Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Maryland Court Reviews Child Support Modification Request
Unfortunately, the government won’t let you modify your child support payments without first petitioning the court. The petitioner needs to show that a substantial change in conditions has presented itself to warrant modifying the original order. Otherwise, the court won’t hear your case. Nonetheless, there are numerous reasons why you can and should try… Read More »
Former Husband Contests Former Wife’s Alimony Award
Maryland Family Law Article § 11-106 lays out the statutory conditions under which an alimony award is made. The court must review several factors, such as the paying spouse’s ability to pay and the receiving spouse’s genuine need. The petitioner must argue that those statutory factors are present to receive an award of alimony…. Read More »
Domestic Violence Cases In Maryland: What To Expect
Facing domestic violence charges in Maryland can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. These cases move very quickly through the system and often involve both criminal charges and protective orders. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare and make informed decisions about your defense. The arrest and initial charges The majority of domestic… Read More »
Understanding Maryland House Bill 1191
When parents separate or divorce in Maryland, their biggest question is: Who will take care of the children and how will they be seen to? It can also be the most difficult matter to resolve during a divorce. Until now, the State of Maryland has largely relied on decades’ worth of case law to… Read More »
What Factors Matter Most When Dividing Marital Assets And Debts In Maryland?
When you get married, your marital estate begins accruing assets and debts. Any asset or debt established during the marriage is considered a part of the marital estate, unless it was a gift or inheritance. When you initiate a divorce, the marital estate stops accruing debts and assets. During a divorce, you will split… Read More »
What Is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) In Maryland?
If you’ve ever been to traffic ticket court before in Maryland, you might have heard of the term “Probation Before Judgment” or PBJ. PBJ’s also can be granted in criminal cases, and for many defendants PBJ is considered one of the more favorable outcomes that can be achieved in a criminal case. While it… Read More »
Do I Need The Court’s Permission To Relocate With A Child?
If you have a custody agreement with a former spouse who would be impacted by your move, then you need either the spouse’s or the court’s permission to move with the child. During the hearing, you would have to argue that moving is in the child’s best interests. One Maryland court case in which… Read More »
When Might The Maryland Courts Void A Prenuptial Agreement?
Several circumstances can force the Maryland courts to void a prenuptial agreement. Voiding means that the agreement is unenforceable. Maryland doesn’t have a specific statute that governs prenuptial agreements. Their validity is determined under the broad principles of contract law and the Maryland Code, Family Law § 8-101, et seq. Prenuptial agreements can be… Read More »
What Types Of Alimony Are Available In Maryland?
The State of Maryland affords a divorced spouse three different types of alimony, known as spousal support. These are: Temporary alimony (alimony pendente lite), rehabilitative alimony, and indefinite alimony. Temporary or alimony pendente lite is awarded during the divorce process to help the spouse maintain their financial status quo. Rehabilitative alimony allows the spouse… Read More »
Maryland Supreme Court Hears Case On Whether Defendant “Promoted” A Criminal Organization
The Maryland Supreme Court recently heard arguments involving a criminal defendant by the name of Jamal Williams. According to prosecutors, Williams should be found guilty of “promoting a criminal organization” for standing next to a codefendant who spray-painted a gang symbol on a public wall. The case is Jamal Antione Williams v. State of… Read More »
