Whether Delaware will recognize a common law marriage depends on the laws of the state where the marriage was formed and the evidence available to prove it. These cases are often fact-intensive and require careful review of the parties' history and documentation.

If you believe you may have entered into a common law marriage outside Delaware and are considering divorce, speaking with an experienced Delaware family law attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate your evidence, and determine the best path forward.

But there comes a time when accepting reality is part of being responsible. If health problems prevent someone from working, applying for disability benefits is not a sign of weakness. It is a way to protect both the worker and the worker's family.

Many people miss working. They miss the routine, the coworkers, and the feeling of finishing a tough job.

When a couple gets divorced, they often divide their property and assets. This can include things like money in bank accounts, retirement funds, real estate, or other valuable property. If you receive disability benefits, you may wonder whether getting property in a divorce could affect those benefits.

The answer depends on which disability program you receive.

At Maven Law, LLC, we are proud to continue growing our team with talented, compassionate, and driven individuals who share our commitment to exceptional client service and thoughtful legal advocacy. This summer, we are excited to welcome two summer associates and a new paralegal who each bring unique experiences, perspectives, and enthusiasm to our practice.

We are proud to invest in the next generation of legal professionals and grateful to welcome individuals who bring intelligence, compassion, and a strong commitment to service. Please join us in welcoming Maria, Tia, and Ellie to Maven Law, LLC this summer.

Estate taxes are separate from probate expenses and final income taxes. Probate costs may often be avoided through proper estate planning tools, such as a revocable living trust, while final income taxes apply to any income earned during the year of death. Estate taxes, however, are a separate matter that can significantly impact the value of an estate passed on to loved ones.

Federal estate taxes can be substantial. Currently, assets exceeding the federal estate tax exemption are taxed at a rate of 40%, and these taxes are generally due within nine months after death. Because estate taxes must typically be paid in cash, families may be forced to sell real estate, business interests, or other valuable assets to satisfy the tax obligation. With proactive planning, however, many families can reduce or even eliminate estate taxes altogether.

If you or someone you know has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you might be able to get help from Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits are for people who have a disability that makes it hard for them to work and take care of themselves. Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of the conditions that can qualify for these benefits.

To apply for Social Security Disability (SSD), you need to show that your autism makes it very hard for you to do everyday tasks like getting a job, taking care of yourself, or communicating with others. Social Security will look at your medical records and other information about how your condition affects you.

Many of us live with serious mental health conditions. These can include depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. These conditions can make it hard to work, focus, or take care of daily tasks. When this happens, some people apply for Social Security Disability benefits for help making ends meet.

If you are suffering from mental health conditions that make it hard for you to work, you don’t have to go through this process alone. Call Melissa Green of Maven Law for a free 30-minute consultation about your case. She can help guide you through the process and improve your chances of getting the support you need.

If you are trying to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), I want you to know something very important. It is called your “Date Last Insured,” or DLI.

Your DLI is the last day you are covered for SSDI. I like to think of it as a deadline. To get benefits, you must show that your disability started on or before that date. If you became disabled after your DLI, you may not qualify for SSDI, even if you are very sick now.

I know this can be confusing. Many people do not know their DLI or why it matters. They may file a claim too late or not have the right proof. This can cause them to lose benefits they could have received.

At the heart of the Launch Party celebration were the firm’s partners—Marta M. Dybowski, Vernon Vassallo, and Alfred A. Cave—whose combined experience and shared commitment to excellence form the foundation of Maven Law. Each brings a distinct perspective and depth of expertise, yet together they embody a unified mission: to provide thoughtful, strategic, and client-centered legal solutions.

When people first explore disability benefits, they often hear about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and assume they’re the same. While both are administered by the Social Security Administration and require proof of disability, they serve different purposes and populations.