Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Analyzing 3 Crucial Elements of Child Support in Maryland
Under Maryland family law, child support is a mechanism to divide the costs and burdens of raising children between parents. This type of support payment is most common for unmarried or divorced parents who live apart. And the Maryland state courts usually award child support to protect the health and safety of any children… Read More »
Annulment of Void or Invalid Marriages in Maryland
Maryland family law provides a legal basis for most married couples to seek a divorce — in both no-fault and at-fault situations. On the other hand, annulment is only available to people who entered into a void or invalid marriage. Stated otherwise, Maryland family law restricts annulment to marriages that were unlawful, performed incorrectly,… Read More »
What is the Difference Between Limited & Absolute Divorce in Maryland?
When a couple decides to end their marriage and pursue a divorce in Maryland, there are several different legal routes available. Maryland family law provides for both limited (temporary) and absolute (permanent) divorces. Furthermore, either spouse can request an at-fault absolute divorce, or both spouses can agree to a no-fault absolute divorce. Limited Divorce… Read More »
Temporary Removal of Abused or Neglected Children in Maryland
When domestic violence involves abuse or neglect of a child in Maryland, there are special procedures in place to protect the child’s best interests. In narrowly constructed situations, Maryland law even allows temporary removal of a child from their home. And if the child returns to their parent, custodian, or guardian, there are oversight… Read More »
What Happens to Family Property After a Maryland Divorce?
During the process of completing a divorce in Maryland, property division is an important consideration. Essentially, the soon-to-be former spouses must decide how to split up their marital assets, including any family property. In this context, the term “family property” refers to both family home and family use personal property. Family Home vs. Family… Read More »
Dissecting 4 Types of DUI & DWI Offenses in Maryland
In certain places, driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are essentially interchangeable. Under Maryland law, however, these are actually separate offenses, each with its own punishment structure. At this juncture, it is important to note that Maryland escalates the punishment for repeat DUI or DWI offenders. The same is true… Read More »
What is a Postnuptial Agreement under Maryland Family Law?
Maryland family law allows spouses to create legally valid contracts or agreements with each other. When prospective spouses create such a contract before marriage, it is referred to as a prenuptial agreement. These agreements typically address financial imbalances between the spouses or govern property rights. Even after the spouses get married, they are still… Read More »
The Maryland Program for Victims of Domestic Violence
The State of Maryland recognizes the uniquely dangerous situation that confronts victims of domestic violence. As these victims have a close relationship with their abuser, it can be difficult to break away and seek help. To address this problem, the Maryland General Assembly created a program for victims of domestic violence. Among its many… Read More »
Unlawful Interference with Child Visitation Rights in Maryland
Even if one parent has sole legal custody over a child, the other parent generally has certain child visitation rights under Maryland family law. Any person with lawful visitation rights can see the child or children involved on a predetermined schedule. And interference with lawful child visitation is unlawful in Maryland. But before delving… Read More »
Maryland Police Arrest 3 People in Salisbury for Various Drug Crimes
The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office completed a month-long investigation by arresting three people in Salisbury for various Maryland drug crimes, according to an article by ABC affiliate WMDT. In early June, sheriff’s deputies executed a search and seizure warrant at a domicile in the 400 block of Lindenhurst Court. In the process, the deputies… Read More »
