Family Law Attorney: Separation / Divorce Lawyer & Child Custody Cases
Family Lawyer, Carroll County, MD and the surrounding Baltimore Metropolitan Region

Gary W. Desper, attorney at law, represents clients with all types of family law matters throughout Carroll County and the Baltimore Metropolitan Region of Maryland including divorce, separation, annulments, domestic violence, protective orders / restraining orders, child custody and child support. He is an experienced family lawyer dedicated to helping individuals and families face a variety of family issues in a compassionate, strong, results-driven manner.  

Find Maryland Family Law Attorney: Divorce Attorney, Separation Agreements, Domestic Violence Protective Orders, Spousal Support / Alimony, Child Custody Cases, Child Support, Marriage Annulments.

Separation

In Maryland, a couple is required to live apart before they can formally file for divorce. During the separation period, financial and child custody issues are left hanging. A separation agreement is crucial to have during this time. A martial separation agreement is a written contract and is also known as a property settlement agreement. It should be thorough and concise, spelling out how marital property is divided, who gets to live in the house, child custody and parenting arrangements, and child support and spousal maintenance. Separation agreements are enforceable contracts that are later incorporated into the divorce decree and govern how things are done after the divorce is final. Whether prepared by me or someone else, I will insure that any separation agreement looks after your interests.

Divorce

Facing a divorce is an emotionally stressful time, and I am sensitive to the needs of my client. I understand the anger and frustration of my clients, and I work zealously to reach a legal resolution that you feel you can live with. I work to come up with creative strategies and arguments in handling your divorce.

Often it is beneficial for all parties to resolve their divorce dispute through mediation, arbitration, or simple negotiation. Resolving a divorce through alternative dispute resolution often means substantially lower legal fees and the freedom to set the terms of your marriage dissolution, rather than having an impersonal judge set the terms for you. While I always counsel clients that this is their best option financially, it is not always possible to reach such an agreement outside of the courtroom.

As a Family Lawyer and Maryland Divorce Attorney I can help you make sense of the difficult issues involved in divorce and work with you to protect your interests. For more information regarding divorce and separation agreements in Maryland, give us a call or visit our blog on "How Divorce Works in Maryland."

Spousal Support / Alimony / Spousal Maintenance

To recieve alimony, also referred to as spousal support or spousal maintenance, the person requesting it must show financial need and the ability of the other person to pay. The court has the discretion in determining the amount. Alimony is usually awarded as rehabilitative alimony for a certain period of time to allow the dependent spouse to become self-supporting.

Child Custody / Child Support in Carroll County and throughout Maryland

Being a father of four children myself, I understand how important your children are to you, and how important it is that you will be able to play a substantial role in raising your children during their most impressionable years. It is always better to agree to an arrangement and to cooperate when children are involved. I can help reach an arrangement that works for you. However, sometimes it is necessary to litigate the issue of custody and support. I assist my clients with ensuring proper care for their child or children, sole or joint custody determinations, child support enforcement, post-decree modifications, and preventing or discovering the hiding of income or assets.

Many times, custody and visitation decisions are made as part of a divorce. Other parties, including grandparents, may also petition the court to change custody or visitation under extraordinary circumstances or if the custodial parent is unfit. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding child custody laws in Maryland.

Child Support - DSS / CSA

If you need help with a DSS Support Case under the Child Support Administration, give us a call. For more information about Child Support in Maryland, click here.

Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPO) vs Peace Orders

Peace Orders and Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) are civil orders issued by a judge that order one person to refrain from committing certain acts against others. Protective Orders generally apply to people in domestic relationships. Peace Orders apply to other persons. For more information on Peace Orders and Proctective Orders, Domestic Violence(Prot. Order), see Peace or Protective Orders on the Maryland Court website or give us a call. Contact us if you need assistance with filing a protective order, also known as a restraining order, against a spouse, partner, or other family member.

Click here for additional Family Law Resource Links

Family Lawyer Westminster, MD / Family Law Carroll County, Maryland / Attorney Westminster, MD

We have been helping families throughout Carroll, Baltimore, and the surrounding areas with their family law matters for more than 10 years.
Our offices are located in Westminster, Maryland.

The law offices of Gary W. Desper are based in Westminster, Maryland. We serve the legal needs of residents and businesses throughout the Baltimore Metropolitan region and surrounding areas of Maryland, Westminster, Taylorsville, Manchester, Taneytown, Eldersburg, Finksburg, Frizzelburg, Gamber, Hampstead, Sykesville, Marriottsville, Mt. Airy, New Windsor, Union Bridge, Winfield, Woodbine, Woodsboro, Boring, Glyndon, Randallstown, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Upperco, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and all of Carroll County. See the Areas We Represent shown below for additional locations.

Testimonials:

• I highly recommend Mr. Desper and his team. Going through a custody battle is not for the faint of heart. Mr. Desper will prepare and guide you through all of the necessary steps for the best possible outcome; all while being realistic and not sugar coating manners. My hope is that I will not need his services again in the future but if I ever do; he will forever have my business.
  Gary G.

• Gary and his team were everything we needed when faced with a difficult family law case. He was very knowledgeable and direct with us from the very beginning and throughout our 18 month ordeal. Trust in his process because it will get you through the hard times and its what brought us to his and our very deserved win. Gary and his team are sensitive and sympathetic however very direct with how the law works and even though it was hard at times to follow his advice it was 100% correct everytime and guided us in the right direction. Thank you Gary and Dave for everything you did for our family, we are so greatful and blessed to have you represent me.
  Sara G.

• I'm writing this review because Gary not only took my temp custody case at such a short notice, he explained to me what my options were and what I could do in the future. To help me later on, on the long term custody case. Unfortunately under my circumstances I had to give in a little but Gary helped me focus and did plenty in our negotiations. Which at the end I thought was reasonable from what my ex was wanting. Thanks again Gary!
  Eric C.

• Gary Desper has been my family attorney for almost a decade and has assisted with several situations that were making life for my family imposible. Gary has continually assisted in promoting the most judicious path and has been able to provide extraordinary results where it appeared hope would be lost. Gary is extremely fair and honest.
  Rose M.

• I was in search of an attorney to assist me in my custody case involving my child and her father. I came across Mr. Despar and read that he was a father himself and had experience with custody cases. Ever since the first call to his office his assistant and Mr. Despar were very attentive to my care. I was already in a very fragile state having to go through a custody battle to begin with, but Mr. Despar had put me to ease after every conversation and meeting. I would certainly recommend Mr. Despar's Law Office for your legal assistance.
  Sabrina B.

• I recently needed an Attorney familiar with Family Law in Carroll County. Not requiring regular legal representation I had no basis of information. So I spun the internet search wheel to find someone in the area. My search turned up several legal firms, and as luck would have it, I called Gary Despers' office. One of the best calls I have made. Gary provided straightforward explanations of the legal process. He presented a sound course of action for my case, implemented and followed through. All resulting in a better outcome than I imaged. Money well spent. You are a good man Gary.
  Carey S.
  
  
• My son and I truly appreciate the outstanding efforts Gary Desper and his staff have provided over the past 5 years. Gary has been very versatile and, not only has he handled my son's divorce, but has gone the extra mile to work out various continued situations that needed to be worked out and finalized. His and his staff's immediate responses to my email provided a comfort level for me knowing they were on top of the situation from the minute we would contact their office. I highly recommend Gary Desper and his staff to get the job done and efficiently. MANY thanks to Gary and his Staff for keeping the situations affordable.
  Rose and Marc
  
  
• Mr Desper has been a joy to work with! He was able to quickly and efficiently get my husband and I in to see him and then completed our wills within a week! He is very professional and friendly! We would defiently recommend him to friends/family and will be using him for any future needs.
  Lauren L.
  
  
• Gary helped guide me through through the separation process and really did an excellent job of looking out for my best interests and the interests of my children. He was very thorough and the marriage settlement agreement that I have is something I am very happy with. Through his counsel I was able to avoid a court battle and save tens of thousands of dollars.
  Andrew E.
  
  

READ MORE TESTIMONIALS . . .

Maryland Legal Services:

Carroll County Attorney Legal Services

Carroll County Attorney Serving: Alesia, Carrollton, Carrolltowne (21784), Detour, Eldersburg (21784), Finksburg (21048), Frizzelburg (21158), Gamber (21048), Gaither, Greenmount, Hampstead (21074), Harney, Henryton, Jasontown, Keymar, Lineboro, Linwood, Louisville, Manchester (21102), Marriottsville (21104), Middleburg, Millers, Mount Airy (21771), New Windsor (21776), Sykesville (21784), Taneytown (21787), Union Bridge (21791), Uniontown, Westminster (21157, 21158), and Woodbine (21797).

Baltimore County Attorney Legal Services

Baltimore County Attorney Serving: Catonsville (21228), Cockeysville (21030), Glyndon (21071), Granite (21163), Homeland (21212), Lutherville (21093), Milford Mill (21244), Monkton (21111), Mount Washington (21209), Owings Mills (21117), Parkton (21120), Phoenix (21131), Pikesville (21208), Randallstown (21133), Reisterstown (21136), Roland Park (21210), Ruxton (21204), Timonium (21093), Towson (21204, 21252, 21284, 21285, 21286), Upperco (21155), and Woodstock (21163).

Frederick County Attorney Legal Services

Frederick County Attorney Serving: Adamstown (21710), Ballenger Creek (21703), Bartonsville (21704), Bonosboro, Braddock Heights (21714), Brunswick (21716), Buckeystown (21717), Burkittsville (21718), Clover Hill (21702), Discovery (21793), Emmitsburg (21727), Frederick, Graceham (21788), Green Valley (21770), Hasonville, Ijamsville (21754), Jefferson (21755), Knoxville (21758), Ladiesburg (21759), Lewistown (21701), Libertytown (21762), Lake Linganore (21774), Linganore (21704), Middletown (21769), Monrovia (21770), Mount Airy (21771), Mt Airy (21771), Myersville (21773), New Market (21774), New Midway (21775), Petersville, Point of Rocks (21777), Rocky Ridge (21778), Rosemont (21758), Savillasville(21780), Spring Garden (21793), Sunny Side, Thurmont (21788), Tuscarora (21790), Urbana (21704), Utica (21702), Walkersville (21793), Wolfsville (21773), and Woodsboro (21798).

Howard County Attorney Legal Services

Howard County Attorney Serving: Clarksville (21029), Columbia (21044, 21045, 21046), Cooksville (21723), Dayton (21036), Elkridge (21075), Ellicott City (21042, 21043), Fulton (20759), Glenelg (21737), Glenwood (21738), Guilford (20763), Hanover (21075, 21076), Highland (20777), Marriottsville (21104), Owen Brown (21044), Savage (20763), West Friendship (21784), and Woodbine (21797).

Anne Arundel County Attorney Legal Services

Anne Arundel County Attorney Serving: Annapolis (21401, 21403, 21409), Arnold (21012), Brooklyn Park (21225), Crofton (21114), Crownsville (21032), Deale, Edgewater, Ferndale, Fort Meade, Gambrills (21054), Germantown, Gibson Island, Glen Burnie (21060, 21061, 21062), Hanover (21076), Jessup (20794), Linthicum, Odenton, Pasadena (21122), Rivera Beach, Severn (21144), and Severna Park (21146).

Montgomery County Attorney Legal Services

Montgomery County Attorney Serving: Ashton (20861), Aspen Hill (20853, 20906, 20916), Bethesda (20814, 20815, 20817), Barnesville (20838), Brookville (20833), Burtonsville, Cabin John (20818), Calverton, Chatsworth, Chevy Chase (20815), Clarksburg, Cloverly, Damascus (20872), Derwood (20855), Fairland, Forest Glen, Gaithersburg (20882, 20878, 20879), Garrett Park, Germantown (20876), Glen Echo, Kensington (20895), Laytonsville, Montgomery Village, Olney (20832), Poolesville, Potomac (20854), Rock Creek, Rockville (20850, 20851, 20853), Silver Spring (20904, 20905, 20906), Takoma Park (20903, 20910, 20912, 20913), and White Oak (20904).