Author Archives: Jay Butchko
What Factors Matter Most When Dividing Marital Assets And Debts In Maryland?
When you get married, your marital estate begins accruing assets and debts. Any asset or debt established during the marriage is considered a part of the marital estate, unless it was a gift or inheritance. When you initiate a divorce, the marital estate stops accruing debts and assets. During a divorce, you will split… Read More »
What Is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) In Maryland?
If you’ve ever been to traffic ticket court before in Maryland, you might have heard of the term “Probation Before Judgment” or PBJ. PBJ’s also can be granted in criminal cases, and for many defendants PBJ is considered one of the more favorable outcomes that can be achieved in a criminal case. While it… Read More »
Do I Need The Court’s Permission To Relocate With A Child?
If you have a custody agreement with a former spouse who would be impacted by your move, then you need either the spouse’s or the court’s permission to move with the child. During the hearing, you would have to argue that moving is in the child’s best interests. One Maryland court case in which… Read More »
When Might The Maryland Courts Void A Prenuptial Agreement?
Several circumstances can force the Maryland courts to void a prenuptial agreement. Voiding means that the agreement is unenforceable. Maryland doesn’t have a specific statute that governs prenuptial agreements. Their validity is determined under the broad principles of contract law and the Maryland Code, Family Law § 8-101, et seq. Prenuptial agreements can be… Read More »
What Types Of Alimony Are Available In Maryland?
The State of Maryland affords a divorced spouse three different types of alimony, known as spousal support. These are: Temporary alimony (alimony pendente lite), rehabilitative alimony, and indefinite alimony. Temporary or alimony pendente lite is awarded during the divorce process to help the spouse maintain their financial status quo. Rehabilitative alimony allows the spouse… Read More »
Maryland Supreme Court Hears Case On Whether Defendant “Promoted” A Criminal Organization
The Maryland Supreme Court recently heard arguments involving a criminal defendant by the name of Jamal Williams. According to prosecutors, Williams should be found guilty of “promoting a criminal organization” for standing next to a codefendant who spray-painted a gang symbol on a public wall. The case is Jamal Antione Williams v. State of… Read More »
Can I Lose My Rehabilitative Alimony If I Don’t Meet Certain Goals?
The Maryland courts award rehabilitative alimony to those who need temporary support while they improve their career prospects. To receive an award of rehabilitative alimony, you must demonstrate to the court that the award is necessary for you to take steps and reach goals in order to move toward financial independence. If the court… Read More »
What Must Be Included In A Rehabilitative Alimony Plan In Maryland?
Rehabilitative alimony is the most commonly awarded form of alimony in Maryland. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get. Essentially, you must present the court with a plan that outlines how you are going to spend the money to make yourself self-sufficient. The court reviews the plan and then decides whether or not… Read More »
What Is Discovery In A Maryland Divorce?
Discovery in a Maryland divorce refers to the point at which information is exchanged between the two parties so that each side can understand the other’s position. The discovery process is meant to ensure both spouses are fully informed concerning the other’s financial matters and other relevant issues so that a fair settlement can… Read More »
Maryland Residence Requirements For Filing A Divorce
If you’re considering divorcing your spouse, you may wonder what the State of Maryland requires from those filing divorce petitions. Although Maryland is a no-fault divorce state, which means that you do not need to prove anyone was at fault for the breakdown of the marriage, there are still a number of legal criteria… Read More »
