Child Custody

Marla Zide’s interest in the law began at a young age, inspired by her father’s work as an attorney. A native of New England, she moved to Maryland in 1993 to attend Goucher College, earning a degree in psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies. She later graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2001, focusing her studies on family law. During law school, she gained valuable experience through the Family Law Clinic and her work with the Maryland Legal Service Network, where she helped expand access to legal resources across the state. Since her admission to the Maryland Bar in 2001, Ms. Zide has dedicated her practice to guiding clients through family law matters, including divorce, custody, visitation, support, and adoption. She has represented parents, grandparents, and children in Anne Arundel County and throughout Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Harford County, and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Known for her compassionate approach, she strives to provide clear guidance and strong advocacy during times of uncertainty and stress. Marla Zide’s professional achievements have earned her recognition as a “Super Lawyer” in Family Law from 2013 to 2025 and inclusion among the “Top 50 Women Attorneys in Maryland” for multiple years. She remains active in the legal community through her involvement with the Maryland State Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, and the Anne Arundel County Bar Association. To speak with Ms. Zide about your family law concerns, call 410-760-9433 to schedule a consultation or complete our online contact form.

Ms. Calderwood is a partner in the firm of Raphael, Ramsden & Behers. Her practice is concentrated in family law, including divorce cases involving complex asset, debt, and valuation issues; support and alimony cases; child custody and interstate custody matters. She uses her experience, her knowledge of asset valuation, and her skills in handling basic to complex support matters to seek the best result possible, whether through the courtroom or settlement outside of the courtroom. As many clients benefit from seeking a resolution of their family law matters outside of the courtroom, she is trained to resolve cases using the collaborative law approach. This allows a client more control of the details of the settlement and generally cost savings, as compared to litigation. Whether operating in or out of the courtroom, she strives at all times to provide guidance and practical advice to her clients. She finds great satisfaction in family law, as it allows her to help others in restructuring their family and seeking the best available solution to their problems, which are unique to each family. From 2012 to the present, Ms. Calderwood has been selected for inclusion in the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. From 2005 to 2011, she was selected for inclusion in the Rising Star List by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association where she currently serves as the Chair-Elect of the Family Law Section, previously served as a general Council Member, is a former Chair of the Domestic Rules Committee, and was previously Co-Chair of the Program Committee of the Family Law Section. Ms. Calderwood is also a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association and its Family Law Section, serving on committees and previously a member of council. Additionally, she was the President of the Pittsburgh Matrimonial Inn of Court for the 2007-2009 term. She has served as a speaker for continuing legal education presentations on behalf of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Institute, and Allegheny County Bar Association. Attorney Calderwood was awarded the 2007 Outstanding Young Lawyer Award from the Young Lawyers Division of the Allegheny County Bar Association. In 2002, she was recognized as one of Pittsburgh’s “50 Finest,” raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis Association. Ms. Calderwood has also volunteered her time to pro bono and community efforts. Ms. Calderwood was admitted to practice in 1998, after attending the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University, and she is a 1993 magna cum laude graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.

Utilizing many years of helping clients with their legal needs, we at the law firm of Rehrer & Rehrer are proud to provide clients with experienced, knowledgeable legal representation that works to resolve their cases. Attorneys Linda Rehrer and Victoria Rehrer are strong, independent women who understand the impact a legal situation may have on your life. All are heavily involved in the community and members of the Ocean County Bar Association. They are well respected within the legal community and pride themselves on providing a broad range of services to their clients, including (but not limited to) the areas of: -Divorce and Family Law -Child Custody / DYFS / Adoption -Municipal Court / DUI Our lawyers are also trained in mediation. This can be a useful alternative to heading into court. Though we do try to first settle cases, we do not shy away from taking cases to court. We approach each case as aggressively as our clients would like us to. The representation we provide is tailored to accommodate the requirements of each individual case and client. Contact the divorce law firm of Rehrer & Rehrer to discuss the specifics of your unique case and situation. Let us help you take back control of your case and pursue a result that can have a positive impact on your life. We offer flexible appointment times and return all phone calls in a timely manner. Consultations are provided for a minimal fee. The law firm of Rehrer & Rehrer confidently represents clients in Toms River, New Jersey, Toms River, Point Pleasant, Ocean County, Monmouth County, Manahawkin, Freehold, Asbury Park, all of the surrounding areas, and throughout the South Jersey Shore.

Don is a passionate and enthusiastic problem solver who loves the intellectual challenges of family law from the initial consultation to the final agreement or judicial ruling. As an experienced divorce and family law attorney, Don handles every type of case from the simple agreement to the most intricate and delicate situations with precision, persistence and care.

Debra Crawford Annis is a certified family law specialist (certified by the Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of California). Debra is also a family law mediator. Debra’s practice consists primarily of family law matters. She also practices in the areas of estate planning and probate. Debra has been practicing law for over 26 years. Debra attended Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles where she graduated cum laude. Debra’s family law experience has been enriched by her service to the Women's Legal Clinic where she served as a volunteer attorney and as the President of the Board of Directors. Debra received an Outstanding Achievement Award from Mayor Bradley for her valuable service to the community with the Women's Legal Clinic. Debra has lectured on the subject of 'move away' custody cases and independent adoptions. Debra is also a family law mediator. She has been on the mediator panel of the innovative Mosten Mediation Centers. Debra enjoys mediation and helping families structure their new lives apart instead of tearing each other apart in litigation and protracted court battles. Debra is also a tough and seasoned litigator if that is the avenue you choose. Debra has also handled appellate cases. Debra has been a colunmist in the Carmel Valley Newletter and is the author of the newly revised Cal Divorce 123, Your Guide to California Divorce. Cal Divorce 123 is a guide for people who want to understand the California divorce process and actively participate in their cases -- whether as their own legal representative or an active partner with their attorney. The Guide is now available in separate modules or as a complete kit. Debra is devoted to the concept that people can help themselves and make informed decisions in their legal matters. She strives to provide education to people so that they can achieve this objective. She also helps you decide the tone of your case.

Melissa Sanford has built her career on helping clients in the areas of family law and criminal defense. By focusing primarily on these two areas in her practice, Ms. Sanford has been able to gain extensive experience in the family and criminal court systems, ensuring each of her clients gets the best possible representation for the legal issues that crop up unexpectedly in their lives. No matter what legal matter crops up in your life, you need representation by someone who understands the rights and processes of the legal system. Based out of Fayetteville, Melissa Sanford provides legal help in the area of family matters, including divorce, child custody, and child support, as well as criminal defense to clients throughout Fayette County, as well as Coweta, Spalding, Pike, Upson, Carroll, Clayton and South Fulton Counties.

Carl Ritter is a senior attorney at Bryan Fagan, PLLC, representing clients in family law and estate planning matters. HIs focus areas are contested divorces, child custody disputes, guardianships, and contested wills. Carl doesn’t shy away from the cases involving parties with difficult pasts, or cases involving Child Protective Services (CPS). He is a fierce advocate for clients that are attempting to keep or regain custody of their children, and he also provides assistance to grandparents who are fighting for their grandchildren. He understands that the best interest of the child is always the most important factor in any case. Carl’s representation extends to clients that are interested in estate planning as well as clients that need help with issues of guardianship. Carl has substantial experience in contested probate cases that must proceed through litigation. Litigation and the courtroom have always been Carl’s favorite part of being an attorney. With over 35 years as a practicing attorney, Carl has an extensive background, including serving as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the United States Air Force. His understanding of the nuances of military law, as well as the intricacies involved in military life, combine to make Carl an astute choice for military personnel and their families. He has also spent 10 years as an attorney with the Office of the Attorney General in Texas. Carl and his wife of 25 years recently relocated to Houston to be near their two children who attend school at Texas A&M and Houston Baptist University. Carl enjoys time spent with his family at the beach and in the mountains, where you can find him golfing, swimming, relaxing in lazy rivers, eating fantastic foods, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Attorney Peter Lloyd is an experienced lawyer practicing law in the Central Wisconsin area. He limits his practice to specific areas (family, criminal and traffic law). He will strive to settle your case in the most efficient and least expensive way possible. He believes in clients having control over their own destiny and supports that goal throughout the legal process, which includes custody, property division and financial support in family law cases. In criminal and traffic matters he will represent you in court and help you reach the best possible outcome and success. During his career in private practice, he has held additional positions which have expanded his legal experience. He was City Attorney for the City of Nekoosa for approximately ten years. During this time, he would prosecute traffic and municipal violations on behalf of the City of Nekoosa, as well as attend city council meetings and provided advice on various legal matters. In addition, at various times during his career in private practice, he has temporarily acted as prosecutor for the Portage County Child Support Agency, as well as representing Portage County in other civil actions. He obtained a 1986 Business Degree from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a 1989 Law Degree from Marquette University Law School. During law school, he was an intern with the Milwaukee County District Attorney Office. In addition, he was an intern with a private law firm in Milwaukee during law school. In the summer of 1989 he began practicing Law in Central Wisconsin, primarily in Portage and Wood County, as well as Waupaca and Marathon County. During his legal career, he has been a partner at law firms in both Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids.

Ryan represents individuals who are contemplating or going through divorce, dealing with child support, custody, or paternity issues, and more. As a lawyer in our family law practice group, Ryan can help with any legal issue related to divorce or another family law matter. Ryan brings his extensive family law experience to work for every client. He considers practicing family law a privilege, as it allows him to have a direct, positive impact on his clients and their everyday lives. Whether you are dealing with division of property, business interests, or issues with children, Ryan is deeply aware of the consequences of his professional performance and guidance in these most sensitive of cases. Every case and every client are important.

Attorney Emily Daniell has been advocating for clients for over 10 years. Emily works hard fighting for her clients and ensuring that they are satisfied with the level of care received in their legal matters. Emily concentrates her practice in the areas of probate, estate planning, wills and trusts, divorce, child custody, child support, modification, enforcement, and other family law matters. As an attorney, Emily’s goal is to get the best possible result for her clients while helping them complete their case with dignity. Both probate and family law clients are often seeking legal representation in a difficult and emotional season of life. Emily understands the need to advocate aggressively while working compassionately in the best interest of her clients. At Christman Attorneys, we provide intelligent solutions and results-oriented advocacy. Call to schedule a consult today! 972-445-9907