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As summer winds down and fall nears, we want to recap some excitement that's happened this last month. We will share our excursions with you - both big or small - and hope you reciprocate. Please send us a pic of your latest adventure!
— Sandy and Cheryl
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Offit Kurman is pleased to announce that sixty of the firm’s attorneys have been included on the Best Lawyers in America list for 2023. Lawyers throughout each of the firm’s five regions were recognized. In addition, four attorneys were selected as Lawyer of the Year and an additional fifteen were chosen as Ones to Watch. Based on over 7-million peer reviews provided by attorneys throughout the country, the rankings are a leading, unbiased source of legal referrals in the United States. Both Cheryl and Sandy are honored to be included this year. | |
To learn more, click here. | |
Should I File a Joint Tax Return with My Separated Spouse?
By Sandy Brooks
When it comes time to file tax returns, those of our clients who are separated, but not yet divorced, often ask our opinion. As with many issues, there are some benefits to filing a joint return. However, there may also be unexpected consequences. When spouses file jointly, they are each responsible for all of the reported information. Each spouse can be held responsible for tax liability, which can include interest and penalties. One concern, therefore, is whether the other spouse has had adequate withholding, or has paid their quarterly tax obligation in full and on time.
We do not recommend a client file jointly if they are concerned their spouse has not been honest about income or deductions.
Continue reading here >>
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Separation? Where Do I Start?
By Cheryl Hepfer
If you are contemplating a separation, or if you believe that your spouse is, where do you begin?
1. Collect and preserve financial information.
This will include tax returns and information regarding income and expenses, such as check registers, checking account statements and credit card statements. You will also want information regarding assets and liabilities. If you have done a loan application for a mortgage or refinance, that will be a very helpful summary. You also want to secure information regarding 401K’s, retirement and investment accounts and the like. If there is a business involved, any documentation regarding the business would be an integral part of the information you will need.
Continue reading here >>
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With friends from the IAFL/AAML, Cheryl attended the Iowa State Fair in August. It’s the largest state fair in the country, and it’s best known for its outrageous food options. In addition to the food, there was a butter cow and butter people, and mounted shooting, which is barrel racing while shooting balloons. Loads of fun. If you ever get a chance, don’t miss it! | Cheryl and Samantha carried ten boxes to Howard County’s Circuit Courthouse for a four-day trial this summer. We have the “karts” to accommodate all of our files and notebooks. They are indispensable! | |
While Cheryl was hard at work, Sandy spent a week at the beach with her family.
She is also working hard with fellow Maryland colleagues on preparing a CLE on cross examination in December.
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The bold taste of olives pairs so well with chicken. This is one of those dishes where the two ingredients create magic.
- 1 chicken, 3 1/2 pounds, cut up
- 3 tbs. olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3 yellow onions, peeled and chopped
- 3 cups coarsely chopped very ripe fresh tomatoes
- 1 jar (6 oz.) green olives, stuffed with pimientos, drained (or buy the cheaper ones called salad olives)
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- 1 tbs. oregano
- 1 cup dry red wine
Brown the chicken in the olive oil. Use a large pan and do not try to do the whole batch at once. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain most of the oil. Sauté the garlic and onions until limp. Add the tomatoes and olives and sauté until tomatoes are soft. Add the pepper, oregano, wine and the chicken. Cover and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 30 minutes.
Serves 4
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Sandra A. Brooks
sbrooks@offitkurman.com
240.507.1716
As a family law attorney, Sandra (Sandy) Brooks’ practice focuses on a wide range of aspects in regards to family law. She dedicates her time to assisting clients in domestic law matters including divorce, child custody and visitation, family mediation, spousal and child support, property division, and division of retirement benefits. Other matters that fall under her jurisdiction as a family law attorney include tax consequences of divorce, mediation, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, negotiating and drafting of separation agreements, domestic litigation, and post-judgment proceedings. Sandy is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
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Cheryl L. Hepfer
chepfer@offitkurman.com
240.507.1717
Cheryl Hepfer is a highly-regarded attorney who has practiced family law for more than 40 years. She has been rated by her peers and is listed in Best Lawyers in America and as a top lawyer in the Washingtonian, Bethesda Magazine, and Super Lawyers. She is past president of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers.
Her practice consists primarily of domestic litigation involving significant assets and business interests. She has a wealth of experience in complex cases involving significant assets and property distribution, alimony, child custody and access. She has significant experience representing owners of businesses and their spouses, and those with significant assets, and works with business valuation experts and forensic accountants to maximize the benefits to her clients.
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