15 July

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CHILD SUPPORT, ENFORCEMENT & CUSTODY

Child support is a court-ordered payment requiring the noncustodial parent to pay child support to the custodial parent. Typically for ordinary expenses of food, shelter, clothing, education and medication needs for the children only. In 1990, Maryland passed a law requiring the courts to use child support guidelines in all child support cases. The guidelines provide a formula to calculate your child support obligation....

15 April

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WILLS & POWER OF ATTORNEY

Posted by Burton Firm

in Estate Planning

Although Maryland law regards wills and powers of attorney as separate documents, both create rights and responsibilities for different parties. Both create a mechanism for one person to legally act on behalf of another and both have specific provisions under Maryland law that they must meet to be valid.

A will is a legal document that describes how the person drafting the document wants to have their assets and property disposed of when he/she dies. The will appoints an executor who distributes the assets on behalf of the decedent. If someone dies without a will, they are considered intestate and Maryland...

15 February

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DESERTION AS A GROUND FOR DIVORCE

Posted by Burton Firm

in Divorce

Divorce Lawyer in Maryland Explains Desertion as a Ground for Divorce In order to file for divorce in the state of Maryland, several requirements must be met. Unlike no fault states, Maryland requires a specific reason for divorce. If the married couple lives apart for 12 or more months before filing for divorce, this “fault” requirement is waived. Additionally, at least one spouse must be a Maryland resident for at least one year before filing for the divorce. Divorce can be a pretty tricky subject, especially with multiple variables involved. It’s always best to consult a divorce lawyer in Maryland to...

01 December

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ADOPTION IN MARYLAND

Posted by Burton Firm

in Adoptions

In the State of Maryland, “adoption is the creation of a parent-child relationship by a judicial order between people who are not a natural parent and a child” (The people’s Law Library of Maryland.) Under the law, once the court orders an adoption, it ends the parental rights and responsibilities of the natural parents. Any adult who is not the natural parent may petition the court for an adoption. The petitioner may be single or married and is required to complete a 27-hour home study course. Maryland law also requires that the legal guardians of the person to be adopted consent...

15 November

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MARYLAND FAMILY LAW, DIVORCE, LEGAL SEPARATION, ANNULMENTS & CUSTODY

Posted by Burton Firm

in Divorce

An annulment is a decree establishing that the marriage between two parties never existed. The Maryland Family Court is dealt with deciding the validity of each annulment case and infrequently grants annulments. If the court decides to grant the annulment, it is considered that you and your spouse were never married. If you are seeking an annulment, it is advisable for you to speak with an experienced Maryland family law attorney at The Burton Firm. The standard of proof that must be met to prove an annulment is difficult to meet, but we are very familiar with the Maryland Family...

15 October

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LIMITED & ABSOLUTE DIVORCE

Posted by Burton Firm

in Divorce

In the State of Maryland family law proceeding such as “legal separation” does not exist. Instead citizens of Maryland are offered two options: (1) limited divorce or (2) absolute divorce. Limited divorce is NOT permanent, absolute divorce IS permanent. When a couple wishes to separate but are not ready to go through a full blown divorce proceeding, limited divorce is the remedy. This proceeding is very similar to a proceeding described as “legal separation” in other states. The court will recognize the decision of the parties to maintain separate housing or residences, bank accounts, but will stop short of dissolving a...

01 October

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CHILD CUSTODY & VISITATION

Posted by Burton Firm

in Child Custody

Under Maryland law, both the father and mother are equally presumed to be the natural parent of their children, unlike some states that may give favor to the mother from the get-go. Custody and visitation rights are strictly granted specifically considering the best interest of the child or children. Other family members may seek custody of the children, but the favoritism is given to the natural mother and father. If you need assistance with determining visitation, make sure you speak to a Maryland child custody attorney. Custody and visitation arrangements are never permanent; either parent may request a reassessment of the...

15 September

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MARYLAND CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES

Posted by Burton Firm

in Child Support

When dealing with child support, the state of Maryland adopted a guideline measured by the income of the parties involved. The new Maryland law tops off at a combined adjusted annual income of $180,000 per annum or $15,000 per month. Keep in mind, child support will increase depending on the number of children involved. However, just with the old guidelines, the court will have discretion in setting the support level for the parties and individuals....

01 August

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HOW & WHY TO ESTABLISH PATERNITY

Posted by Burton Firm

in FAMILY LAW

Establishing paternity is crucial for ensuring a child’s legal rights and access to benefits. In Maryland, paternity is not automatically assigned to fathers, even if their name is on the birth certificate. Establishing paternity provides several advantages, including access to government benefits, health insurance, family health history, citizenship, financial support, and legal rights for the father. If paternity is disputed, DNA testing can be used to prove fatherhood. The Burton Firm in Maryland specializes in family law and can help individuals establish paternity to secure these rights. Contact them for a consultation to discuss your situation and determine the best...

01 July

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HEALTH CARE COSTS IN DIVORCE

Posted by Burton Firm

in Divorce

Divorce can be a complex and stressful process, especially when it comes to health insurance. If you're on your spouse's insurance plan, you may lose coverage after the divorce, but options like COBRA allow you to stay insured for up to 36 months. The court may also require a parent to provide health insurance for their child, with costs divided based on each parent's income. Sometimes, staying separated rather than divorcing can help maintain health coverage. It's essential to consult a Maryland divorce attorney to navigate these issues and ensure your health and well-being are protected during and after the...

Maryland Family Law Lawyer

CHILD SUPPORT, ENFORCEMENT & CUSTODY

WILLS & POWER OF ATTORNEY

DESERTION AS A GROUND FOR DIVORCE

ADOPTION IN MARYLAND

MARYLAND FAMILY LAW, DIVORCE, LEGAL SEPARATION, ANNULMENTS & CUSTODY

LIMITED & ABSOLUTE DIVORCE

CHILD CUSTODY & VISITATION

MARYLAND CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES

HOW & WHY TO ESTABLISH PATERNITY

HEALTH CARE COSTS IN DIVORCE

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