$ 270-300 per hour
PRO
David Raymond Mahood
Virtual Consultation Available
About David
Biography
David Mahood is a seasoned family law attorney who has dedicated his career to guiding clients through divorce, custody disputes, and the division of marital assets. With over two decades of experience, David takes pride in helping clients develop effective legal strategies that not only protect their rights but also promote positive attitudes and emotional growth. He believes that fostering respect and professionalism during litigation leads to better outcomes, both in court and in his clients’ personal lives.
David’s approach is rooted in understanding the emotional turmoil that often accompanies family law cases. He recognizes the desire for revenge or tit-for-tat behavior but works diligently to help his clients move beyond these impulses. By focusing on the facts and presenting strong, respectful arguments, David ensures his clients are well-positioned to earn the trust and respect of the court. His ability to calm and guide clients through challenging situations has made him a trusted advocate in family law.
While no attorney can promise specific results, David’s commitment to his clients’ success is unwavering. He empowers them to present their best case with confidence, ensuring they are prepared to achieve favorable outcomes in even the most complex family law matters.
Protect Your Rights in Divorce, Custody, Division of Assets! Call Now: 410-927-5863
Protect What Is Most Important To You: Children, Home, Income, Investments, & Business! 410-927-5863
Protect What Is Most Important To You: Children, Home, Income, Investments, & Business! 410-927-5863
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
60%
25 years
Child Custody
35%
25 years
Domestic Violence
5%
25 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2018 2017 2016
...
+
4
2016 2015 2014
Licenses
Licensed in Maryland for 14 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 24 years
State: California
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
David Mahood, Attorney
(410) 381-1656
Fax
9435 Virginia Jane Way, Owings Mills, MD, 21117
davidmahoodlaw.com/David Raymond Mahood's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
52 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (52)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Divorce & Separation (16)
Child Custody (12)
Family (6)
Child Support (4)
Lawsuits & Disputes (3)
Litigation (3)
Debt Settlement (1)
Employment & Labor (1)
Ethics & Professional Responsibility (1)
Marriage & Prenuptials (1)
Mediation (1)
Real Estate (1)
Trusts (1)
Uncontested Divorce (1)
Wills & Living Wills (1)
Showing 11 - 15 of 15 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2014 | Family
Put my mind at ease that my husband's ex-wife couldn't pull me into their legal problems.
Was worried because I added my new husband and his son to my health and dental insurance at my job. My new husband's ex-wife said she was going to list me as financially responsible on the doctor/dental bills and if I have negative credit I could lose my clearance causing me to lose my job. David r...
David Mahood
Replied last September 15, 2014I would like to add a few thoughts. Even though the mother has no RIGHT to add you as financially responsible, she can cause you trouble by filling out paperwork, alleging or stating that you are the financially responsible one. Maryland law provides that the Mother and Father are financially responsible for their own child, and that you as the step-mother are not financially responsible. However, as a member of the father's household I am sure you provide financial assistance for the care of the child. You should make sure that you communicate with those who provide medical and other services to your child and let them know what is going on here. Otherwise, you could end up with troublesome paperwork filled out by the mother which could cause you difficulties, even though in the end, you can prove that you are not the financially responsible one.
Posted by Justin | July 17, 2014 | Uncontested Divorce
Honest and Fair
I found David Mahood by browsing the web for knowledgeable attorneys that handle uncontested divorce cases. David’s knowledge of the law was very helpful during my divorce and he always looked out for my best interests in a manner that was fair to my spouse. If you're looking for someone who's hones...
David Mahood
Replied last July 17, 2014Thank you, Justin, for your kind words. One of the main reasons everything went smoothly is because you were a good listener and you followed my advice. Sometimes, clients are motivated by a desire for vengeance or to cause harm to their soon-to-be former spouse. You followed my advice and treated her with respect, as did I, and so things progressed easily toward the final judgment. Any time there is a successful conclusion to a legal case, it is because the attorney and client worked together in a harmonious way. As an aside, I must say that when the litigation battle explodes, and costs both sides tens of thousands of dollars, it is almost always because one party or both parties are trying to do something really unfair to the other party, and this necessitates a corresponding defense. In your case, you were fair and that is why everything went well, and we avoided the expensive, stressful, litigation battle.
Posted by Osei | June 16, 2013 | Child Custody
Great Attorney, Helping a TON in custody case!
I'm going through a pretty sticky custody case right now, I tried for months to handle it Pro Se, but after my pendente lite hearing I knew I would need help. David had already answered most of the the questions I've asked on Avvo.com, so it only made sense to hire him as my attorney. The initial con...
David Mahood
Replied last July 21, 2013I appreciate Osei's kind expressions of gratitude. It always warms my heart to be appreciated by my clients. It was a pleasure to guide Osei because he was respectful, and listened carefully and took to heart my advice. I wanted to give him not just legal advice, but more importantly, the practical wisdom to go along with the legal component so that he could make decisions for the good of his son in promoting their loving relationship. The mother at first was denying all visitation, but then she softened up after Osei followed my advice and the litigation part of the case gradually died down. I always try to help my clients resolve their litigation problems the easy way, the negotiated way, if that is possible. Osei listened well and backed off any and all initial feelings of bitterness and revenge, and things started working out for the best in his case. Not all clients listen as well as he did, so it was very gratifying working with him. By the way, folks, I work well with Moms and Wives also.
Posted by anonymous | March 29, 2013 | Divorce & Separation
Highly Recommended
I came across Mr. Mahood by searching the internet for high profile attorneys that handle custody and divorce. Mr. Mahood’s experience and knowledge of the law has been extremely helpful. I am currently going through my divorce, his experience and wisdom is so helpful. If you are looking for so...
David Mahood
Replied last July 21, 2013I poured my heart and soul into helping this dedicated mother fight a father who was determined to stick it to her. He seemed to have unlimited funds for the legal battle, and tried to drown us with his legal paperwork. We showed the father that the mother would not lay down or allow herself to be bullied. The mother is focusing on helping her young son cope with very difficult circumstances so he can grow up to be a fine young man. I wish her the best as she continues the struggle against a father determined to undermine her every step of the way. Sometimes, there is no choice but to stay in the battle for the long haul, and not give up.
Posted by anonymous | July 20, 2014 | Ethics & Professional Responsibility
I had the worst ever legal experience with David Mahood
I have had the worst experience ever with David Mahood. I felt abused from the first moment I worked with him and threatened throughout the very brief period I worked with him. He is not knowledgeable and would make phone calls to clients and talk for hours and then charge you these hours as if you c...
David Mahood
Replied last July 20, 2014I care deeply about all my clients and want to help them in every way possible, both legally and in a practical sense, and I felt this way about this client too. I did my best to help her with her case against her spouse who had threatened to kill her on many, many occasions. Based on her vivid descriptions of his words and actions toward her, he seemed very dangerous. I even had concerns that once I began the legal battle, that the husband might do to me what he tried to do to her. But regardless of the risks to my personal safety, it was clear she needed help, so I threw my personal concerns aside, and went forward with the case. I was confident that doing good for my clients has its own rewards which go far beyond any fees earned or risks to my safety. I have had many clients express deep appreciation and gratitude for my work in helping them deal with very difficult divorces, domestic violence, or entrenched battles over money. Unexpectedly, after giving this client more than $800.00 of my free time, this client began asking me to do the entire divorce for $1,500.00 even though it was possible that the fees could have gone much higher if the husband decided to put up the big legal battle (impossible to predict though). This client was negotiating with me for a few weeks, trying to persuade me to accept her offer to change our written Legal Services Agreement from an hourly fee to a flat fee of $1,500.00 plus some money for any court hearings. When I refused to change my hourly fees to a flat fee of $1,500.00 this client became upset I would not change our written agreement to comply with the new terms she began demanding. I tried to explain I had no idea how much of a battle her husband would bring against her, and therefore, that I had no idea how much my attorney’s fees would be. If she truly had felt threatened by me from the very beginning, then it made no sense that a month after she hired me, she was asking me to accept her offer to handle her case for a flat fee of $1,500.00. These divorce cases can go on for many months, and sometimes for years. Regarding the phone calls: the Legal Services Agreement stated as follows: “Attorney’s legal services and hourly billing time include, but are not limited to …. phone calls, emails, text messages ….” among other things. She had read the Legal Services Agreement very carefully, even asking me to line out certain phrases and insert certain things. She has a PhD and is very well educated, so it also makes no sense that she would not know that phone calls were part of the billable time, because “phone calls” were right there in black and white. My heartfelt desire was to help her, just as I want to help all my clients. I take great satisfaction and happiness from the gratitude and appreciation I have received from hundreds of clients over the many years of my service as an attorney. I hope this client finds the peace and happiness and legal protection she is seeking.
David Raymond Mahood's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. He is very helpful and caring."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mahood is a well known and respected divorce attorney in the Baltimore area. You can trust that you are in good hands with Mr. Mahood."
"David is conscientious and tries his best to do what is best for his clients."
"I highly endorse Mr. Mahood. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."
"Mr. Mahood's knowledgeable and insightful answers on avvo is a credit to both his own demonstrated expertise and to the legal community at large. He always demonstrates both a complete grasp of the subject area as well as a sincere compassion for the people to whom he is providing answers. I endorse Mr. Mahood without reservation to any client in need of legal advice and representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. An excellent and knowledgeable attorney who really cares about clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with him in mediation and he is reasonable and knowledgeable of divorce and family law."
"David is a knowledgeable, capable attorney who cares about his clients. I endorse this attorney."
"David is an excellent attorney. His regular contributions on Avvo showcase his knowledge and experience. His clients are lucky to have him!"
"Mr. Mahood regularly contributes well thought out and accurate responses on Avvo forums. He consistently addresses the legal as well as practical sides of the issues people face. His responses are a great resource to those in need of legal assistance and the legal community at large."
"I endorse this lawyer. David is a conscientious and experienced attorney who genuinely cares about his clients."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney David Mahood is both knowledgeable and practical in his approach to family law. Any client seeking a seasoned family law attorney who can aggressively represent their interests should look no further than Mr. Mahood."
"I endorse Mr. Mahood as an exceptional lawyer and I recommend him highly."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mahood is an exceptional attorney who is dedicated to his clients and to obtaining the best possible outcome! David is cordial and a consummate professional."
"I endorse Mr. Mahood -- his active participation here on Avvo is always helpful and informative. He is a valuable asset to Avvo and the legal community."
"It is clear from Attorney Mahood's Avvo presence that he cares deeply about his clients and works tirelessly for their best interest. I endorse this attorney."
"An attorney who will fight for his clients!"
Jessica Murray
Divorce and separation lawyer
Stephen Shechtel
Family lawyer
Mark Oakley
Litigation lawyer
Alake Colwell
Child custody lawyer
John Russell
Unknown lawyer
Andrew Hoverman
Criminal defense lawyer
Cheryl Johnson
Estate planning lawyer
Simon Kabzan
Family lawyer
Douglas Borthwick
Family lawyer
Evan Farr
Elder law lawyer
Nydia Streets
Divorce and separation lawyer
Matthew Liszewski
Family lawyer
Philip Israels
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Goldstein
Domestic violence lawyer
Harry Siegel
Family lawyer
Judd Nemiro
Divorce and separation lawyer
Evan Koslow
Child custody lawyer
Benjamin Stirling
Car accident lawyer
Gerard Miles
Divorce and separation lawyer
Jeffrey Henry
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2018
Top Contributor, Avvo
2016
Client's Choice, Avvo
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Owner/President, David Mahood, Attorney at Law
2000 - 2000
Court Clerk, San Diego Superior Court
1995 - 1996
Mutual Funds Agent, Primerica
1994 - 1998
Life Insurance Agent, Primerica
1993 - 2000
Real Estate Broker, Mahood Real Estate
Associations
2014 - Present
Baltimore County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Maryland State Bar AssociationMember
2003 - 2007
United States Supreme Court BarMember
2002 - 2010
Sacramento County Bar AssociationMember
2001 - 2020
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1999 - 2000
Law Review at Thomas Jefferson School Of LawLiterary Editor
Education
2003
University of California - Davis
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2000
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2019
Tools to help you settle high conflict custody matters
Settling High Conflict Custody Matters
2019
Representing children in cases involving child custody or access
Child Counsel Training
2019
Guardianship Court Appointed Attorney Training Program
Adult Guardianships in Maryland
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
David earned significant contribution points in 2018.
Legal Answers
Q&A
I live in Maryland and the father in DC. Me and baby are relocating to Texas. Should I initiate court dna before or after move.
29 Sep 2025
Q&A
Can grandparents be charged for aiding and abetting?
01 May 2025
Q&A
How do I dismiss a order of default in a child custody case in Maryland circuit court?
21 Dec 2023