Montgomery County Family Law Attorney Supporting Your Family Through Life’s Transitions
Family law covers a huge area of interest. When people think of family law, they may think of divorce attorneys and custody disputes. It is important to know that while family law does cover topics like divorce, child custody, child support, and so on, it also covers sensitive topics like spousal support, mediation, and prenuptial agreements.
If your relationship is coming to its natural end, then you may be inclined to start researching how you can protect yourself, your assets, and your relationship with your kids.
When you work with a well-versed family attorney, you work with their years of experience. This is likely the first time you have had to think about divorce or fighting for the right to be with your children, but a practiced family attorney has seen it all and knows how to fight for their client’s rights.
KGH Family Law is on your side. Find out how, when we work together, we can work together for the best outcomes for you and your children.
How May We Help You?
You Only Need a Family Lawyer When You’re Getting Divorced Right?
It may seem like you only need to start shopping for a family lawyer when you are expecting a divorce, right? However, family attorneys can be employed for a variety of reasons during any part of a relationship, even before you and your spouse are married!
Family law covers a variety of practice areas, including prenuptial agreements – a contract you and your soon-to-be spouse enter into before you are even married. Prenuptial agreements govern how assets, debts, and spousal support are handled in the case of divorce or death.
Your may feel like you are planning for your divorce when, in reality, you are removing potential sources of contention from your marriage before you are even married. High-asset individuals want to know that love is the primary reason for their marriage, not their bank account.
Client Success Stories
At KGH Family Law, we provide compassionate and experienced counsel to support you through life’s major transitions. Whether you are divorcing, co-parenting, or creating a financial plan for your marriage, we help you begin your next chapter with confidence.
What Outcome Does KGH Family Law Work Towards?
Our primary goal is the happiness of our clients. We work with our clients to get the most favorable outcome, whether that is a prenup that guarantees love as the major motivator of your relationship, protecting you and your assets during a divorce, or keeping you and your children together so that you can continue striving for their ideal future.
KGH Family Law has been practicing law for over 15 years and family law for over a decade. This means that even though this is your first time dealing with family court and a potentially ending marriage, we are experienced and know how to help you navigate this difficult time and come out the other side knowing that you and your legal team did everything possible with your case.
We know what path to take with your unique case, whether that is a collaborative divorce or working through mediation to dissolve your marriage.
Kristin Gooray Hagood
I am a divorce lawyer, mediator, and Collaborative attorney. My practice is dedicated to representing clients experiencing major life transitions, such as divorce, separation, and planning for marriage. My goal is to help clients reach agreements that are durable, comprehensive, and tailored to each family’s unique needs. If litigation is needed, I advocate for my clients’ interests with experience and effective strategy.
It is important that you are comfortable with the attorney you choose. I work closely with each client, taking the time to learn about what is important and build connections. I believe resolutions are best reached through teamwork. We work together to create a better future for you and your family.
- Collaborative Practice
- Mediation: 40-hour, Child Access, Property & Finances
- Master of Laws (LL.M.), Human Rights, Conflict & Justice, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
Why Should You Trust KGH Family Law With Your Divorce?
With the head of our firm coming from a family of immigrants, KGH Family Law has a different perspective that other firms may miss, giving us unique insight into the issues that other firms may not be aware of.
Beyond this unique perception, KGH Family Law has years of experience with various practices of family law. You can feel reassured that your divorce is being handled by someone who cares about what you are going through.
You may feel like other law firms won’t understand your situation or the intricacies of your case. We are here to listen first. We know that even though our experienced team has witnessed it all before, this is likely your first time dealing with divorce.
Please call 240-616-6968 to schedule your consultation. This is a great time to get to know us while we get to know you. During your consultation, you will be able to see our devotion to you and your situation.
Why Choose Us?
A Unique Perspective
KGH Family Law has a strong history of representing people of diverse backgrounds. This affords us the ability to see things from a unique perspective regarding what our clients are going through, especially when their specific needs aren’t being taken seriously. You can depend on our professional experience regarding your case.
Lawyer and client compatibility
Our goal at KGH Family Law is not to sign on with as many clients as possible; it is your successful case and overall happiness. Our consultation is designed to learn about you and your case, as well as check our compatibility with each other.
A family-oriented approach
KGH Family Law understands how difficult this process is for you. We don’t aim to win; we want results that benefit you and your family and your future family. We work towards a mutually beneficial outcome. Our team cares more about your family than a perceived “win.”
Mediation that works
The desired outcome is one that has both parties walking away from the table satisfied that they weren’t taken advantage of. Our goal is to avoid litigation, work together to settle your divorce, come up with a parenting plan if needed, and do it all while being impartial between all involved parties.
A strong negotiator
A solid divorce case requires a strong negotiator who is confident in their legal knowledge. Working with KGH Family Law, you and your spouse can communicate instead of fight. When both parties feel heard, you are more likely to come out of the situation feeling mutually confident in the terms of your divorce.
We’re not afraid of litigation
The goal of a mutually beneficial divorce arrangement is to avoid litigation. That doesn’t mean we are afraid of litigation. If your divorce requires court intervention, you can rest assured that KGH Family Law will be with you every step of the way, from the consultation to your day in court.
Why Should You Trust KGH Family Law?
At KGH Family Law, we know that your family is the most important thing to you. We also understand that each case is unique; even if we have experienced a number of divorce cases, you will get our respect and full professional attention.
KGH Family Law knows that each divorce needs a different approach, whether that is mediation to achieve a collaborative divorce or a broader strategy for a spouse who is making your life difficult.
KGH Family Law stays in front of the curve by always training, from mediation training that focuses on child access, property, and finance to collaborative practice training; you know you are working with a team that puts practice first.
KGH Family Law maintains memberships with the Maryland State Bar Association, the Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland, and the South Asian Bar Association of Washington, D.C.
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Will KGH Family Law Get the Results I Want?
While we may not get the exact results that you want from your case, you can rest assured that your case is being handled by a professional who is client-oriented and has been building your case from day one during your obligation-consultation.
It is important to remember that when you are dealing with a divorce, sometimes the most favorable outcome may not feel fair. We know you have worked hard to support your family and will continue to do so. We understand that the wealth you have strived to save has been for the betterment of your children.
We don’t just fight for you during your divorce case; we fight for your future and the future of your family. The best outcome is the one that benefits your future happiness.
KGH Family Law is only a 5-minute walk from Courthouse Square Park, less than a mile from Mary Tumbo Park, and only 21 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would you need a prenuptial agreement if you’re positive you won’t get divorced?
It may feel like creating a premarital agreement is planning on a failed marriage, which is understandable if we lived in a perfect world. Instead of seeing a prenuptial agreement as a negative thing, consider it a positive; you are removing unknown variables from your relationship and allowing the love you share to be the joining factor of your marriage. All a prenuptial agreement does is guarantee that your assets remain your assets, even if you and your future spouse grow apart and end up seeking a divorce. Prenups may also contain a “death clause,” a segment that specifies the division of your assets should you pass away while married.
What is the difference between a collaborative divorce and a traditional divorce?
Not all divorces are settled the same. A collaborative divorce is when two spouses choose to settle their divorce without seeking litigation, which is the traditional method of divorce. This can be done with the assistance of a mediator, which is a service offered by KGH Family Law. When spouses work together towards a collaborative divorce, it can result in both parties leaving the marriage with less animosity towards each other because both parties have the chance to be heard. A collaborative divorce can save on stress, heartache, and expenses and help the parties maintain a healthier relationship.
Do all divorces require mediation?
Mediation is a valuable method of pursuing a divorce while avoiding court procedures. It allows you and your spouse to speak with each other with the assistance of a lawyer regarding the terms and conditions of the dissolution of your marriage. Mediation is most useful when you and your spouse are able to cooperate with each other, working towards a resolution you are both happy with in the end. While mediation is a great way to navigate divorce, it may not be the best option if you and your spouse can’t come to agreeable terms with each other or if the animosity between the two of you is too high, resulting in fighting and strong disagreements.
Is spousal support a part of every divorce?
In Maryland, spouses have an obligation to support each other. This support can be financial, emotional, and physical in nature. Sometimes, a person gives up certain stabilities while supporting their spouse, such as being a stay-at-home mom to care for their children. Should the couple divorce, a spouse who gave up their job may wish to pursue spousal support or alimony. This is a payment made by one person to another to allow their former spouse time to get back on their feet and into a position to support themselves. Spousal support is not a part of every divorce procedure.
How do family lawyers help with child custody?
If you and your spouse had children with each other, it can result in a more complicated divorce process. When you work with a family lawyer, you can work with a professional who understands these procedures and helps you form a case that will result in you knowing you did everything in your power to care for your children during this process. You and your attorney will work together to form a parenting plan that works for you, your soon-to-be former spouse, and most importantly, your children. You will also work with your attorney regarding child support, either seeking it from your ex or working out a fair agreement for you.
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan is a written agreement between you and your soon-to-be former spouse regarding how both parties will care for and make decisions regarding your children when you and your spouse no longer live with each other. This agreement can cover a broad range of topics, from how much time the child spends with each parent, how important decisions, such as medical decisions, are made, how the exchange of the child should occur, how disputes are settled, and so on. Parenting plans are required in all Maryland divorces that involve children. A parenting plan allows you and your ex to set the rules of custody instead of having the court decide.
How is child support determined after a divorce?
Both parents have a legal duty to support their children, even if the parents are no longer married. Child support is a monetary contribution made by one parent paid to the other. This money is meant to support the child, supplying the items that they need to live a rich and full life. The court will consider both parent’s monthly income, work-related childcare expenses, medical expenses, number of children, and other information. The court’s decision on set child support doesn’t mean that the decision will be permanent. You can petition the courts to examine the child support agreement if variables have substantially changed, such as your or your ex-spouse’s income changes.
Do you actually need a lawyer when you’re going through a divorce?
The short answer is no. You certainly could go through this alone, and you might even come out the other side with a favorable outcome. But why would you change your future happiness and stability on a maybe? A family attorney does more than argue in court; they help you understand the proceedings you are going through, fill out the proper documents, and submit them to the right court. When you and your attorney work together, you can rest assured that you did everything possible to guarantee the ideal outcome for you and your children.
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