Annapolis Family Law Attorney

Legal Solutions for Maryland Families

A ruling in family court will likely affect your life for many years to come. Therefore, it is extremely important to retain a lawyer who has a deep understanding of the law and the options available to you. During her 30 year legal career, attorney Jutih Billage has helped countless families in Annapolis successfully resolve family law disputes. Whether you are undergoing a divorce, involved in a child custody dispute or have another family law concern, she will work tirelessly to help you achieve your legal goals.

High Quality, Cost-Effective Solutions for a Variety of Family Law Matters

Attorney Billage provides exceptional legal representation while remaining conscious of price. By utilizing a variety of techniques - litigation, negotiation, mediation, collaborative law - she can obtain cost-effective and timely results for her clients.

Her firm efficiently handles a variety of family law concerns, including:

• Divorce and legal separation

• Child custody and visitation

• Child support

• Adoption

• Prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements

Attorney Billage understands that family is a deeply personal area of law and that these cases can take an emotional toll on a person. She offers a holistic approach to legal representation and can refer clients to trusted therapists and counselors.

Experience in High Stakes Cases

Attorney Billage has experience in high-stakes family law cases where substantial property and assets are on the line. She has dealt with stock options and retirement funds and will fight aggressively to ensure that you receive your fair share of the marital estate.

Unique Insight into the Legal Needs of Military Families

As the wife of a retired Coast Guard officer, Attorney Billage has intimate insight into the unique challenges military families face and can help you obtain the solutions your family needs. Contact attorney Judith Billage to discuss your case in a free initial 15 minute phone consultation.

Annapolis Divorce Lawyer

Anne Arundel County Legal Separation Attorney With More Than 30 Years' Experience

Under Maryland law, spouses must wait 12 months to obtain an absolute divorce that dissolves the marriage, unless the divorce is sought on the grounds of adultery, cruelty or excessively vicious conduct. Many spouses will enter into a voluntary separation agreement that governs their financial affairs and relations with their children during the 12-month period.

Judith Billage is an Annapolis divorce attorney who has guided women and men through the Maryland divorce process for more than 30 years. Her extensive experience allows her to provide practical advice, honest assessments, and cost-effective legal services.

If you are thinking about divorce, even if a final decision has not yet been made, it is wise to consult a lawyer to learn about your rights and obligations. To make an appointment with attorney Judith Billage, call 410-263-8411 or send an e-mail.

Ms. Billage takes a special interest in the family law needs of military families, including military divorces. As the wife of a retired Coast Guard officer, Attorney Billage has unique and intimate insight into the special challenges faced by military members and their families.

No-Fault Divorce Versus Fault-Based Divorce in Maryland

It is possible to obtain a no-fault divorce in Maryland only after a one-year waiting period, at the beginning of which the spouses make an oral or written agreement to voluntary separate.

It is also possible to obtain a Maryland divorce on fault grounds, including adultery, desertion and cruelty. Some fault grounds for divorce do not have a waiting period, whereas others — like desertion — do.

The Legal Separation Agreement

Ms. Billage represents spouses during the negotiation of the legal separation agreement, as well as during the divorce proceedings that follow. Legal separation agreements are also known as marital settlement agreements, separation agreements, or property settlement agreements.

The separation agreement should memorialize the spouses' agreements regarding all of the following:

• Child custody agreements, any shared parenting plan and visitation agreements

• Child support agreements

• Any spousal support agreements

• Arrangements for continuation of health care benefits

• Division of property

The separation agreement can contain different agreements during the period of separation and after the divorce. For example, a spouse may pay spousal support during the one-year separation period but not afterward.

Minimize the Stress Associated with Divorce

With her decades of legal experience in the arena of family law, Attorney Billage has truly "seen it all" and is able to provide sound advice and calm guidance in the most stressful and troubling times.

To make an appointment to discuss your family law concerns in a private and welcoming setting, contact Annapolis divorce attorney Judith Billage.

Annapolis Adoption Attorney

Family Law Attorney Serving Maryland's Families for 30 Years

Adoption can provide your family with the wonderful addition of a new child. Unfortunately, adoption laws are extremely complicated. When problems arise, it can be traumatic for the entire family. That is why it is essential that you have a knowledgeable lawyer assisting throughout the adoption process.

Over her 30 year legal career, attorney Judith Billage has successfully handled hundreds of adoptions throughout the state of Maryland. Due to her extensive experience, she can quickly locate problem areas and skillfully navigate through the complex legal requirements of an adoption.

Contact attorney Judith Billage to discuss receiving legal assistance with your adoption plans in a free initial 15 minute phone consultation.

Experienced With All Types of Adoption

There are many different types of adoption. Ms. Billage can assist you with whatever type of adoption best suits your family's needs.

• Independent adoptions

• Stepparent adoptions

• Grandparent and other family adoptions

• Private agency adoptions

• Foreign re-adoptions

• Independent adoptions

Surrogacy Contracts for Assisted Reproductive Technology

She also represents clients involved in assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy. It is not uncommon for a couple who is unable to conceive to hire an outside party to carry their child. In these surrogacy cases, Ms. Billage represents either party in negotiating and drafting the necessary surrogacy contracts.

High Quality, Efficient Representation

Attorney Billage provides clients with high quality legal representation while remaining very conscious of price. She also has strong professional associations with a variety of adoption professionals and can refer you to related services when appropriate. Contact attorney Judith Billage to discuss your legal needs in a free initial 15 minute phone conversation.