We Know Divorce Is Hard. We Are A Montgomery County Men’s Divorce Law Firm With A Whole Hearted Commitment To Your Maryland Family. Whether You Are Thinking About Filing For Divorce, Or Have Been Served Divorce Papers And Are Unsure What To Do Next, Our Men’s Divorce Attorneys Bring You The Necessary Guidance With Experience, Strength, And Peace Of Mind.
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Why Choose Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee, LLC?
Highly Reviewed & Rated
5 out of 5 Stars on Google. Highly rated on respected legal site AVVO.
Experienced
We have over 3 decades of Family Law experience. We use this to protect what matters most – your children, finances, and future.
Flexible Meeting Hours
To accommodate your busy schedule, we offer consultations on weekends, in evenings after business hours, and through Zoom.
Empathy & Understanding
With a background in Psychology and Counseling, we know how to facilitate healthy communication. We utilize this knowledge when creating your tailored divorce strategy. We also provide you the legal and emotional guidance you need in this difficult time.
Trusted Referral Network
We have an excellent network of trusted experts, ranging from financial advice, to parenting experts, to psychologists – for you or your child(ren). You don’t have to guess, or hope you’ve found the right one
Responsive Staff
Your case is the center of your world. We understand you don’t want to be kept waiting in the dark. We pride ourselves in answering your questions promptly, and fully.
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What Our Clients Are Saying
Former Client
“Ellen Lee is absolutely THE BEST!!! If you need someone who will fight for your rights you should hire Ellen. She will ALWAYS come to court very well prepared. She WILL resolve your issues in your best interest.”
Former Client
Ellen and her staff made me feel completely comfortable from the get-go. Ellen understood and resolved my issues in a timely and professional manner. I highly recommend her services.
Former Client
“Ms. Lee handled my divorce a few years ago and I remembered how she was thorough in her diligence and also made me feel like a valued individual. So when I had a child support & custody case, I re-engaged Ms. Lee. Again, she treated me as a person, not a case. She advised me on the merits and realities of my case, so I didn’t feel as if I were being “sold” a bag of services. Ellen is eloquent and personable, which is a winning combination for an attorney.”
Actual Words Our Clients Have Used to Describe Us & Their Experience
“Ellen’s advice and presence was a godsend to saving my sanity. She’s honest, direct, and comes out swinging for her clients,” “She is time-efficient, aggressive, & knowledgeable,” “Ellen and her staff made me feel completely comfortable from the get-go,” “I highly recommend her services,” “Ellen understood and resolved my issues in a timely and professional manner,” “Ellen is eloquent and personable, which is a winning combination for an attorney,” “She advised me on the merits and realities of my case, so I didn’t feel as if I were being “sold” a bag of services,” “If you want someone who will win for you efficiently for a fair price – HIRE Ellen, do your part, take her advice, and you won’t regret it,” “Ms. Lee handled my divorce a few years ago and I remembered how she was thorough in her diligence and also made me feel like a valued individual.”
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Your "Dad"Vocates
Even with strides in equality, it cannot be denied that some courts still have prejudices against dads when it comes to child custody. While usually the courts will administer fair custody arrangements between both parents, it isn’t wise to leave this matter to chance. We advocate for dads. In Maryland, the father of a child is automatically presumed to be the wife’s husband, so long as there is no active paternity dispute. Your time with your child(ren) is IMPORTANT. We respect that and will do everything we can to make sure the courts respect that too.
Physical Custody
If you are not granted custody of your children, you can ask the court to modify the custody arrangement. Maryland law requires that the court presume that both parents are equally fit to be the custodial parent. In most cases, the court will grant joint custody to both parents. However, if one parent is deemed unfit or if there is a history of domestic violence, the court may grant sole custody to the other parent.
Visitation
Fathers also have the right to seek reasonable visitation rights. You can ask the court to grant you visitation rights if you are not granted the same level of access to your children as the mother is. You can also ask the court to grant you more visitation time than the mother is granting you.
Legal Custody
The court will also assume that both parents are equally fit to make decisions regarding the upbringing of their children. This means that both parents will have input in decisions such as the child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing. However, if the court finds that one parent is unfit, he or she will be stripped of this right.
Divorce and Retaliation
Sometimes an ex spouse will feel scorned that the marriage is ending. Whether they don’t want the marriage to end, or feel as though they are losing their lifestyle, there are some spouses that will stoop low to ensure you are as miserable as they are. While the court frowns upon this practice, that doesn’t prevent it from happening, especially disproportionately to men. Sometimes retaliation can happen in the form of false allegations of violent or sexual misconduct. Our Family law attorneys have seen this practice, and will fight to keep your name clear.
Equitable Distribution in Maryland
As an “equitable distribution” state, Maryland courts try to divide marital property fairly and evenly. That being said, men are traditionally seen as providers, and are often the “sole-earners” of the household. This can be detrimental in the case of Alimony or Spousal Support, Child Support, and further distribution of property. Our expertise in Men’s Divorce will help us ensure that you and your assets are treated fairly.
Fault Divorces in Maryland
You aren’t required to have a “reason” to petition for a limited divorce in the state of Maryland. However, especially in the case of Financial Dissipation claims, proving fault or petitioning with fault can be beneficial, and are necessary for an absolute divorce. Some examples of fault in divorce are:
No-Fault Divorces in Maryland
If you and your spouse do not have grounds for an absolute divorce (see the list to the left) you are still able to petition for a limited divorce. In a limited divorce, the couple is essentially legally separated, allowing you to make arrangements for the following:
Once a couple has lived separately for more than 12 months as part of their limited divorce, they are eligible for an absolute divorce with no grounds.
Guiding You Towards Your New Beginning
We here at the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee, LLC have years of experience helping families like yours meet their needs and goals. We will guide you step by step through the issues that must be addressed in divorce – including property division, alimony and spousal support, child custody and visitation, and child support – and will carefully and compassionately explain the divorce process, develop strategies to meet your needs, and discuss possible outcomes with you.
Don’t get divorced without the guidance of legal counsel. Protect your legal rights before and after separation by speaking with lawyers who can provide legal advice specific to your situation. We can help you protect your future and plan for a new beginning.
Schedule Your Consultation to Help Your Family Today!
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What Comes Next?
We understand that divorce can be a difficult transition period for most. Surely you have questions. We will take our time to compassionately answer them with our extensive expertise. Call us at to get the peace of mind that comes with knowing things are being done right. Your form comes directly to our office via email, and we will respond within 1 business day, or often within hours the same day. Everything you share with us is confidential.
Our Office
We serve Maryland families locally in Frederick, Columbia, Annapolis, Howard County, and Rockville, Montgomery County, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, and throughout Maryland.