Reviews

Marla helped review my marriage separation agreement, and provided consultation on what it meant, what should be changed, and gave me assurances to what rights of mine were protected. She also explained Maryland divorce law to me, and what the process was. She was very professional, and quickly jumped in and gave me exactly what I needed. Would definitely recommend.

I have had to use Marla a few times over the past few years. The first time was for an emergency hearing whereas I was the defendant. My attorney was not able to represent me because of the expedited hearing. Marla was quick to respond, she took the time to meet with me, answered all my questions and asked the pertinent ones. Her retainer was fair and reasonable and she made some payment arrangements with me going forward. This hearing turned into a "change of circumstance" hearing which is what she predicted. She represented me professionally and we did not settle until it was equitable. Marla is still representing me today but on another matter. She has a very good repoir with her colleagues and the judges which I think is very helpful. She is able to talk to me in terms I understand and lay out all the possible scenarios. She was able to settle me when I needed and completely understood how such circumstances could rock someones perception. She ultimately left the decisions in my hands however with her guidance I felt as if the choices I made were educated instead of from emotion. She made herself very available, by email, phone and in person. Her rates are fair and she is an outstanding attorney. She really knows how to read people. She takes great notes and has an amazing memory. She is on point in the courtroom, she really thinks out of the box. She is a pro at witness preperation, speaking for myself as well as my witness'. We all knew what to expect and we were prepared for our nerve racking cross examination as well. Marla has worked very hard on behalf of my family the last few years. I have the utmost respect for her and her abilities and refer her everytime I get the chance.

I used Ms. Zide for my exparte, separation and divorce when she first started practicing family law at the YWCA in Arnold and my case transferred over to her private practice with Alan Forman. I have not dealt with many attorneys or legal issues, but she went out of her way and above and beyond any expectations that I had to make the transition as easy as possible for my son, who was the real victim in the ugly divorce battle. When I felt like I wanted to be vindictive for all of the nasty things that my ex did, Marla was always there to ground me and give me a dose of reality, reminding me what was best for my child. She was so easy to talk to and I never felt like I was being judged at all. I appreciate everything that she did for me and my son. I obtained full physical custody and was able to finally become cordial with my ex and be able to talk about issues with my son.