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 Holding Yourself Accountable?
The past 90 days, I decided to do an experiment and keep a log of every single expense I incurred each month. I wanted to check and see if I was sticking to a realistic budget, and also identify areas where I might be able to cut unnecessary spending. So, each and every day, I logged how much I spent, whether I paid cash or put in on my credit card, and at the end of each month I lumped them into categories, such as housing, food, medical, clothing, car, or entertainment. Then a funny thing happened a long the way-- I found myself become increasingly conscientious about the way I spend my money, and I am now much more comfortable with my budget as I start the new year. Maybe money management is not your issue, but it's about accounting for your time. If you are unsure about whether you are being efficient with your time, why not start by spending a week logging your use of time? How much are you working? How much are you sleeping? What are you doing with the time that remains? I firmly believe that once you see how you are allocating this valuable resource, you can cut out distractions that are counter-productive and perhaps you will make room for worthwhile activities that [...]
Funny Ah-ha Moments
Ah-ha moments are pretty common in the divorce process. One of my favorites, is that moment when you realize that you can do something you previously relied on your ex to do for you. Mine involved the incineration of a hive of wasps, which I discovered inside the grill just as I was about to host my last BBQ at the marital home. My initial reaction was to call my ex for help, but he responded by saying, "if we were still together, I would run home and take care of this for you. But since you are my estranged wife, you need to deal with this on your own. I suggest you light the grill with the top down and run until it’s all over." I've actually treasured this story for years, but never wrote about it until this week. The full story about what happened was just published by Splitopia, and here is the link: http://www.splitopia.com/main/learning-to-rely-on-myself-post-divorce-and-loving-it By Regina A. DeMeo, Esq.
This Thanksgiving, What Are You Grateful For?
Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and this year in particular I hope we can all take some time during the long holiday weekend to reflect on what we do have in our lives, and express gratitude to all those that matter to us. I realize that many are still stinging from the election results that came as a shock to those of us in the East and West coast bubbles. Many not just here, but around the world, are nervous about what lies ahead for 2017. But, for just a moment, if you can suspend those feelings of disappointment, anxiety or regret, try to focus on something good, and give credit where credit is due. Here are some good options: 1. Health- Too often we take our good health for granted. This year in particular this point has come across loud and clear after attending several funerals, including one this weekend for friend that was only age 53. Take good care of your mental and physical wellbeing, and acknowledge those that help keep you in tip-top shape. 2. Family & Friends- I am lumping these together because I do believe friends are the family you choose. Our loved ones are there for us during the best of times, and the worst. They listen, console, love, help, and support [...]
What Kids Really Need From Divorced Parents During the Holidays
Divorced parents have a tendency to feel guilty that because they couldn't work things out with their former partners, their children must now shuffle back and forth between two homes. Especially during the holidays, this guilt seems to kick into overdrive for some, along with regret that certain traditions will no longer continue. But let's think about-- would they be better off in a house full of tension or devoid of love? And is shuttling between two homes really that bad compared to the alternative of only having one primary parent and limited visits with the other when they have two equally loving and fit parents? 1. Chin Up It is hard for parents to not see their kids every night, or on every holiday-- and I am actually saying that from personal experience over the last 11 years, but if you can put your child's needs before your own, then you can appreciate that for your children it is important that you don't make them feel bad when they go spend time with the other parent and extended family. So, just make sure you have your own plans, and encourage the kids to have fun wherever it is they will be spending the holidays. 2. Get Your Ex a Gift Now, I know it may not be easy, but [...]