DC and MD Matrimonial Lawyer Focusing on Custody, Divorce and Prenups
For over 20 years, Regina A. DeMeo has been helping families in MD and DC with custody and divorce issues either through mediation, litigation or advocacy. She is an alumna of Georgetown University and GW University Law School, who is nationally recognized as a top matrimonial attorney. She is frequently quoted in the media for her ideas to promote healthier relationships and featured in the Washington Post, ABA Journal and Bethesda Magazine for her care and commitment to her clients. As a legal commentator, she has appeared on Washington Post Express Facebook Live, ABC tv, Good Morning America, MMCTV, YouTube and Sirius XM, and has been quoted in various magazines, books and journals across the country.
Regina offers appointments in Maryland and DC. Her areas of practice include:
Latest Blog Posts by GenXSmartie
Are You Staying Together For The Wrong Reasons?
During COVID, a lot of us switched to working remotely and/or reduced our social engagements significantly, and while some (mainly introverts) may have thrived under this new norm, for others (mainly extroverts) this level of isolation has proven to be quite unsettling. Tack on the wildcard of how all the changes the last three years have impacted your financial well-being and future prospects, and you truly have the conditions for a perfect storm.As parents, many of us also struggled to see our kids through this pandemic, which truly took its toll on a lot of children-- particularly those in high school that did not get to experience a normal transition into becoming a young adult. There is nothing more heart-breaking than seeing your own children struggle and/or be deprived of certain experiences you took for granted in your own life at their age, including prom, senior week and/or graduation ceremonies and parties.When you are in the middle of a perfect storm situation, the last thing a person can stomach is making any decisions that will cause further disruption into an already unstable environment. And so it may be that for some couples, even in an incredibly toxic relationship, the choice to leave and further destabilize things isn't an easy choice. For those watching on the sidelines, it may be [...]
A Guide to Divorce Mediation: The Role of a Mediator in Your Case
Let's imagine you're at a crossroads in your marriage. The joy and happiness that once filled your relationship have faded, replaced by dissatisfaction, disagreement, and, ultimately, the realization that you both want different things. Many people contemplate divorce around this time when they realize they are not looking forward to the holidays spent in constant tension and disagreement. This is where divorce mediation comes into play. Divorce mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party, the mediator, helps the divorcing couple reach a mutually agreeable resolution on various aspects of their separation. This process is not about determining who is right or wrong; instead, it's about finding common ground and working towards a resolution that respects both parties' interests and needs. The goal of divorce mediation is to foster dialogue, reduce conflict, and promote understanding. It offers a platform where you can express your needs and concerns, hear your spouse's perspective, and negotiate a settlement that works for both of you. Contemplating Divorce Around the Holiday Season? You’re Not Alone The holiday season is often a time of joy and celebration. However, for some couples, it may also be a time of stress and tension. This is when many people contemplate divorce. The reasons for this phenomenon are manifold, ranging from heightened stress levels, financial pressures, [...]
Don’t Accept The “Penny Method” When Dating
Although many of us may have experienced this when dating, it helps to clearly define what this tactic looks like: the ‘penny method’ is all about intentionally and methodically weaning someone off the initial effort that was used to win them over at the start of a relationship until they’re happy with just breadcrumbs. It is a manipulation tactic used to control the other person while chipping away at their self-esteem, in a sick attempt to build a co-dependent relationship. Here's a glimpse into how this works. The person seeking to win someone over is very charming in the beginning and goes a bit overboard with generous gestures starting with the very first date. Within a month you will hear "I love you" and maybe even get a commitment ring. You will get whisked away on romantic trips such as a weekend in New York City or a quick trip to the charming parts of South Carolina. There's lots of talk about marriage and locking in the future with plans for more luxurious experiences, like an all expenses paid trip to Greece. They start referring to you as their spouse, and maybe even add you to their country club membership, with many more promises of a life together with a fairy tale ending. And yet, ever so slowly in [...]
Why Is A Cohabitation Agreement So Important?
Although 46% of adults in the U.S. are single these days, that does not mean they are living alone. A lot of people live with their romantic partners, and yet they fail to have an agreement that outlines their rights and obligations with respect to their finances if they separate or someone dies. A simple cohabitation agreement outlines what they each need to contribute while together and what happens in the event of a break-up, or death of either party. Here are 12 key questions to ponder: (1) How much will you each contribute to the household expenses while together? (2) If you are both renting a place together, who moves out if things don't work out? (3) If you own a place together, how much time do you have to agree on the terms of a buyout before the home needs to be listed for sale? (4) Who remains responsible for the lease/mortgage? (5) Who gets to keep the security deposit/escrow funds? (6) What happens to any joint bank or credit card accounts? (7) Which furniture/household items remain with each party? (8) How much written notice needs to be given to the other person before the process of unraveling ties begins? (9) Do you need an explicit provision regarding confidentiality if you work from home? (10) Would you [...]