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
Can You Appreciate the Blessings of a Bruised Knee?
There is a book for parents called "The Blessings of a Bruised Knee," which basically suggests that sometimes as parents we have to let our children suffer the consequences of their own actions so that they can learn from their own mistakes. As hard as it is to let them fall, sometimes we must so that they can hopefully develop the skill of modifying their own behaviors. I must say, this same approach should be applied not just with kids, but all loved ones in your life. Too often as a divorce lawyer, I have heard my clients explain how much they covered up or overcompensated for their spouse's shortcomings. Psychologists refer to these people as "enablers" because their actions actually allow the spouse to continue with his/her destructive behavior unharmed. If their patterns of behavior cease to be tolerable, and yet you don't want to leave the relationship, then you are going to have to stop being an enabler-- and let that person suffer consequences for his/her actions because sadly, that is truly the only way someone may come to realize that his/her behaviors need to change. (I say may because some personalities simply cannot admit that they have any issues-- it is everyone else's fault, but never theirs.) Parents quickly learn how hard it is to control our own [...]
What’s The Downside To A Prenup?
This week on Money Matters, I had the privilege of sharing some thoughts on prenups, which are a growing trend among young professionals-- and no, not just those with trust funds. Why are so many looking into a prenup before they say "I do?" Easy-- because these people are smart enough to pay attention to the stats, which confirm that at least 50% of U.S. marriages will end in divorce. It's not that they want the marriage to fail, but rather that they want to (1) clarify upfront what will be marital and (2) minimize the damages in the event the odds do not play out in their favor. We all spend a lot of money on insurance to protect our major assets, including our house, car, health, and even life, so why not spend a minuscule amount for a prenup to ensure a smooth dissolution of your partnership in the unfortunate event that this happens? Think of it this way: when you get in a car and put on your seat belt, do you think the car will crash? Of course not, but you take this precaution just in case. Well, to me the same concept should apply to a prenuptial agreement. Simply put, a prenup is a legal contract that governs what a couple will define as [...]
Rethinking Your Career? You Are In Good Company
The last ten years have definitely changed many industries, including my legal world. The technological advances coupled with the Great Recession have led many to rethink their career options and priorities in life. Clearly moving forward in the 21st century, those that can proceed with an open mind and see the opportunities that come with change will be far better off than those that just want stability and predictability, which are almost impossible to find anymore. Whenever I have lectured to students (typically ranging in ages from 9-29), I have always emphasized the importance of continually exploring new options. The funny thing is even after grad school we need to keep thinking this way. In my own case, the way I practice law today is nothing like the way I was originally trained 16 years ago when I first began my career, or even 5 years ago, when I first gained recognition for promoting a more collaborative approach to divorce. Given the way things keep evolving, I have no doubt the next 5 years my practice will continue to change drastically, as will my needs in terms of what I find satisfying. Our careers are built on our skills, interests and values, but we must recognize that these things will all continue to evolve over time, and therefore, I think [...]
Are You Keeping Your Options Open?
We've all done it in the dating world-- at some point or another we have all kept our options open when we have not been 100% into someone, and I am indeed defending this frame of mind-- especially in the 21st century when there are so many options available-- as long as you are honest with yourself about what is going on and you do your best not to mislead someone else. To put this point of view in perspective, let's think of our actions in the work environment first. Now, if your job isn't fulfilling, everyone would expect you to keep yours eyes and ears open for better opportunities, especially if you have already confronted your boss to try and address your concerns and somehow your requests seem to fall on deaf ears. Eventually, you will either leave of your own volition or you will be asked to leave because it will become clear to your employer that you are not completely on board with the program. We all accept this as a normal part of life, and guess what? The same is true in personal relationships. Just as it is hard to find the perfect job, it is equally difficult to find that person that just gets you, yet since very few of us are okay simply being [...]