Offit Kurman’s Family Law practice represents individuals and families navigating all stages of personal relationships, including premarital planning, family formation, separation, and divorce. The firm provides guidance on complex legal issues involving custody, support, property division, and protective matters, with sensitivity to each client's unique circumstances.
Key Services:
Premarital and Postmarital Agreements:
Our attorneys prepare premarital and postmarital agreements that define financial rights and obligations during marriage and in the event of separation, divorce, or death. These agreements support estate planning objectives and can help protect business interests, inheritance rights, and extended family dynamics.
Family Formation and Adoption:
The team advises individuals and families pursuing adoption, surrogacy, and assisted reproductive technology. Services include private, agency, and international adoptions; confirmatory and contested adoptions; stepparent, grandparent, and same-sex couple adoptions; and donor and surrogate agreements. The team also represents agencies in licensing, compliance, and litigation matters.
Child Custody and Support:
Attorneys represent clients in all custody-related matters, including:
- Initial and modified custody orders
- Emergency, temporary, and relocation cases
- LGBTQ+ parental agreements and grandparent rights
- International and interstate custody under the UCCJEA and Hague Convention
- Registration and enforcement of foreign custody orders
- Custody components of settlement agreements
- Best interest attorney and guardian ad litem representation
The firm also handles child support issues, including financial obligations, enforcement, and related provisions in separation agreements.
Divorce and Separation:
Our team counsels on annulment, separation, and divorce, whether by negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Attorneys draft and negotiate separation and property settlement agreements covering:
- Spousal support and alimony
- Asset and liability division (including businesses, retirement accounts, and real property)
- Child-related matters such as custody, visitation, and education
- Religious considerations and life insurance provisions
- Payment of attorneys’ fees
Dispute Resolution and Mediation:
Our attorneys facilitate settlements through direct negotiation or third-party mediation. Attorneys draft and review marital settlement agreements and support clients in obtaining uncontested divorces. Several attorneys also serve as mediators.
Litigation:
When disputes cannot be resolved by agreement, our team of trial lawyers represent clients in litigation involving custody, support, property division, jurisdictional challenges, and domestic violence. Attorneys provide strategic counsel throughout the litigation process.
Guardianships:
The team establishes guardianships for incapacitated adults and minor children when other legal instruments (e.g., powers of attorney or trusts) are unavailable or insufficient. Services include:
- Petitions for guardianship or conservatorship
- Contesting guardianship claims
- Court filings, fiduciary reporting, and compliance
- Coordination with professionals for capacity evaluations and care planning
Guardianship cases often intersect with estate, family, and real estate law, and Offit Kurman provides integrated representation across these disciplines.
Domestic Violence and Protective Orders:
Our attorneys assist individuals facing domestic violence with legal protection through interim, temporary, and final protective orders. Attorneys also represent clients in related custody and support proceedings.
Special Family Circumstances:
The practice group handles complex and non-traditional family matters, including:
- Emancipation of minors
- LGBTQ+ family structures
- Education-related legal issues
- Immigration concerns, including Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
- Family business, trust, and estate complications
Multistate and International Capabilities:
With attorneys licensed across the East and West Coasts, the firm manages multijurisdictional matters involving custody, support, and property. International experience includes coordination with local counsel in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, particularly in Hague Convention cases and cross-border asset or custody disputes.
Experience and Recognition:
Offit Kurman’s family law attorneys are active in national and international organizations such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the International Academy of Family Lawyers, and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. The team’s experience spans routine matters and complex litigation across state and national borders.
