Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Are Pets Treated In A Maryland Divorce?
Washington D.C. recently passed a law allowing family court judges to consider “the best interests of the pet” when adjudicating a divorce case. This is the same standard that is used for children in all states across the country. While D.C. is in the minority, there is a growing trend across the U.S. to… Read More »
The Best Interests Of The Child Standard Under Maryland Law
Many years ago, the courts would often favor mothers in child custody hearings under the belief that children needed their mothers more than their fathers as they were growing up. The law in all 50 states has evolved from that standard and now employs another: the best interests of the children. In many states,… Read More »
The Intentional Dissipation Of Marital Assets As A Factor In A Maryland Divorce
In some cases, a spouse can be accused of intentionally dissipating marital assets or, in other words, spending money from the marital estate on things that are intentionally wasteful. When this happens, the court can consider the intentional dissipation of marital assets when dividing assets or awarding alimony. If you believe your spouse has… Read More »
How Are Property And Debts Divided During A Maryland Divorce?
One of the key aspects of a Maryland divorce is the division of property and debts that were acquired during the marriage. Maryland is considered an equitable distribution state which means that property is divided between the spouses in a manner that is considered equitable to both parties. That does not necessarily mean that… Read More »
Does Maryland Require Mediation In Divorce?
There are several ways to dissolve a marriage in the state of Maryland. Traditionally, parties litigated their divorces in an adversarial format in which they made arguments before a judge. The judge would render final decisions on key issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. Today, a backlog of divorce… Read More »
Will I Receive Alimony In My Maryland Divorce?
When a couple has been married for a long time, it’s not uncommon for one spouse to make monthly payments to the other to help support them after the divorce is finalized. Alimony is one aspect of divorce that either gets settled during mediation or through litigation. The courts will weigh several factors when… Read More »
Can I Refuse A Breathalyzer Test In Maryland?
The short answer to this question is: yes, you can refuse a breathalyzer test in Maryland. However, under Maryland’s implied consent laws, there are consequences for refusing a breathalyzer test. The question then becomes: is it more beneficial to refuse the breath test, or should you take it? In Maryland, prosecutors can prove that… Read More »
Maryland Man Accused Of Child Abuse And Neglect After 6-Year-Old Son Is Found Dead
A Maryland man has been arrested after his 6-year-old son was found dead in his home. Police arrested the suspect after responding to a report of an unresponsive child. When officers arrived at the suspect’s home, they found the boy dead. It was determined that the boy died of severe malnutrition and starvation. According… Read More »
Maryland Man Sentenced To 75 Years for Sexual Abuse Of A Minor
The State’s Attorney’s Office announced that a Maryland man will spend the next 75 years of his life in state prison for the sexual abuse of a minor. The 28-year-old defendant was sentenced to 75 years with 24 years of active incarceration. He will also have to register as a sex offender for the… Read More »
Maryland Man Is Facing Child Abuse Charges After Infant Suffers “Significant Injuries”
A Maryland father is facing child abuse charges after doctors discovered that his 6-week-old infant suffered significant injuries including fractured bones. The child received medical care at Frederick Health Hospital before medics transferred the child to Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Child Protective Services later contacted the Frederick Police Department about the child’s… Read More »
