Ferrier R. Stillman

Co-chair of Tydings' family law and health care practice groups, Ferrier possesses a combination of determined advocacy, thoughtful representation, and steadfast leadership that has earned her countless accolades from her peers and the respect and gratitude of the clients and communities she serves.

Ferrier's professional achievements are matched by her personal commitment to the individuals and entities she represents. Always prepared, always looking at the opportunities and risks ahead, and always focused on accomplishing her clients' goals, Ferrier is a powerhouse litigator, savvy negotiator, and accessible, responsive counselor in equal measure.

In her family law and divorce practice, her natural empathy, patience, and genuine, demonstrable concern for the well-being of her clients help them understand and navigate a challenging time. Ferrier's health care, long-term care, and senior living clients reap the benefits of her extensive regulatory knowledge and government-side experience, which she leverages to achieve their business objectives and minimize compliance issues. The legal, business, and non-profit communities in and around Baltimore are enriched by Ferrier's time, talents, and stewardship as well. These qualities and her lengthy record of accomplishments have made Ferrier one of Maryland's most awarded and recognized attorneys.

Family Law and Divorce

With offices in downtown Baltimore and Towson, Ferrier and the family law team at Tydings have represented men and women in complex family law cases for decades. As divorce, custody, and other family law matters raise intersecting and complicated financial, business, practical, and legal issues, Ferrier marshals the Firm's deep bench of attorneys from multiple legal disciplines to develop and implement strategies that are both holistic and informed by subject matter expertise. 

As a seasoned trial lawyer, Ferrier understands that being ready to advocate for clients in the courtroom and being open and receptive to negotiated resolutions are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the former positions her clients for favorable outcomes in the latter.

Ferrier's practice and experience extends to all matters that intersect with divorce and family law, including: 

• All aspects of divorce cases.
• Property and asset division and monetary awards.
• Custody and visitation/access disputes (domestic, interstate, and international).
• Child support and related issues, such as payment for children's health care expenses and private school.
• Alimony.
• Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements
• Separation agreements, marital settlement agreements, and parenting agreements.
• Visitation and custody cases for grandparents, other relatives, domestic partners, and stepparents.
• Pre- and post-divorce planning.
• Adoptions (foreign and domestic) and second-parent adoptions.
• Guardianships for special needs children and incapacitated adults
• Paternity cases.
• Appeals.
• Mediation.

Health Care and Senior Housing

Ferrier represents senior housing and long-term care facilities along with other health care providers before state and federal regulatory agencies, as well as in commercial transactions, administrative hearings, and litigation. Her health care background is extensive.

Prior to joining the firm, Ferrier served as Assistant Secretary for Business and Regulatory Services at the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), formerly the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DHMH). There, she oversaw the regulation and licensing of all Maryland health care facilities and individual health care practitioners. The perspectives she gained, and the relationships she cultivated in that position, make her particularly effective when advocating for health care providers in front of government agencies.

Ferrier was also the Governor's representative for the passage of the most significant revisions to assisted living law in many years and oversaw the implementation of substantial new nursing home regulations that remain in effect today.

Legal, Community, and Philanthropic Leadership

Ferrier is a leader in a host of legal, business, and philanthropic organizations, including advocating for the health care, long-term care, and senior housing industry. She is known for making significant contributions of her time and talents to the business, non-profit, and legal communities.

She also frequently gives presentations on many family law and health care issues, including to fellow attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, lenders, psychologists, counselors, and other advisors. Ferrier has also authored numerous articles on various family law topics.