Overview

An in-depth look at the many issues raised in a divorce involved when representing a federal employee (current, former, or retired) or spouse, this is an invaluable, single-source brings together a wealth of information and practice insights from disparate sources that author Jessica Markham has gathered over two decades in practice. Complex and detailed information is presented in a manner that is accessible and understandable. Each chapter begins by explaining the basic aspects of the topic followed by more detailed information and citations for further research. In addition to a wealth of useful practice tips, the book includes checklists, glossary terms, and definitions for easy reference, as well as sample documents and forms also available in downloadable format online. This one-of-a-kind handbook thoroughly explains the major facets of the largest federal government pension systems: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) Foreign Service Retirement and Disability System (FSRDS) Foreign Service Retirement System (FSRS) Federal government’s defined contribution plans, including the Thrift Savings Plan These primary benefit plans are explained at three distinct points when a federal employee may be involved in a divorce: during active employment, after separation from service but before retirement, and after retirement. The book also addresses issues related to death benefits, including pension survivor annuities, beneficiary designations, life insurance, and insurable interests, as well as other concerns when dividing pensions, such as maintaining health insurance after divorce and the effect of remarriage. This comprehensive guide also covers lesser-known protections and benefits offered to federal employees, retirees, and their spouses, such as leave, disability, long-term care insurance, and resources for victims of domestic violence, and briefly reviews litigation considerations such as determining income, garnishment, and obtaining documents from a federal agency. is a valuable resource for newer practitioners to learn the basics, while more seasoned family lawyers will find it a useful resource to keep on their bookshelf for quick access to the specific information needed in a particular case.

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9781641056519

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"Jessica Markham practices all aspects of family law in Maryland and Washington, D.C. She has trial experience in Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Baltimore County and Washington D.C. courts and is also trained in Collaborative Law. Ms. Markham also handles guardianship matters and is frequently appointed by the Court as an attorney for Allegedly Disabled Adults and as Guardian of the Property. Ms. Markham has also been appointed by the court in Family Law matters as a Child Privilege attorney and a Best Interest Attorney (formerly Guardian Ad Litem).   Ms. Markham also has an active mediation practice, helping parties to resolve both custody and divorce/property disputes as a neutral. Ms. Markham frequently serves as a court appointed custody mediator in the Montgomery County Circuit Court Child Custody/Access Mediation Program and as an Attorney-Facilitator through Montgomery County Circuit Court, Family Division Services. Ms. Markham has been approved by the Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts as a Circuit Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Practitioner mediator and serves on the roster of court-approved divorce/property mediators in Montgomery County.  Ms. Markham also previously mediated in the Family Mediation Program, Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division of the DC Superior Court and in 2015 she  participated in a study through the National Institute of Justice and Indiana University Maurer School of Law, mediating cases with parties reporting a high incidence of Interpersonal Violence, utilizing both shuttle and video-conferencing methods. Ms. Markham is also on the Court-Approved roster of ADR Facilitators in the DC Superior Court. Jessica Markham is the author of the American Bar Association book published March 2021, entitled “Representing Federal Employees and Their Spouses in Divorce, a Practical Guide.” It is the only comprehensive resource of its kind. In 2017 and 2018, Ms. Markham was recognized by her peers for inclusion in ""The Best Lawyers in America""© in the field of Family Law, for the Washington D.C. Area.  Best Lawyers is a purely peer review publication.  Ms. Markham recently concluded a term on the Montgomery County Commission for Juvenile Justice, having been appointed by County Executive Ike Leggett and confirmed by the County Council in 2015.   Ms. Markham is honored to have been selected as a Daily Record 2016 Leading Woman.  The Daily Record's Leading Women awards honor 50 women who are 40 years of age or younger for their accomplishments in their careers so far.  A panel of previous winners selected the honorees based on their professional experience, community involvement and commitment to inspiring change.   Ms. Markham has also received a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating of AV Preeminent in the field of Family Law. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are ratings by legal peers reflecting Very High General Ethical Standards and Legal Ability (including Legal Knowledge, Analytical Capabilities, Judgment, Communication Ability and Legal Experience).  In addition, Ms. Markham has been selected for inclusion as a ""Rising Star"" by Maryland SuperLawyers Magazine (2011-2019) and Washington DC SuperLawyers Magazine (2013-2019).  In 2013, 2016 and 2017, Ms. Markham had the pleasure to serve as a Judge of the Maryland State Bar Association, Mock Trial Competition. In law school Ms. Markham served as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Legal Intern for the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office where she focused on prosecution of juvenile misdemeanor and felony crimes. Prior to the formation of the Markham Law Firm, Ms. Markham was an associate and then a principal in one of the area's top boutique family law firms. In addition to her numerous professional affiliations, Ms. Markham is also on the Board of Directors and acts as Secretary for the New Orchestra of Washington.  Ms. Markham is also an active member of Westmoreland Congregational Church in Bethesda, for which she has served on the Board of Trustees/Governance Council and Finance Committee and as AmeriCorps Program Director of the Westmoreland Volunteer Corps Board.  In the past, Ms. Markham has been active in the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Bard Association and Mock Trial Committee assisting to plan and produce the theater company's yearly Supreme Court Mock Trial."

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