Divorce & Family Law Attorneys in Hagerstown, MD

Wooden cutouts of a family (man, woman, and child) standing in front of a gavel and legal books, symbolizing family law, child custody, and divorce proceedings.

Metzner & Houpt represents clients in divorce and family-law matters in Hagerstown and Washington County, Maryland. We assist with divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, and property division, helping clients understand their options and make informed decisions about their families and finances.

Our approach emphasizes clear communication and practical problem-solving. We explore negotiation and mediation where appropriate, while preparing for litigation when agreement cannot be reached. We work with you to understand your priorities, explain the steps involved, and keep you informed as your matter progresses.

Divorce & Separation

Divorce

There's no denying that divorce is stressful, exacting an emotional toll. That's why we know you'll appreciate having an expert legal advocate on your side — one who not only knows the law but who also understands the pressures you face and can treat you with compassion.

Separation Agreement

Competent legal representation is one of the best ways to ensure that an equitable separation agreement can be reached between two parties whose relationship is strained and yet may not be deemed ready to end permanently.

Alimony

The legal right to collect alimony, or spousal support, can mean the difference between a life of greater comfort and security and one filled with day-to-day struggles to make ends meet. Our family-law attorneys can explain how alimony may apply to your circumstances and represent you in related negotiations or court proceedings.

Property Settlement Agreements

Our attorneys help clients address property division and negotiate property settlement agreements based on their circumstances.

Custody & Visitation

Visitation and Access

Whether you need to petition for visitation rights with your children or want to be sure that safe, secure supervised visitation can be arranged with the non-custodial parent, our caring and compassionate team can help.

Child Custody and Visitation Disputes

Matters that concern the custody of children or that arise from disagreements about visitation can be highly volatile, eliciting strong emotions on both sides. You'll need a legal representative who can inject reason and balance into the dispute while fighting for the best interests of both client and child. Our attorneys will guide you through the complexities of Maryland custody laws, including child custody modifications, visitation schedules, and child support. Learn more about our child custody and visitation representation.

Contempt

Our attorneys assist clients with matters involving alleged violations of family court orders.

Discuss Your Family Law Matter

Contact Metzner & Houpt to schedule a consultation about your divorce or family-law matter. Call 301-739-7400 to speak with a member of our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Maryland, child custody decisions are based on what the court determines to be in the best interests of the child. Factors considered include the fitness of the parents, character and reputation, desire of the parents and agreements between them, potential for maintaining natural family relations, preference of the child, material opportunities affecting the child's future, age and health of the child, residences of parents and opportunity for visitation, length of separation from the natural parents, and prior voluntary abandonment or surrender.

Reviewed by Lewis C. Metzner, J.D. on August 18, 2025

Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about your child's upbringing, including education, religious training, and healthcare. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and who handles day-to-day care. Parents may share both legal and physical custody (joint custody), or one parent may have sole custody while the other has visitation rights.

Reviewed by Thomas C. Houpt, J.D. on August 18, 2025

Maryland follows an "equitable distribution" approach to dividing marital property. This doesn't necessarily mean a 50/50 split, but rather a division that the court considers fair based on various factors. These factors include the contributions of each party to the marriage, the economic circumstances of each party, the length of the marriage, and the circumstances that led to the divorce.

Reviewed by Lewis C. Metzner, J.D. on August 18, 2025

A separation agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of spouses who are separating but not yet divorcing. It can address issues such as property division, child custody, support payments, and debt allocation. Having a well-drafted separation agreement can simplify the divorce process if the marriage ultimately ends.

Reviewed by Thomas C. Houpt, J.D. on August 18, 2025

The timeline for a divorce in Maryland varies depending on whether it's contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all issues can be completed in as little as a few months. A contested divorce requiring court hearings and possibly a trial can take a year or longer. Each case is unique, and we can provide more specific timelines after learning about your situation.

Reviewed by Lewis C. Metzner, J.D. on August 18, 2025

Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need advice concerning your specific circumstances, please contact our office to speak with an attorney.