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CONTESTED GUARDIANSHIPS

MARYLAND GUARDIANSHIP LAWYER MARYLAND GUARDIANSHIP LAWYER EXPLAINS CONTESTED GUARDIANSHIPS & INTERESTED PERSON’S RIGHTS Interested individuals have a large role in how guardianship of a minor, disabled person, or property is granted. Often, interested parties involvement will turn an uncontested guardianship case into a complicated battle, called a ‘contested guardianship.’ It may happen when the guardianship is being granted, or later down the line if an interested party believes the guardian is not doing a proper job of caring for the person or property. If you are fighting for guardianship, consult with a highly experienced Maryland guardianship lawyer for legal assistance. Who is an...

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CHILD GUARDIANSHIP

MARYLAND CHILD GUARDIANSHIP ATTORNEY CHILD GUARDIANSHIPS IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND Child guardianship is a serious issue. It is a lot of responsibility to become the guardian of another person. You are given the responsibility of making the most important decisions on their behalf, and obligated to ensure their safety and wellbeing. The process to become the guardian of a minor in the state of Maryland is appropriately complex and should be handled by an experienced Maryland child guardianship attorney. Steps to Become a Guardian Petition the Court - In order to become a guardian of a minor, the individual must first petition the...

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PARENTAL ALIENATION SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

MARYLAND FAMILY LAW LAWYER When a couple is going through a divorce or separation, the entire family is affected and those affects can be lasting and significant. Children are often times the most affected because they have not had the years of experience that it takes to understand and deal with emotional trauma. In the same way that their young minds are more susceptible to emotional stress, they are also far more susceptible to manipulation. Parental Alienation is the process, and the result, of the psychological manipulation of a child into showing unwarranted fear, disrespect or hostility towards a parent and/or other family...

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CHILD CUSTODY INTERSTATE JURISDICTION ISSUES

MARYLAND FAMILY LAW LAWYER Family law is very complex, especially when it pertains to child custody. Although the Uniform Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) was designed to resolve any complexities between states, if you find yourself in the middle of an interstate child custody dispute, contact an experienced Maryland family law attorney who can help you. If the parents live in different states or nations, the first issue that must be resolved is whether the court has proper jurisdiction over the person to handle the child custody or support dispute. The UCCJEA is the law that spells out the rules for...

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CHILD CUSTODY, VISITATION & SUPPORT

FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY IN MARYLAND Child custody and visitation is another important part of the divorce proceeding. When contemplating which parent should get primary custody the Court must reach a decision that is "in the best interest of the child." There are several major facts that the Courts will consider before awarding primary custody to one parent or the other: parents ability provide for the child, continuity of primary caregiver, lifestyle and conduct of parents, mental and physical health of parents, child's age and preference. Stability of the environment is key. In previous years under the "tender years" doctrine the Courts were able...

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JUDGMENT ENFORCEMENT

When the Courts and judges issue order they expect them to be followed. Failure to pay child support can have serious consequences. Maryland Department of Human Resources helps custodial parents with collecting child support payments from non-custodial parents. Failure to pay child support can lead to suspension of driver's license and/or professional license (license to practice law or real estate license); denial of tax refunds and other types of government benefits; garnishment of wages, property and bank account liens, etc. The parties however can work among themselves to work out how and when the payment can be made. If you are behind of paying your child support...

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MARYLAND MASTERS SYSTEM

If you have a family law case in the state of Maryland that involves child custody, visitation, support or alimony, you will likely have to appear before a master. Masters originate from an old tradition when they were originally appointed to act as assistants to the English kings. Today, a master is a hearing officer who takes testimony and makes preliminary rulings and determination. Their recommendations are then submitted to a Judge to be approved or rejected. If neither party takes exceptions to the ruling of the master then a judge will pass an order ratifying the recommendations. Masters also hear...

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Child Abuse & Neglect

The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation” or “an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm”. Federal legislation sets minimum standards for states and each state is responsible for defining child maltreatment. Definitions of child abuse and neglect are typically divided in either civil statutes or criminal statutes. Civil statutes provide definitions of child maltreatment to guide...

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Children of Divorced Same-Sex Parents

Since same-sex marriage is legal in the state of Maryland, it is important to understand the nuances and issues that could arise from divorce of same-sex marriage, including that of children. A child born or conceived during a marriage is presumed to be the legitimate child of both spouses, not just the spouse who gave birth to the child. In the past when a same sex couple adopted a child in the state of Maryland, only one of them actually adopted the child from the agency, country or service because two people without a legal tie to one another are...

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Child Enticement in Maryland

On average, 33 children every day are abducted by a non-family member and most of them are sexually assaulted before being released. Child enticement is a serious crime and something every parent needs to be on the look out for. Child enticement is conduct (including an attempt or conspiracy to commit conduct) that equates to criminal sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or anything else of this sort. Any adult that persuades, solicits, entices or lures by words, actions or through any sort of communication any minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct may be found guilty...

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