Condensed Attack Outline

I. Introduction

• Start essay: Family law governs.

• Commonly tested issues:

• Valid Marriage: MD requires license (48 hr wait, expires 6 mo) & ceremony. MD doesn't recognize common law marriage, but gives full faith & credit to CLM from other states.

• Distribution of marital assets: Factors: health, age, economic circumstances, alimony, marriage duration.

• Custody: "Best interest of the child" standard. Factors: wishes of parties/child (if >12), parents' circumstances (age, health, mental/physical, substance abuse), family dynamic, abuse history, new companions, primary caregiver. No gender preferences in MD.

II. Marriage

A. Ante-nuptial Agreements (Pre-nuptial)

• Party defending validity must show 1 of 4:

• Full & frank disclosure of