Table of Contents

TABLE OF CASES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………6

I. INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..8

II. LEGISLATION ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8

A. FAMILY LAW ……………………………………………………………………………………………….8

B. MISCELLANEOUS ……………………………………………………………………………………….9

C. FAMILY LAW BILLS INTRODUCED BUT NOT PASSED …………………………..9

D. 2021 NEW MARYLAND RULES ………………………………………………………………….10

III. CASE LAW DEVELOPMENTS ……………………………………………………………………………..10

A. MARRIAGE – GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE – ANNULMENT ………………………11

B. ADOPTION – GUARDIANSHIP – CINA – TPR ……………………………………………15

C. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – None

D. CUSTODY – VISITATION – PATERNITY ………………………………………………….28

E. CHILD SUPPORT ………………………………………………………………………………………..39

F. ALIMONY ……………………………………………………………………………………………………42

G. MONETARY AWARD …………………………………………………………………………………45

H. CONTEMPT – None

I. ATTORNEY’S FEES ……………………………………………………………………………………..48

J. AGREEMENTS …………………………………………………………………………………………….52

K. APPEALS …………………………………………………………………………………………………….55

L. MISCELLANEOUS ………………………………………………………………………………………57

IV. APPENDIX …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….68