Agreements Services
Why Agreements Matter in Maryland Family Law
- Where your children will live and how decisions will be made for them
- How property, retirement accounts, businesses, or debts will be handled
- Whether and how much support will be paid between spouses or parents
- How unmarried partners or domestic partners will protect their interests
- Reduce conflict and uncertainty
- Keep deeply personal issues out of a public courtroom
- Provide stability for your children
- Protect your financial future
Done poorly or without legal guidance, an agreement may include unfair terms or cause expensive disputes down the road.
What You May Be Feeling Right Now
- Excited but nervous about getting married or moving in together
- Worried about what will happen if a separation or divorce becomes necessary
- Trying to protect children from conflict while working out a parenting plan
- Concerned about fairness when one partner has significantly more assets or income
- Trying to “do the right thing,” but unsure what that looks like legally
You do not have to figure this out on your own. At Terenzini & Lucero LLC, we listen, understand what matters most to you, and then help you translate those priorities into a clear, enforceable agreement that reflects Maryland law and your real-life needs.
Types of Agreements We Handle
We focus exclusively on family law, and we work with a wide range of agreements that arise in Maryland divorce, custody, child support, and related matters.
Before Marriage or Moving In
Premarital (Prenuptial) Agreements
A premarital agreement can define how property, income and debts will be handled during the marriage and in the event of divorce or death. This is especially important if you own a business, have significant assets or children from a prior relationship, or are expecting an inheritance.
Cohabitation Agreements & Domestic Partnership Agreements
Unmarried couples often share homes, bank accounts, and responsibilities. A cohabitation or domestic partnership agreement can clarify who owns what, how bills are paid, and what happens if you separate or one partner dies.
During Marriage or Separation
Legal Separation Agreements / Marital Separation Agreements
A separation agreement (also called a marital settlement agreement or property settlement agreement) is a contract between spouses who have decided to separate or divorce. It can address issues including but not limited to child custody and access, child support, alimony, health insurance, and division of property. These agreements often serve as the foundation for a mutual consent or other divorce in Maryland.
Postnuptial Agreements
Sometimes, issues arise after a couple is already married such as one spouse starting a business, receiving a significant inheritance, or wanting to clarify how certain property will be handled. A postnuptial agreement can address these concerns and more to provide more security for both spouses going forward.
Marital Property Settlements
A marital property settlement can define how homes, retirement accounts, investments, businesses, and debts will be divided if you separate or divorce. In Maryland, agreements that clearly set out property rights help reduce litigation and provide more clear expectations and obligations for both spouses.
Reconciliation Agreements
When couples decide to try to repair a relationship after serious conflict or a period of separation, a reconciliation agreement can set expectations about finances, property, and future conduct, while preserving certain rights if the reconciliation does not last.
Cases involving relatives or other caregivers stepping in to protect a child’s welfare
Parenting & Child-Related Agreements
Child Parenting Agreements & Parenting Plans
Parenting plans outline how parents will share time and decision-making for their children including where the children will live, holiday schedules, travel arrangements, communication rules and more. A well-crafted parenting plan can reduce conflict and help to provide stability for your children.
Child Support Agreements
Parents can often agree on child support within the framework of Maryland’s Child Support Guidelines. Agreements can specify support amounts, how expenses like childcare, medical costs, and activities will be shared, and what happens if income or needs change. Court approval may be required for enforceability.
Cases involving relatives or other caregivers stepping in to protect a child’s welfare
After an Agreement or Court Order Is in Place
Modification of Agreements
Life changes: children grow, people move, incomes rise and fall, and relationships evolve. In many situations, agreements relating to custody, parenting time, or support can be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. We help clients negotiate and document those changes or seek court approval when needed.
Addendums to Agreements
Sometimes, you do not need a completely new agreement but may be interested in an addendum that updates certain terms. This can be a practical way to adjust parenting schedules, clarify financial provisions, or refine property terms without starting from scratch.
Enforcement of Agreements
If the other party is not living up to their side of an existing agreement by, refusing to pay support, ignoring parenting schedules, or failing to transfer property, we can help you enforce your rights through negotiation or court action.
Contesting the Validity of Agreements
In some cases, an existing agreement may be challenged because of alleged fraud, coercion, lack of full financial disclosure, or other legal defects. We evaluate whether there are grounds to contest an agreement and represent clients in disputes over validity, enforceability, or interpretation.
All of these agreements are serious legal contracts. Before you sign an agreement or seek to change an agreement, it is important to understand exactly what it means for your rights and obligations.
How Terenzini & Lucero LLC Works With You
From our office in Rockville, we represent family law clients within Montgomery County and across Maryland, offering in-person, phone, and video consultations.
- A real conversation about your goals and concerns. We take time to learn what you want to protect whether it is your children, your home, your business, your retirement, or your privacy.
- Clear explanation of the law and options. We explain how Maryland law treats agreements like yours and what choices are realistically available.
- Thoughtful drafting, review, or negotiation. Whether we are creating a new agreement, reviewing an agreement that you have been asked to sign, or helping renegotiate existing terms, we focus on clarity, practicality, and enforceability.
- A balanced approach to settlement and litigation. Many agreement issues can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. When that is not possible, or when your rights are at stake, we are experienced litigators prepared to go to court.
- Respectful, responsive support. Client reviews consistently describe our team as professional, compassionate, and dedicated. These are qualities that matter when you are making life-shaping decisions.
When to Talk to a Lawyer About an Agreement
- Getting married and considering a prenup
- Moving in with a partner and sharing finances or property
- Thinking about a trial separation or moving out of the family home
- Trying to reach a mutual consent divorce in Maryland
- Working out a parenting plan or child support arrangement
- Being asked to sign any agreement that you are not fully comfortable with
- Feeling stuck in an existing agreement that no longer feels fair or workable
Often, meeting with an attorney sooner rather than later can help you avoid expensive problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agreements in Maryland
Do we have to file our separation agreement with the court?
In Maryland, a separation or marital settlement agreement can be a private contract and still be legally binding. However, when you seek a divorce or need the court’s help to enforce the agreement, it may be incorporated into a court order.
Is a prenuptial agreement enforceable in Maryland?
Maryland generally enforces valid premarital agreements, but courts look at factors such as voluntariness, financial disclosure, and fairness at the time of execution. The specific facts of your situation are important, which is why individualized legal advice is essential.
Can we write our own agreement without lawyers?
You can write your own agreement but that does not mean that you should. Agreements that seem “simple” can have serious and unintended consequences. At minimum, it is wise for each party to have a lawyer review any document before signing.
Can an agreement about custody or child support ever be changed?
Yes. Courts retain authority over child-related issues and may modify custody or support when circumstances change, and a modification is in the child’s best interests. The details can differ depending on the unique circumstances of your case.
The information above is general and not legal advice. Your situation is unique and deserves individualized guidance.