Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Is A Protective Order For Domestic Violence In Maryland?
Protective orders in Maryland are legal devices employed to protect victims of domestic violence from further abuse. These orders empower the state courts to take legal action and, ideally, prevent the abuser from inflicting further harm. When there is a likelihood of past or future abuse, a domestic violence victim may obtain an interim,… Read More »
When Does Maryland Deviate From The Child Support Guidelines?
Maryland family law requires parents to provide necessary support and care to their children. When parents are married or live together, they typically divide child support obligations without court intervention. But for divorced and unmarried parents, the determination of child support obligations usually resides with the Maryland courts. To help ensure that any award… Read More »
4 Versions Of DUI/DWI Laws & Penalties In Maryland
Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-902 establishes the laws against and penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI). Although these crimes appear under the same statute, DUI/DWI can fluctuate based on the type of substance involved, the number of previous offenses (if any), and the circumstances of the offense…. Read More »
Woman Sentenced In Maryland For Interstate Domestic Violence
A U.S. federal judge in Maryland recently sentenced a Florida woman to 16 years in federal prison for interstate domestic violence, according to a Department of Justice press release. According to the plea agreement in this case, the Florida woman made contact with a 17-year-old minor female via social media in May 2017. After… Read More »
2 Situations Where Maryland Denies Child Visitation Rights
Even when one parent receives sole custody of a child in Maryland, the other parent can typically obtain child visitation rights. These rights enable the non-custodial parent to spend time with their child and stay connected to their life. But in certain situations, the Maryland courts will usually deny child visitation rights. The first… Read More »
Maryland Rules For Adoption Search, Contact & Reunion Services
When a person goes through the process of adoption in Maryland, it can sever the connection to biological parents and siblings. But once an adopted individual reaches the age of 21 years old, Maryland family law allows them to engage in search, contact, and reunion services. These services can help adopted individuals reconnect with… Read More »
How Does Maryland Assist Victims Of Domestic Violence?
In Maryland and elsewhere, a victim of domestic violence is often stuck between a rock and a hard place. These individuals and their children need to escape abuse. But they do not always have the financial means to do so. To help address this unfortunate outcome, Maryland created a program to help victims of… Read More »
Maryland Division Of Family Home & Family Property
When a married couple elects to pursue divorce or annulment under Maryland law, they must figure out how to divide their property. In certain cases, a premarital agreement or similar contract establishes these property rights before the marriage ends. But in many cases, the Maryland courts help the spouses figure out property division issues,… Read More »
What Is The Maryland Difference Between Adult & Child Kidnapping?
Within the topic of violent crimes under Maryland law, kidnapping might not be the first offense that comes to mind. But as this offense usually involves forceful removal or detention, it is technically a violent crime. Furthermore, Maryland law has separate provisions to address kidnapping of both adult and child victims. What is the… Read More »
Natural Guardians & Child Custody Under Maryland Family Law
Maryland law applies a multifaceted series of duties and responsibilities for child custody. For parents, guardians, and custodians, they are responsible for the support, nurture, welfare, and education of the children under their care. In that vein, Maryland provides special considerations for a child’s birth mother and father, who are referred to as natural… Read More »
