Recent Blog Posts
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 »
6 Key Provisions of Marital Separation Agreements in Maryland
During a Maryland divorce, it is possible for the spouses to simplify the process and execute a marital separation agreement. If the spouses can reach mutual agreement on a number of important terms, then divorce can be as simple as signing a contract in Maryland. While each marital separation agreement is different, most of… Read More »
Receiving Maryland Child Support via Direct Deposit or EPiC
Child support is a legal mechanism that ensures both parents contribute to the welfare of their children. During a divorce or custody process, a Maryland court can order one parent to pay child support to the other parent. Generally, the noncustodial parent makes support payments to the custodial parent. This accounts for the additional… Read More »
What is the Ignition Interlock Program in Maryland?
Drunk driving is a dangerous problem in Maryland, one that results in approximately 171 fatalities and 4,026 injuries each year. To help minimize the impact and consequences of drunk driving and other traffic crimes, Maryland instituted the Ignition Interlock Program. What is an Ignition Interlock Device? An ignition interlock device is a mechanism that… Read More »
How Does Maryland Define Family and Marital Property?
In order to establish clear guidelines for property division during a divorce, Maryland employs several definitions for family and marital property. As highlighted in Code of Maryland 8-201, there are three types of property that are important during the divorce process — family home, family use personal property and marital property. Before progressing any… Read More »
Four Types of Child Visitation Schedules in Maryland
If a divorced couple has minor children in Maryland, then the parents must establish a child visitation schedule. These schedules help break down the specifics of child support, ensuring that both parents play a role in their children’s lives. In many cases, the parents are able to work together and isolate a mutually agreeable… Read More »
Limited Divorce vs. Absolute Divorce in Maryland
There are two different types of divorce in Maryland — limited divorce and absolute divorce. While many characteristics and requirements are the same for both types of divorce, there are notable differences between these legal devices. Limited Divorce in Maryland As established in Maryland Family Code 7-102, a state court can declare a limited… Read More »
How Does Maryland Law Address Different Types of Robbery?
There are four types of robbery in Maryland — robbery, armed robbery, carjacking and armed carjacking. While these four crimes have similar roots, the incarceration periods change dramatically based on the circumstances of the offense. In order to gain a firm grasp on this type of criminal offense in Maryland, the following sections will… Read More »
How Does Maryland Divide Marital Property During a Divorce?
When a married couple goes through the formal divorce process in Maryland, the court decides on a fair and balanced “equitable distribution” arrangement for property division. This is different from the “community property” approach in certain U.S. states — where the court simply divides all of the married couple’s assets in half. In Maryland,… Read More »
Emergency Child Custody Orders in Maryland
Whatever the individual circumstances of a child custody dispute, Maryland law prioritizes the best interests of the child or children involved. When there is an emergency or other dangerous situation which presents a threat to a child, then the Maryland courts have the power to intervene to protect the child or children involved when… Read More »
