Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What is the Maryland Difference Between Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements?
Maryland family law enables spouses to enter into legally enforceable agreements and other devices, before and after marriage. When prospective spouses enter into such an agreement before marriage, it is referred to legally as a prenuptial agreement. When they do so after marriage, it is referred to legally as a postnuptial agreement. Legal Background… Read More »
4 Kinds of Property Considered During Maryland Divorces
When spouses decide to end their marriage and pursue divorce, they must go through the process of property division as well. From a general standpoint, property division refers to how the spouses split up anything they acquired during their marriage. In many cases, the spouses can reach a mutual understanding and split up their… Read More »
4 FAQs on Protective Orders for Maryland Domestic Violence Victims
A protective order is a tool available to the Maryland state courts to help safeguard victims of domestic violence and other forms of abuse. When granted, these orders can prevent the perpetrator from contacting the victim and even grant possession of a shared residence. That being said, protective orders are not appropriate in every… Read More »
3 Types of Adoption Under Maryland Family Law
Adoption under Maryland family law is a legal process that reassigns parental rights and responsibilities from birth parent to adopting parent. Adoption generally involves children. Though in certain cases, adoption cases involve adults, often those with special needs. To initiate the adoption process, a request for adoption must be filed with a Maryland state… Read More »
How Does Maryland Criminal Law Address Marijuana?
Even though a growing number of U.S. states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, it remains a controlled substance under Maryland law. Accordingly, it is still a crime to possess or use marijuana in amounts of 10 grams or more in in Maryland, although exceptions exist for patients who use medical marijuana with a… Read More »
Actual Adjusted Income & Maryland Child Support Obligations
Under Maryland Family Law, parents must ensure that they take care of and support their children. To calculate the level of child support each parent should pay, the State of Maryland employs a set of guidelines. These guidelines ensure that the level of support required is fair to all parties concerned. The starting point… Read More »
Examining 4 Key Elements of Child Visitation Schedules in Maryland
For divorced or unmarried parents in Maryland, the creation of a child visitation schedule is extremely important. Even in situations where one parent has full physical and legal child custody, the other parent usually retains some visitation rights. Assuming both parents have at least partial custody and visitation, it is necessary to create a… Read More »
How Does Maryland Define & Punish Counterfeiting?
Under the Maryland Criminal Code, counterfeiting is a white collar crime that involves the unlawful reproduction of documents or instruments. In order to qualify as counterfeiting under Maryland law, fraudulent intent is generally required, although in certain circumstances mere possession of counterfeit documents or instruments can be a criminal offense. Counterfeiting Documents or Instruments… Read More »
What is the Maryland Family Law Approach to Alimony?
Under Maryland family law, alimony is a type of spousal support that is available during or after divorce. During the process of ending their marriage, either spouse can request alimony support payments from the other spouse. These support payments are designed to help either spouse get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. The… Read More »
What is the Maryland Domestic Violence Central Repository?
The Maryland Domestic Violence Central Repository (“Central Repository”) exists to collect and aggregate data concerning domestic violence or abuse. Managed by the Administrative Office of the Maryland Courts, the Central Repository stores various records of protective and peace orders. This provides greater visibility into domestic violence offenses and enables state actors to better handle… Read More »
