Recent Blog Posts
What is a Child in Need of Assistance in Maryland?
The definition of child in need of assistance (CINA) appears in Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code Section 3–801. There are two requirements under the law. First, a Maryland court can only intervene and help a child based on: Abuse — The child suffered physical or emotional abuse at the hands of a parent,… Read More »
What Happens if a Maryland Driver Refuses a Sobriety Test?
When Maryland law enforcement officers stop a suspected drunk driver, they will request permission to conduct a breath test to determine blood alcohol concentration. Contrary to popular belief, the driver is not required to submit to this sobriety test; but, if the driver refuses to submit to the test there are immediate and long-term… Read More »
7 Key Definitions for Domestic Violence Cases in Maryland
Domestic violence laws make it unlawful to abuse or commit other violent acts against family members. Sometimes referred to legally as domestic abuse, this offense combines certain facets of criminal and family law. To help get a firm grasp on domestic violence laws in Maryland, the following sections will define seven key terms. Abuse… Read More »
What Happens if Divorcing Spouses Cannot Agree on Property Division?
In terms of property division during a Maryland divorce, it is increasingly common for the spouses to enter into a marital separation agreement. By negotiating the exact distribution of all marital property, the spouses can avoid a potentially ugly battle in court. If the spouses cannot come to a mutual agreement concerning their shared… Read More »
5 FAQs About Alimony in Maryland
The following sections will provide answers to five frequently asked questions about alimony in Maryland. What is the Purpose of Alimony in Maryland? Alimony is a type of spousal support payment that is available during and after divorce. These support payments are designed to address economic imbalances between the divorcing spouses. On a larger… Read More »
Regulated Firearm Laws in Maryland
Today’s blog entry will explore the boundaries of regulated firearm laws in Maryland. The first section will define the term regulated firearm. What is the Definition of a Regulated Firearm in Maryland? Under Maryland Public Safety Code section 5–101, the term regulated firearm includes: Handguns; and Assault Weapons. Concerning assault weapons, specifically, Section 5-101… Read More »
7 Grounds for Absolute Divorce in Maryland
Under Maryland Family Code 7-103, there are several grounds for which a Maryland court may declare an absolute divorce and dissolve a valid marriage. The following sections will provide an overview of seven different grounds for absolute divorce in Maryland. Adultery A Maryland court may declare an absolute divorce based on adultery. The faithful… Read More »
6 Variations of Child Custody Arrangements in Maryland
Child custody is an important consideration for unmarried parents and divorced couples. If either parent can obtain sole custody, then they have the power to control most aspects of their children’s lives. To understand the boundaries of this legal issue, the following sections will explore six concepts involved in child custody arrangements in Maryland…. Read More »
How Does Maryland Calculate Alimony During a Divorce?
Alimony is a type of support payment that occurs during or after divorce. Often referred to legally as spousal support, alimony exists to address a financial or other imbalance between a divorcing couple. The disadvantaged spouse can make progress toward self-sufficiency with regular alimony payments for a fixed period of time. In Maryland, a… Read More »
Examining Assault Crimes in Maryland
This blog entry will provide an overview of three different kinds of assaults crimes under Maryland law: misdemeanor in the second degree, felony in the second degree and felony in the first degree. Second-Degree Misdemeanor Assault The definition of the crime of assault appears in Maryland Criminal Code Section 3-201. Maryland employs a broad… Read More »
