Maryland Family Law Lawyer

Call for a Free Consultation

(301) 420-5540

 

BLOG

MARYLAND CHILD SUPPORT

In the State of Maryland, you should file your complaint for child support in the county that is the domicile of the child. A child’s domicile is the place where the child has his or her true, fixed and permanent home. In Maryland, the equity court has continuing jurisdiction over the support of the child. It is not required for the parties to be married for the court to grant child support payments. Furthermore, support can be sought not only by the birth parent, if he or she has legal custody, but also by the guardian of the child....

Continue reading

WILLS & ESTATES FAQ

MARYLAND ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY Its that subject that many of us don’t want to talk about, let alone think about – what will happen when we pass away? We are not going to get into the spiritual and metaphysical on this page today, but what we can do is help you understand what happens to your personal property when you pass away. Our great country’s Constitution sets laws and regulations that create the foundation for every state’s specific laws regarding the passage of property following an individual’s passing. Each state will have a slightly different set of laws determining how property will...

Continue reading

ADULTERY & DIVORCE IN MARYLAND

Adultery is defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person other than that person’s husband or wife. Due to this definition, adultery can only be committed with a member of the opposite sex. Meaning, that a married person who engages in sexual relations with a same sex partner may not be guilty of adultery and although no Maryland court has had to address this issue, if this instance occurs, he or she may be charged with constructive desertion. In Maryland, adultery as well as constructive desertion is ground for divorce so the married person who has...

Continue reading

“POWER OF ATTORNEY” IN MARYLAND

MARYLAND FAMILY LAW LAWYER MARYLAND FAMILY LAW LAWYER HELPS WITH ALL LEGAL ASPECTS OF "POWER OF ATTORNEY" IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND Power of attorney is a term that authorizes another person (your agent) to make decisions on your behalf. You should be very careful when granting such powers to another individual as he or she then becomes legally able to conduct business for you in the event that you are unable to do so. It’s very important you understand the various types of powers of attorney, the implications of limited versus general power, the authorities you are giving and the events...

Continue reading

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, ETHNICITY IMMIGRATION & CHILD-CUSTODY

MARYLAND FAMILY LAW LAWYER Maryland Domestic Violence Domestic violence is a violent confrontation between household members involving physical harm or sexual assault. It can be between spouses, former spouses, those in or formerly in a dating relationship, adults related by blood and those who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship. Domestic violence, beyond just being physically abusive, is also psychological. The batterer uses acts of violence and a series of behaviors including intimidation, threats, psychological abuse and isolation to coerce and control the other person. Under Maryland law, the following crimes will be considered domestic violence: assault child abuse rape and other...

Continue reading

ADULTERY & DIVORCE IN MARYLAND

DIVORCE LAWYER IN MARYLAND Infidelity can ruin a marriage, leaving one partner feeling betrayed and insecure When adultery is a cause for divorce, the injured party will likely desire some sort of return for the emotional damages caused by their partner. Make sure to contact a divorce lawyer in Maryland if you are considering divorce because of adultery. Divorce in Maryland Maryland is a state which requires sufficient “cause” for divorce. This means that the individual filing for divorce, often referred to as the plaintiff, must have a specific reason to request a divorce. Sufficient causes include but are not limited to: Infidelity Desertion ...

Continue reading

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...

Continue reading

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...

Continue reading

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...

Continue reading

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...

Continue reading