Family Law Services
By Your Side, On Your Side, and For Your Family
Not every family law issue looks like a “typical” divorce or custody case. Sometimes you are trying to protect yourself or your children from abuse. Sometimes you need to change your legal name, appoint a guardian for a vulnerable adult, or complete the division of retirement benefits after a divorce.
At Terenzini & Lucero LLC, family law is all we do. Our attorneys bring more than 40 years of combined experience to the full spectrum of Maryland family law services.
When “Family Law” Means More Than Divorce
If you are looking at this page, you might be:
- Worried about your safety or the safety of your children
- Caring for a parent or loved one who can no longer manage on their own
- Trying to secure or divide retirement benefits after a separation or divorce
- Seeking legal recognition of support from a long-term partner
- Hoping to correct or affirm your name or identity
- Unsure how to establish a child’s legal parentage
These are big, emotional turning points and we are here to listen, explain your options under Maryland law in plain language, and guide you toward choices that support your long-term well-being and that of your family.
Adult Guardianship: Protecting Vulnerable Loved Ones
When an adult is no longer able to make safe and responsible decisions about their health, finances, or daily life, families may need the court’s help.
We assist with adult guardianship matters, including:
- Petitions to appoint a guardian of the person, property, or both
- Contested guardianship proceedings within families
- Working with doctors, evaluators, and other professionals to build the record the court needs
- Ongoing questions about a guardian’s responsibilities and reporting
Guardianship cases are often emotionally challenging including balancing a loved one’s independence with their safety. We help you navigate that tension with compassion and clear advice.
Domestic Violence & Safety: Orders of Protection and Related Relief
If you are experiencing threats, harassment, or physical, emotional, or digital abuse, you may need immediate legal protection. Under the Domestic Violence portion of our family law services, we help with:
- Protective Orders – For qualifying family and household relationships, to keep an abuser away from you, your home, your work, or your children
- Peace Orders – For certain non-family relationships (neighbors, acquaintances, etc.)
- Restraining Orders & Injunctions – In appropriate family law contexts where additional or related relief is needed
- Protective Order Appeals – When you need to challenge or defend a trial court’s decision
- “Revenge Porn” and Digital Abuse – Addressing non-consensual sharing of intimate images and related online misconduct
Safety comes first. We move quickly when needed, help you prepare for hearings, and connect your protective case with any underlying divorce, custody, or support issues so your overall strategy is aligned.
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and Other Retirement Division
Dividing retirement benefits is one of the most complex and important pieces of many divorces. A court order saying that an account will be divided may not be enough by itself.
We prepare and review Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and similar orders to implement the division of retirement benefits including but not limited to:
- Employer-sponsored retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), pensions)
- Government and military retirement benefits, where applicable
- Certain other qualified plans that require specific federal-law-compliant language
The attorneys at Terenzini & Lucero LLC, can assist you to translate your settlement agreement or court order into the precise terms that retirement plan administrators require, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or delays.
Palimony, Paternity, and Support Outside of Traditional Marriage
Modern families don’t always fit traditional boxes. Our Family Law Services practice includes:
- Palimony-type claims – While Maryland does not recognize “palimony” in the exact same way some other states do, long-term unmarried partners may have contract or equity-based claims. We evaluate your specific situation and advise you about potential rights and remedies.
- Paternity actions – Establishing a legal parent-child relationship, which can be crucial for custody, access, child support, and inheritance.
- Related support and parenting arrangements – Coordinating paternity or partner-support questions with custody and child support issues so everything fits together.
These cases are often highly personal. We handle them with discretion and a focus on practical outcomes.
Name Changes and Court-Ordered Injunctions
Sometimes the most meaningful legal change is your name, your identity documents, or a court order limiting another person’s behavior.
We represent clients in:
- Name Changes – For adults and children, including after divorce, in connection with gender affirmation, or for other personal reasons
- Injunctions in family law cases – Court orders designed to prevent specific harmful actions (e.g., selling property, interfering with children, or other conduct), often tied to ongoing family law litigation
We work to ensure the paperwork and procedures are handled correctly and that any requested orders are grounded in solid legal and factual support.
How Our Family Law Services Fit With Your Bigger Picture
These family law services rarely exist in isolation. They often intersect with:
- Divorce – Especially where domestic violence, QDROs, or name changes are involved
- Custody and child access – When protective orders, paternity, or guardianship affect parenting time or decision-making
- Child support – When a new paternity determination or change in custody requires support orders to be established or updated
- Agreements – Many of these issues are addressed or modified through written agreements that must be carefully drafted and enforced
Because Terenzini & Lucero LLC focuses exclusively on family law, we are able to look at the whole picture so that your safety, your children, and your long-term stability are all considered together.
What to Expect When You Contact Us
Speaking to a lawyer about these deeply personal issues can feel intimidating. We work hard to make the process more manageable.
When you reach out about a family law service matter, we will:
- Listen to your story. You will have space to explain what is happening, what you are worried about, and what you hope will change.
- Explain your options in plain language. We will walk you through the legal tools available including protective orders, guardianship petitions, QDROs, name changes, paternity actions, or other remedies.
- Build a strategy around your priorities. Together, we will identify immediate steps (especially in safety-related cases) and longer-term goals.
- Guide you through each step. Whether your case calls for careful drafting, negotiation, emergency filings, or litigation, we prepare you for what comes next so you do not feel alone in the process.
We offer consultations by phone, video, or in person from our Rockville office, serving clients throughout Montgomery County and across Maryland.
Talk With a Rockville Family Law Attorney
If you are facing domestic violence, caring for a vulnerable adult, dividing retirement benefits, establishing paternity, seeking a name change, or dealing with another complex family law issue, you do not have to handle it alone.
Terenzini & Lucero LLC is here to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and move toward greater safety and stability for you and your family.
Call 301-801-7046 or contact us online to request a confidential consultation with a Rockville family law attorney. Let us stand by your side, on your side, and for your family as you take your next steps forward.