Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Court Addressed The Appealability Of Domestic Violence Injunctions
Maryland domestic violence protective orders are powerful civil injunctions intended to prevent domestic violence and ensure the safety of victims. These orders can be significant, so it is not surprising that the consequences of these orders prompt appellate review when the aggrieved party feels that the order was entered improperly. In this case, the… Read More »
Unequal But Equitable: Property Distribution In Maryland Family Law Cases
In Maryland, equitable distribution is used in divorce cases; that is, marital property is distributed in a fair (but not necessarily equal) manner. The courts must first locate and value all marital property and then determine whether a monetary award is needed for equitable distribution. In this article, the Bel Air, MD, family law… Read More »
Can I Be Forced To Pay My Spouse’s Legal Fees?
The Maryland courts have wide discretion in making awards of attorney’s fees in family law cases, especially when there has been unfair action by one of the parties that increased the cost of litigation. One of the instances in which the court can award attorney fees to one party, is when that party wasted… Read More »
How Body-Worn Camera Footage Impacts Maryland Criminal Defense Cases
Body-worn cameras are now an integral part of law enforcement in Maryland. It is now common for many police departments to require officers to activate their cameras during traffic stops, arrests, and other public interactions. Despite the body-worn cameras’ reputation for providing objective evidence, bodycam footage doesn’t always speak for itself. What body cameras… Read More »
How Maryland Courts Address Hidden Assets In A Divorce
Divorce generally involves the division of marital property. Under Maryland law, both parties are required to disclose their assets and debts. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for one of the parties to attempt to conceal their assets with the hopes of gaining the upper hand financially. This is a serious offense under Maryland law…. Read More »
Understanding Protective Orders In Maryland And How They Can Affect Divorce And Child Custody
If family conduct results in imminent threats or violence, many families in the State of Maryland consider obtaining a protective order, also known as a restraining order. A protective order may be an important safety measure, but it also has significant implications in family law, especially when one is in an active divorce case… Read More »
Understanding The Role Of Parenting Plans In Maryland Custody Agreements
In cases where parents living in Maryland split up or get a divorce, one of the most significant and contentious issues that needs to be addressed is child custody. To address this issue, the State of Maryland suggests that parents use parenting plans. These are written agreements that state how parents are supposed to… Read More »
How Maryland’s 2025 Criminal Law Changes Could Affect Your Case
When you’re up against criminal charges, it’s easy to feel like the law is set in stone. However, the laws in the State of Maryland are constantly evolving, often in ways that make a world of difference in how cases are prosecuted, defended, and resolved. Given the number of new Maryland laws that have… Read More »
How Maryland Courts Handle Custody When Domestic Violence Is Involved: Understanding J.A.B. v. J.E.D.B. (2021)
Domestic violence changes everything in a family law case. When there is a history of abuse between parents, Maryland courts must put safety and stability at the forefront, especially when determining custody. One recent important example is J.A.B. v. J.E.D.B. This case illustrates exactly how judges evaluate parenting arrangements when allegations of domestic violence… Read More »
When Is A Prenup Invalid? Lessons From Stewart V. Stewart
Prenuptial agreements are meant to bring clarity and peace of mind before marriage. But sometimes, the circumstances surrounding the prenup raise serious questions about fairness and free choice. A recent Maryland case, Stewart v. Stewart, offers a striking example of how courts examine these agreements and when a prenup might be thrown out altogether…. Read More »
