A. David Zerivitz, P.A.

A. David Zerivitz, P.A.

Serving Baltimore Metro Area Clients for 38 Years

A. David Zerivitz, P.A.

A. David Zerivitz, P.A.

Serving Baltimore Metro Area Clients for 38 Years

Firm Overview

Personal legal services you can trust

If you are facing a divorce or a child custody dispute, you need an attorney you can trust to protect your interests. Over 35 years, I have offered personal, professional legal services to clients in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

When you call my office, you speak to me personally. You will not talk with a call screener, a receptionist, or a paralegal. You will not have to tell your story to anyone but me. You will have my full personal attention and my commitment to guide your case through the system as efficiently and effectively as possible. I will give you honest answers and high quality legal counsel at a fair value.

I have devoted my career to helping clients with all types of legal matters, including the following family law issues:

-Divorce and separation
-Child custody, support, and visitation
-Alimony
-Prenuptial agreements
-Domestic Partnership Agreements
-Domestic violence

In addition to practicing family law, I also handle the following types of cases:

-Personal injury
-Traffic violations
-DWI
-Criminal law
-Wills and estates

I serve clients in the entire Baltimore metro area, including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Harford County, and Carroll County.

Main Office

Main Office
100 Church Lane
Baltimore, MD 21208

Phone

410-653-5800

Divorce

Divorce and Separation

If you are facing a divorce or a separation, you probably have many questions. The law governing these issues is complex and ever changing. Agreements you enter into can govern your rights and affect your finances for years to come. An experienced attorney can protect your rights at every stage, arming you with the information you need to make appropriate decisions.

Separation agreements

You and your spouse may decide to live apart before initiating divorce proceedings. Your rights during this separation period may be governed by a separation or settlement agreement. This documentnegotiated on your behalf by your attorneyis binding on both parties. It can establish your rights regarding the division of your property, alimony, child support, and visitation.

Grounds for Absolute Divorce

Maryland provides for two different kinds of divorce. A limited divorce is not permanent and does not provide for a final division of property. It also does not allow for remarriage. It is essentially a court-governed separation. The grounds for a limited divorce include the following:

-Desertion
-Cruelty toward spouse or child
-Uninterrupted separation for 12 consecutive months

An absolute divorce dissolves the marriage, provides for a final division of property, and allows for remarriage. The grounds for an absolute divorce in Maryland include the following:

-Adultery
-Uninterrupted desertion for one year, without the expectation of reconciliation
-Uninterrupted separation for 12 consecutive months
-Cruelty of treatment toward spouse or child
-Excessively vicious conduct toward spouse or child
-One spouse receiving an indeterminate jail sentence or a sentence of three years or more and serving at least 12 months in jail
-Permanent and incurable insanity

There are two defenses to an absolute divorce: recrimination and condonation. Recrimination means that the other spouse also engaged in an activity that was grounds for an actual divorce. Condonation means that the other spouse forgave the conduct that gave rise to the grounds for divorce.

Marital property

Marital property includes all property acquired by either spouse during the marriage, regardless of whether property is titled in one name or the other. However, it does not include property obtained during marriage through a gift from a third party or through an inheritance. It also does not include property owned by either spouse prior to the marriage. One of the decisions to be made during a divorce or separation is how to distribute the marital property. It is very importantparticularly if the property includes pension or retirement fundsthat you seek the advice of your own legal counsel before signing any papers agreeing to the distribution of your marital property.

Alimony

Alimony includes periodic payments from one spouse to the other for ongoing support. Either spouse may seek alimony from the other. Just because a spouse is guilty of a ground for divorce does not mean that he or she may not be eligible for alimony. Before you sign any agreement establishing your right to receive or your obligation to pay alimony, you should consult with your own attorney. You will likely be bound forever by any agreement you sign.

Premarital, Postmarital and Domestic Partnership Agreements

A Premarital Agreement is a legally binding contract between two people who intend to marry that determines property and support rights upon divorce or upon death of a spouse. A Postmarital Agreement is a contract between a husband and wife that determines their property rights upon divorce or death, as well as obligations from one to other regarding spousal support. A Domestic Partnership Agreement is a contract between unmarried parties that makes provision for support upon dissolution of the partnership or death.

A. David Zerivitz, P.A.
A. David Zerivitz

Born and raised in Baltimore, I care deeply for the community I serve. For over 35 years, I have helped clients with a number of legal matters, including the following:

-Divorce
-Same Sex Agreements
-Child Custody
-Domestic Violence
-Visitation
-Personal injury
-Child Support
-Traffic violations
-Alimony
-DWI
-Separation Agreements
-Criminal Law
-Pre-nuptial Agreements
-Wills and Estates

Education:
University of Baltimore, JD, 1971
University of Maryland, BA, 1967


Accomplishments:
Listed in Super Lawyers 2012 Magazine for Family Law. Only 5% of the attorneys in the state are named in Super Lawyers.


Associations and Memberships:
Bar Association of Baltimore City (member: Family Law Committee, 1993present)
Judicial Administration Committee, 1988present; chairman, 2004-2005
Judicial Selections Committee, 1998present
District Court Bench-Bar Committee member, 1988present; chairman, 1990-present
Bar Association of Baltimore County (member, Family Law Committee, 2003present)
State Bar Association (member, Solo & Small Firm Practice Section, 1995present)
Maryland Association for Justice (member, Family Law Section, 2003present)
Nu Beta Epsilon national law fraternity, member
Simon E. Sobeloff Law Society, member, 2008

Education

University of Baltimore
J.D.,

A. David Zerivitz, P.A.
A. David Zerivitz

Born and raised in Baltimore, I care deeply for the community I serve. For over 35 years, I have helped clients with a number of legal matters, including the following:

-Divorce
-Same Sex Agreements
-Child Custody
-Domestic Violence
-Visitation
-Personal injury
-Child Support
-Traffic violations
-Alimony
-DWI
-Separation Agreements
-Criminal Law
-Pre-nuptial Agreements
-Wills and Estates

Education:
University of Baltimore, JD, 1971
University of Maryland, BA, 1967


Accomplishments:
Listed in Super Lawyers 2012 Magazine for Family Law. Only 5% of the attorneys in the state are named in Super Lawyers.


Associations and Memberships:
Bar Association of Baltimore City (member: Family Law Committee, 1993present)
Judicial Administration Committee, 1988present; chairman, 2004-2005
Judicial Selections Committee, 1998present
District Court Bench-Bar Committee member, 1988present; chairman, 1990-present
Bar Association of Baltimore County (member, Family Law Committee, 2003present)
State Bar Association (member, Solo & Small Firm Practice Section, 1995present)
Maryland Association for Justice (member, Family Law Section, 2003present)
Nu Beta Epsilon national law fraternity, member
Simon E. Sobeloff Law Society, member, 2008

Education

University of Baltimore J.D.,


Firm Overview

Personal legal services you can trust

If you are facing a divorce or a child custody dispute, you need an attorney you can trust to protect your interests. Over 35 years, I have offered personal, professional legal services to clients in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

When you call my office, you speak to me personally. You will not talk with a call screener, a receptionist, or a paralegal. You will not have to tell your story to anyone but me. You will have my full personal attention and my commitment to guide your case through the system as efficiently and effectively as possible. I will give you honest answers and high quality legal counsel at a fair value.

I have devoted my career to helping clients with all types of legal matters, including the following family law issues:

-Divorce and separation
-Child custody, support, and visitation
-Alimony
-Prenuptial agreements
-Domestic Partnership Agreements
-Domestic violence

In addition to practicing family law, I also handle the following types of cases:

-Personal injury
-Traffic violations
-DWI
-Criminal law
-Wills and estates

I serve clients in the entire Baltimore metro area, including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Harford County, and Carroll County.

Main Office

Main Office
100 Church Lane
Baltimore, MD 21208

Phone

410-653-5800

Divorce

Divorce and Separation

If you are facing a divorce or a separation, you probably have many questions. The law governing these issues is complex and ever changing. Agreements you enter into can govern your rights and affect your finances for years to come. An experienced attorney can protect your rights at every stage, arming you with the information you need to make appropriate decisions.

Separation agreements

You and your spouse may decide to live apart before initiating divorce proceedings. Your rights during this separation period may be governed by a separation or settlement agreement. This documentnegotiated on your behalf by your attorneyis binding on both parties. It can establish your rights regarding the division of your property, alimony, child support, and visitation.

Grounds for Absolute Divorce

Maryland provides for two different kinds of divorce. A limited divorce is not permanent and does not provide for a final division of property. It also does not allow for remarriage. It is essentially a court-governed separation. The grounds for a limited divorce include the following:

-Desertion
-Cruelty toward spouse or child
-Uninterrupted separation for 12 consecutive months

An absolute divorce dissolves the marriage, provides for a final division of property, and allows for remarriage. The grounds for an absolute divorce in Maryland include the following:

-Adultery
-Uninterrupted desertion for one year, without the expectation of reconciliation
-Uninterrupted separation for 12 consecutive months
-Cruelty of treatment toward spouse or child
-Excessively vicious conduct toward spouse or child
-One spouse receiving an indeterminate jail sentence or a sentence of three years or more and serving at least 12 months in jail
-Permanent and incurable insanity

There are two defenses to an absolute divorce: recrimination and condonation. Recrimination means that the other spouse also engaged in an activity that was grounds for an actual divorce. Condonation means that the other spouse forgave the conduct that gave rise to the grounds for divorce.

Marital property

Marital property includes all property acquired by either spouse during the marriage, regardless of whether property is titled in one name or the other. However, it does not include property obtained during marriage through a gift from a third party or through an inheritance. It also does not include property owned by either spouse prior to the marriage. One of the decisions to be made during a divorce or separation is how to distribute the marital property. It is very importantparticularly if the property includes pension or retirement fundsthat you seek the advice of your own legal counsel before signing any papers agreeing to the distribution of your marital property.

Alimony

Alimony includes periodic payments from one spouse to the other for ongoing support. Either spouse may seek alimony from the other. Just because a spouse is guilty of a ground for divorce does not mean that he or she may not be eligible for alimony. Before you sign any agreement establishing your right to receive or your obligation to pay alimony, you should consult with your own attorney. You will likely be bound forever by any agreement you sign.

Premarital, Postmarital and Domestic Partnership Agreements

A Premarital Agreement is a legally binding contract between two people who intend to marry that determines property and support rights upon divorce or upon death of a spouse. A Postmarital Agreement is a contract between a husband and wife that determines their property rights upon divorce or death, as well as obligations from one to other regarding spousal support. A Domestic Partnership Agreement is a contract between unmarried parties that makes provision for support upon dissolution of the partnership or death.

A. David Zerivitz, P.A.
A. David Zerivitz

Born and raised in Baltimore, I care deeply for the community I serve. For over 35 years, I have helped clients with a number of legal matters, including the following:

-Divorce
-Same Sex Agreements
-Child Custody
-Domestic Violence
-Visitation
-Personal injury
-Child Support
-Traffic violations
-Alimony
-DWI
-Separation Agreements
-Criminal Law
-Pre-nuptial Agreements
-Wills and Estates

Education:
University of Baltimore, JD, 1971
University of Maryland, BA, 1967


Accomplishments:
Listed in Super Lawyers 2012 Magazine for Family Law. Only 5% of the attorneys in the state are named in Super Lawyers.


Associations and Memberships:
Bar Association of Baltimore City (member: Family Law Committee, 1993present)
Judicial Administration Committee, 1988present; chairman, 2004-2005
Judicial Selections Committee, 1998present
District Court Bench-Bar Committee member, 1988present; chairman, 1990-present
Bar Association of Baltimore County (member, Family Law Committee, 2003present)
State Bar Association (member, Solo & Small Firm Practice Section, 1995present)
Maryland Association for Justice (member, Family Law Section, 2003present)
Nu Beta Epsilon national law fraternity, member
Simon E. Sobeloff Law Society, member, 2008

Education

University of Baltimore
J.D.,

A. David Zerivitz, P.A.
A. David Zerivitz

Born and raised in Baltimore, I care deeply for the community I serve. For over 35 years, I have helped clients with a number of legal matters, including the following:

-Divorce
-Same Sex Agreements
-Child Custody
-Domestic Violence
-Visitation
-Personal injury
-Child Support
-Traffic violations
-Alimony
-DWI
-Separation Agreements
-Criminal Law
-Pre-nuptial Agreements
-Wills and Estates

Education:
University of Baltimore, JD, 1971
University of Maryland, BA, 1967


Accomplishments:
Listed in Super Lawyers 2012 Magazine for Family Law. Only 5% of the attorneys in the state are named in Super Lawyers.


Associations and Memberships:
Bar Association of Baltimore City (member: Family Law Committee, 1993present)
Judicial Administration Committee, 1988present; chairman, 2004-2005
Judicial Selections Committee, 1998present
District Court Bench-Bar Committee member, 1988present; chairman, 1990-present
Bar Association of Baltimore County (member, Family Law Committee, 2003present)
State Bar Association (member, Solo & Small Firm Practice Section, 1995present)
Maryland Association for Justice (member, Family Law Section, 2003present)
Nu Beta Epsilon national law fraternity, member
Simon E. Sobeloff Law Society, member, 2008

Education

University of Baltimore J.D.,


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