Shank Law

Emily Shank is an experienced attorney focused solely on family law.

She counsels and advocates for clients that are dealing with divorce, custody, child support, alimony, property distribution, retirements, or domestic violence.

06/30/2026

"Can't any Maryland attorney practice anywhere in the state?" Yes. But that's not really the right question.

In family law, there’s a real advantage to working with someone who regularly practices in the jurisdiction where your case is pending.

I primarily practice in Carroll County and Baltimore County, and that local familiarity matters more than people sometimes realize.

When you consistently practice in the same courts, you get to know the local procedures and expectations, the bench and how different judges approach issues, opposing counsel and how cases are typically handled, and the practical realities of that jurisdiction.

That kind of familiarity can make a meaningful difference in strategy, efficiency, and client expectations.

There’s also a practical consideration people don’t always think about: travel time.

I personally do not charge clients for my drive time, but many attorneys do, and understandably so. If your attorney is spending hours traveling across the state for hearings, conferences, or court appearances, those costs can add up quickly.

None of this means you can’t hire an attorney from outside the area. But it’s important to understand the value that local experience and accessibility can bring to your case.

Family law is already stressful enough. Having someone who knows the landscape can help make the process feel a little less unfamiliar.

06/21/2026

Father’s Day is here, and if you’re co-parenting, this is your reminder that supporting your child’s relationship with the other parent matters.

Even if it’s not “your weekend” or things between you and your co-parent are complicated, helping your child celebrate Father’s Day can go a long way.

Take them to pick out a card. Help them make something thoughtful. Encourage the relationship.

These moments matter to kids more than parents sometimes realize.

One of the healthiest things a co-parent can do is make space for their child to love both parents freely, without guilt, tension, or feeling caught in the middle.

And yes, courts notice this kind of behavior too. A parent who supports the child’s relationship with the other parent is generally viewed favorably.

But more importantly, your child notices.

Co-parenting isn’t about “winning” holidays. It’s about creating stability, security, and good memories for your child, even after separation or divorce.

06/19/2026

I am honored to have attended the Baltimore Carroll Chapter of the Women's Bar Association (BCCWBA) annual dinner alongside so many accomplished women in the legal community.

This event was especially meaningful for me as I transitioned from serving Secretary to stepping into the role of Treasurer for the chapter.

Being a part of this organization has been such a rewarding experience. The support, mentorship, and community within the BCCWBA are incredibly special, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving alongside such thoughtful and dedicated colleagues.

Looking forward to another great year ahead!

06/10/2026

The most romantic thing I've seen in my practice lately? A couple negotiating a prenuptial agreement.

And what’s stood out to me most has nothing to do with conflict.

Both parties have their own attorneys (as they should), and there are some more complex and unconventional issues involved, including considerations and questions that require a lot of thoughtful discussion.

But what’s been genuinely refreshing is watching this couple approach the process with so much intentionality and care for each other.

There’s a common fear that talking about a prenup somehow “ruins the romance” or signals a lack of trust. In reality, the healthiest prenup conversations I see are often the exact opposite.

The strongest couples aren’t avoiding difficult conversations. They’re having them deliberately. They’re asking:

How do we protect each other?
How do we plan responsibly?
What happens if life doesn’t go according to plan?
How do we make sure we’re both entering this marriage with clarity and understanding?

That’s not cynicism. That’s maturity.

A well-done prenup isn’t about planning for failure. It’s about communication, transparency, and making informed decisions together.

Honestly, this is how I wish more people approached the process.

06/05/2026

Big personal news over here: my family is moving! 🏡

Before anyone asks—Shank Law isn’t going anywhere. My office and practice remain the same. But going through a move personally has me thinking about something that comes up often in family law:

When you share custody, a move can be a much bigger legal issue than people realize. Even moves that seem manageable can affect:

📦 School routines
📦 Transportation and exchanges
📦 Extracurricular schedules
📦 Commute times
📦 And overall stability for the child

In many custody cases, there’s already a provision requiring one parent to notify the other before relocating. Sometimes that’s part of a negotiated agreement, and sometimes it’s ordered by the court.

And while courts generally cannot stop someone from moving, a relocation can become the basis for revisiting custody arrangements if the move significantly impacts the child or parenting schedule.

A lot of parents think of moving as a personal decision only, but when co-parenting is involved, it’s often also a legal and logistical one.

As someone currently surrounded by boxes myself, I can confirm: moving is stressful enough without surprises or conflict added into the mix. Communication early and often really does matter.

06/02/2026

Looking forward to the Baltimore Carroll Chapter of the Women's Bar Association (BCCWBA) Annual Meeting on June 17th. Only 2 weeks away so better get those RSVPs in!

05/29/2026

A recent 5th Circuit federal court decision is a good reminder of something many people don’t realize: You can lose attorney-client privilege without ever intending to.

In that case, a party was taking legal advice from their attorney and uploading it into ChatGPT to get a “second opinion.” The court found that this kind of disclosure (sharing confidential legal communications with an open, public-facing platform) can result in waiver of privilege.

That means the information may no longer be protected. This isn’t just about AI. It’s about where and how you share legal advice.

I’ve seen some attorneys start updating engagement agreements to address this risk. My own agreements have included this concept for years, largely because social media created the same issue long before AI did.

Here’s the simple rule I give clients: If you want a second opinion, that’s completely appropriate... Talk to another attorney.

But don’t: Text it to friends, post it on social media, or upload it into AI tools or public platforms.

Once confidential legal advice is shared outside the attorney-client relationship, you may lose the protections that come with it.

This is one of those areas where technology is moving faster than most people realize—and the consequences are very real.

When in doubt, ask your lawyer before you share.

05/20/2026

Can you change a custody schedule for summer only?

The short answer is: yes.

In many cases, a different physical custody schedule does make sense for summer versus the school year. Kids have different routines, childcare needs change, and parenting time often needs to be more flexible when school isn’t in session.

Legally, you can file to modify custody for just the summer schedule, but only if there is a material change in circumstances that justifies it.

That said, I often caution clients to think carefully before filing something that is temporary or narrowly focused.

Custody litigation is expensive. Even a limited modification can cost significant time, money, and emotional energy. If the only issue is adjusting summer logistics, it may be worth exploring whether the parents can agree outside of court rather than initiating full litigation.

That becomes even more important when timing is tight.

I've had cases where parents are seeking a modification tied to school enrollment decisions. The challenge is that these issues are time-sensitive, and what happens over the summer directly impacts where a child will attend school in the fall.

In situations like that, parties may ask the court for an expedited hearing, but not all jurisdictions will grant one, even when education is involved.

The key takeaway: if you’re thinking about modifying custody for summer, or anything tied to school decisions, don’t wait. These cases move slowly, and delays can limit your options.

Talk to an attorney early so you can understand your best path forward before timing becomes the problem.

05/14/2026

I had the opportunity to speak about the collaboration between Best Interest Attorneys and mental health professionals at Collective Conversations: Setting Hope In Motion in Baltimore, and here are my takeaways...

This conference brought together legal professionals, mental health providers, educators, healthcare professionals, and advocates, all focused on one shared goal: better supporting children through some of the most difficult situations they may face.

I spoke about how intentional communication between disciplines can make a meaningful difference for children navigating high-conflict family dynamics.

What stood out most to me over these two days was the reminder that none of this work happens in isolation. The best outcomes for children happen when professionals are willing to listen to each other, challenge assumptions, and stay focused on the child’s experience, not just the system around them.

I'm grateful to the organizers at Change the Conversation and Springboard Community Services for putting together such a thoughtful and impactful event, and grateful to be included in the conversation!

Address

40 W. Chesapeake Avenue , Suite 202
Towson, MD
21204

Telephone

+14432523397

Website

http://Www.shanklawmd.com/

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