The Law Office of Samantha N Boylan, LLC

Call Website

The Law Office of Samantha N Boylan, LLC Strategic Advocacy, Steady Leadership When it Matters Most

Confession from a lawyer: until recently, I was a walking example of the thing I now warn clients about. I'm a mom of tw...
09/28/2026

Confession from a lawyer: until recently, I was a walking example of the thing I now warn clients about.

I'm a mom of two. I own a business. I spent years in family law watching up close what happens to families when someone dies without a plan. I knew better than most.

And I still didn't have my own estate plan done.

There was always a reason to put it on the back burner and tell myself I'd get to it after the next thing. If those excuses sound familiar, it's because they're everyone's excuses. Including (apparently!) people who do this professionally.

What finally moved me was sitting with my own training materials as I built on the estate planning side of my practice, and hitting one question I couldn't answer out loud: if something happened to me or my husband tomorrow, who would be standing in my kitchen at midnight? And did they have any legal authority to be there?

I could not stand answering that with "whoever a judge picks."

So we finally put in the work, and I understand something now that I only knew intellectually before: my clients aren't buying documents from me. They're buying the feeling I had after sitting down and actually making these decisions - like a low hum of background dread I'd been carrying for years had finally switched off.

If a family lawyer can put this off for years, so can anyone - so if you've been carrying that same quiet to-do item, consider this your sign. It's a calmer process than you think, and the feeling on the other side is worth it.

Divorce after 50 is one of the fastest growing trends in family law. In fact, divorce rates for couples over 50 have rou...
09/23/2026

Divorce after 50 is one of the fastest growing trends in family law. In fact, divorce rates for couples over 50 have roughly doubled in recent decades. And if you or someone you love is facing it, you should know: these divorces are a different animal, and they deserve a different approach.

There's usually no custody battle. Instead, there's a retirement nest egg you both worked thirty years to build (whether through long working hours, or raising your children and maintaining your home), a house that holds most of what you've saved, and maybe a business that was supposed to become the family legacy. You also have less time to rebuild than someone divorcing at 35.

If you're facing this season of life, here's what I want you to know going in:

Your retirement accounts are probably the biggest thing on the table, and dividing their value the wrong way can trigger taxes and penalties nobody intended. This is technical work that has to be done right the first time.

Think about health insurance early. If you've been on your spouse's plan for decades, the years between now and Medicare need a plan of their own. Do not leave this as an afterthought.

Your estate plan needs attention right way, not "someday." Maryland law removes an ex-spouse from your will automatically, but it doesn't update anything else. The other beneficiaries you chose, specific gifts, and things that pass outside your will entirely (like life insurance) stay exactly as written. And what you want often changes after divorce, especially in blended families where stepchildren are involved.

Most importantly: after decades of marriage, most couples do not need a courtroom to divide a life. What you need are accurate numbers, sound tax guidance, and a settlement structured so that both of you can actually retire. That's done at a negotiating table with dignity.

Divorce later in life is not a failure story. Handled well, it's a financial planning exercise with a respectful ending, and you deserve to have it treated that way.

If this is your season, or your parent's, or your friends, my door is open.

Excited to have once again been selected as a Maryland Super Lawyer for 2027!This recognition comes from evaluations by ...
09/17/2026

Excited to have once again been selected as a Maryland Super Lawyer for 2027!

This recognition comes from evaluations by other attorneys, and I'm grateful for it, but what it really reflects is the families who've trusted me with the big moments. The hard chapters navigated with dignity, estate plans signed at my desk and the businesses put on solid footing.

Thank you to every family who has let this firm be part of your story. Being your lawyer for the milestones and the hard parts alike is the whole point of what I've built here in Harford County.

An admission from a family law litigator: many of the divorces I have litigated never needed a courtroom.If you own a bu...
08/31/2026

An admission from a family law litigator: many of the divorces I have litigated never needed a courtroom.

If you own a business and have real assets (and two people willing to actually be adults for one season of life) the fight will cost you more than the compromise. Every. Single. Time. And you are leaving decisions that will have a serious impact on the trajectory of your life to a strange judge who has not lived your life, does not understand how your family operates, and has zero clue what it is like to "be you." And your kids pay in a currency you can't earn back.

There is another way to do this, where you still have an advocate who is entirely on your side - but the tools are education, negotiation, and the right experts. A valuation you both trust, a financial picture you actually understand, and a road map you see before we start.

The courtroom stays available for the rare case that truly needs it. I know it well. That is exactly how I know you don't want to be there.

Divorce without destruction. It exists.

Spring is often a time for fresh starts, and it’s also a great time to make sure your estate planning documents are up t...
04/06/2026

Spring is often a time for fresh starts, and it’s also a great time to make sure your estate planning documents are up to date.

Documents like wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives are meant to reflect your current wishes. But after major life changes such as a divorce, separation, new child, or change in finances - those documents can quickly become outdated.

Updating them doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In many cases, simple revisions can ensure that your assets, decision-making authority, and long-term plans are aligned with your current circumstances.

My office offers straightforward estate planning and document drafting with a quick turnaround, so you can have peace of mind knowing everything is in place.

If you’ve experienced a recent life change or it’s simply been a while since you’ve reviewed your documents, this is a great time to take a look.

In family law, I have the privilege of working with many incredibly strong women who are navigating major life transitio...
03/09/2026

In family law, I have the privilege of working with many incredibly strong women who are navigating major life transitions, often while balancing careers, parenting, financial uncertainty, and the emotional weight that comes with it all.

One thing that never stops impressing me is the resilience I see in my clients. Many come into the process feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what comes next, and over time they find clarity, confidence, and a path forward for themselves and their children. Being able to watch my clients undergo this transformation is something I am continually grateful for.

International Women’s Day is a reminder to recognize and support the women around us every single day.

To the women rebuilding, advocating for their families, supporting others, and moving forward even when things feel difficult: your strength does not go unnoticed.

DID YOU KNOW?As of October, Maryland updated its family law rules to formally codify the “best interest of the child” fa...
03/04/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

As of October, Maryland updated its family law rules to formally codify the “best interest of the child” factors courts may consider when determining custody and visitation arrangements.

For years, judges relied on a body of case law to evaluate what was in a child’s best interest. Now, Rule 9-201 provides a clear list of factors that courts may weigh when making these important decisions.

Why does that matter?

Because understanding these factors can help parents and attorneys better evaluate custody proposals, prepare evidence, and focus on the issues the court is most likely to consider.

Every custody case is different, but having a clearer framework can make the process more predictable and help parents approach decisions with a better understanding of how courts analyze these situations.

If you’re navigating a custody matter and want help understanding how these factors may apply to your case, we are always happy to talk through the process and help you evaluate your options.

Starting a new chapter in practice has been both exciting and humbling.Family law is deeply personal work, and every day...
02/27/2026

Starting a new chapter in practice has been both exciting and humbling.

Family law is deeply personal work, and every day I’m reminded how much trust clients place in their attorney during some of life’s most difficult transitions. That responsibility is something I don’t take lightly.

This season has involved building new systems, meeting new families, and reconnecting with colleagues and community members all while balancing the everyday realities of work and family life. It’s a busy but incredibly meaningful process.

I’m grateful for the support, encouragement, and conversations that have come along the way, and for the opportunity to help families navigate challenging moments with clarity and compassion.

One of the first questions many people ask when facing a family law issue is:“Am I going to have to go to court?”The ans...
02/25/2026

One of the first questions many people ask when facing a family law issue is:
“Am I going to have to go to court?”

The answer is — not always.

While some cases do require litigation, many family law matters are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or other settlement-focused approaches. The path a case takes often depends on the level of conflict, the issues involved, and each party’s willingness to work toward resolution.

Part of the process is exploring all available options and developing a strategy that aligns with your goals and your family’s needs.

If you’re feeling anxious about what the process might look like, that uncertainty is completely normal. Understanding your options early can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed as things move forward.

One of the most common things I hear from new clients is:“I just don’t know what to expect.”Family law matters can feel ...
02/23/2026

One of the most common things I hear from new clients is:
“I just don’t know what to expect.”

Family law matters can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are high and the future feels uncertain. Many people come into the process worried about their children, their finances, and how life will look once everything is resolved.

A big part of my role is helping clients slow things down, understand their options, and make thoughtful decisions that protect what matters most to them.

While every case is different, clarity and preparation can make a difficult process feel far more manageable. You don’t have to have everything figured out before speaking with an attorney. Sometimes the first step is simply having a conversation and getting a clear picture of where you stand.

If you are navigating a family law issue and feeling unsure about the next step, know that you are not alone.

Address

1443 Rock Spring Road #279
Bel Air, MD
21014

Telephone

+14109678018

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Law Office of Samantha N Boylan, LLC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category