MD Bar Family Law

Question 1

What is the residency requirement for filing a divorce in Maryland?

Accepted Answer

The petitioner must meet state-specific residency requirements before filing

Answer

No residency requirement exists

Answer

Both spouses must live in the state

Answer

Only federal citizenship is required

Question 2

What is the best interest of the child standard?

Accepted Answer

A legal standard that prioritizes the child's welfare in custody, visitation, and support decisions

Answer

A standard that always favors the mother's custody

Answer

A standard based primarily on the parents' financial resources

Answer

A standard that requires equal custody time

Question 3

What is the difference between separate and marital property in divorce?

Accepted Answer

Separate property was owned before marriage or received as a gift; marital property was acquired during marriage

Answer

All property becomes marital upon marriage

Answer

Separate property includes everything in one spouse's name

Answer

There is no legal distinction between property types

Question 4

What factors determine spousal support (alimony)?

Accepted Answer

Length of marriage, earning capacity of each spouse, standard of living, and contributions to the marriage

Answer

Only the income difference between spouses

Answer

A fixed percentage of the higher-earning spouse's income

Answer

Alimony is always awarded automatically in divorce

Question 5

What is a prenuptial agreement?

Accepted Answer

A contract entered before marriage that defines property rights and obligations in case of divorce or death

Answer

A marriage license requirement in all states

Answer

A post-divorce settlement agreement

Answer

A custody arrangement made before having children

Question 6

Can grandparents obtain visitation rights?

Accepted Answer

In limited circumstances, courts may grant grandparent visitation if it serves the child's best interest

Answer

Grandparents always have automatic visitation rights

Answer

Grandparents can never obtain court-ordered visitation

Answer

Only paternal grandparents have visitation rights