishes between marital property (generally, property acquired during the marriage) and non-marital property (generally, property owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance). The court may make a monetary award to adjust the equities between the parties based on a range of factors.

Property division can involve real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, vehicles, and other assets. The analysis depends on the nature of the property, how it was acquired, and the circumstances of the marriage. An attorney can help you understand how Maryland's property division rules may apply to your situation.

If you are facing a divorce, custody dispute, or other family law matter in Maryland, here are some general things to keep in mind:

  • Contact an attorney early. Family law proceedings involve deadlines, court filings, and procedural requirements. Having legal guidance from the start can help you understand what to expect and avoid missteps that are difficult to correct later.
  • Keep records and documentation. Gather and preserve financial records, communications, and any documents relevant to your situation. Bring them to your consultation.
  • Be mindful of communications. What you say — in person, by text, by email, or on social media — can become relevant in a family law proceeding. Avoid making statements that could be taken out of context.
  • Understand that outcomes depend on the facts. Family law matters are highly fact-specific. What happened in someone else's case may not reflect what will happen in yours. An attorney can help you understand how Maryland law applies to your particular situation.
  • Consider the long-term picture. Decisions made during a family law proceeding — particularly regarding custody, support, and property — can have lasting effects. It is worth taking the time to understand your options before agreeing to terms.

This information is general in nature and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Our Approach to Family Law

Local presence in Hagerstown. Our office is located at 134 West Washington Street in Hagerstown. We handle family law matters regularly in the Circuit Court for Washington County, as well as in Frederick County and other nearby Maryland jurisdictions. We are familiar with the local courts and the local process.

Clear communication. Family law matters can be stressful and emotionally difficult. We work to keep our clients informed at each stage of their case — explaining what is happening, what to expect next, and what options are available. You will know who is handling your matter and be able to reach them with questions.

Practical guidance. Andrea Cheeatow and Daniel Tait bring courtroom experience to family law matters, including contested hearings and trials. Our attorneys work to help clients understand their situation, prepare for what lies ahead, and make informed decisions throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the grounds for divorce in Maryland?

Maryland currently recognizes three grounds for divorce: mutual consent, 6-month separation, and irreconcilable differences. A divorce may also address issues such as alimony, marital property, child custody, parenting time, and child support. The right approach depends on the facts of your situation, and an attorney can help you understand your options.

How is child custody decided in Maryland?

Maryland courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. Courts consider a range of factors, including each parent's fitness, the child's relationship with each parent, the child's preference (depending on age and maturity), material opportunities, and other relevant circumstances. Custody can be decided by agreement between the parties or by the court after a hearing. There is no automatic presumption in favor of either parent.

How is child support calculated in Maryland?

Maryland uses income-sharing guidelines to calculate child support. The guidelines take into account both parents' incomes, the number of children, the custody arrangement, and certain expenses such as health insurance and work-related childcare costs. Courts generally follow the guidelines, though there are circumstances where a deviation may be appropriate. An attorney can help you understand how the guidelines may apply to your situation.

What is the difference between a protective order and a peace order in Maryland?

A protective order is available to individuals who have a qualifying relationship with the alleged abuser — such as a current or former spouse, household member, or co-parent — and who have experienced or are in immediate danger of abuse as defined under Maryland law. A peace order is available when the parties do not have a qualifying relationship for a protective order, and covers a broader range of conduct including harassment, stalking, and trespass. Both are civil court orders, but they have different eligibility requirements and procedural rules. An attorney can help you understand which may apply to your situation.

Do you handle family law matters in Washington County Circuit Court?

Yes. We handle family law matters in the Circuit Court for Washington County, as well as in Frederick County and other Maryland jurisdictions. Most contested family law matters — including divorce, custody, and support — are heard in the Circuit Court.

How much does an initial consultation cost?

The cost for an initial consultation is $100.00, paid by debit or credit card when the appointment is scheduled. All consultations are conducted by telephone. If you choose to hire the firm, the $100.00 fee is credited toward your retainer. Otherwise, the fee is non-refundable.

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