Divorce, custody, separations, and child access issues could be challenging, long and daunting for most people. The court process in Maryland is usually a long process between when a Complaint is filed and the conclusion of the divorce case. Parties may need a temporary resolution from the court to resolve immediate issues regarding child access, alimony, and day to day needs before the final resolution of the divorce case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
A\nPendente lite is a Latin phrase that means \u201cduring the litigation\/Suit.\u201d A PL\nhearing as it is commonly referred to is a court hearing to determine how\ncertain issues would be handled pending the final resolution of a family case\nfiled before the Circuit Court in any county in Maryland. One party usually request a PL at the\nScheduling Conference or by written Motion to address issues such as child\ncustody and access, child support, and alimony. Additional issues such as\nAttorney fees, use and possession of the marital home and family vehicles, and\nmaintenance of health insurance for the benefit of a spouse and child may also\nbe raised at a PL hearing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
GOAL\nOF A PENDENTE LITE HEARING <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally,\nthe goal of a PL hearing is to maintain the status quo of the parties as far as\nis reasonably possible until the parties can reach a settlement agreement, or\nthe court can make a final decision after a trial on the merits of the case. If\none spouse is not getting reasonable access to marital money or regular child\naccess (visitation) to the children, a PL hearing can be requested to ensure\nthat both parties maintain the status quo until the completion and resolution\nof the case before the court. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
DO\nI NEED TO REQUEST A PENDENTE LITE HEARING<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\ndepends. The decision to request a PL hearing should not be taken lightly and\nshould be made in conjunction with an experienced family attorney. If your\nspouse is paying certain household bills and supporting you and the child(ren),\nrequesting a PL hearing, you may risk receiving less than what the court orders\nat the PL hearing. However, if you are not receiving any financial support or\nhave no child access, please speak to one of our experienced family attorneys\nat the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence, LLC. to discuss your legal\noptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HOW\nCAN I REQUEST A PENDENTE LITE HEARING<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This\nrequest is usually done at the Scheduling conference. It is not an automatic\nrequest, and many magistrates would ask questions regarding your request for a\nPL hearing. Speaking to an experienced lawyer before your scheduling conference\nwould help improve your chances of securing a PL hearing, and making sure that\nthe PL hearing outcome is beneficial to your case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n