Author Archives: Jay Butchko
8 Acceptable Reasons To File For Absolute Divorce In Maryland
Maryland family law provides for two different types of divorce “limited” and “absolute”. Limited divorce is temporary; the spouses can reconcile their differences and remain married. On the other hand, absolute divorce is permanent; there is no going back. The requirements for absolute divorce appear under Maryland Code of Family Law Section 7-103. This… Read More »
Analyzing 3 Different Assault Crimes Under Maryland Law
Assault is one of the most common violent crimes under the Maryland Code of Criminal Law. Though unlike other jurisdictions, Maryland uses the term Aassault@ to refer to the common law versions of assault, battery, and a combination of both offenses. At common law, assault occurs when a person intentionally creates a fear of… Read More »
What Is The Importance Of The Maryland Adoption Subsidy Act?
Originally enacted in 1984 and later amended in 2020, the Maryland Adoption Subsidy Act provides public subsidies to ensure the adoption of eligible children throughout the state. In this context, the term subsidy can refer to monetary payment, medical assistance or care, or special services. Without this type of financial assistance, it can be… Read More »
What Are Spousal Agreements Under Maryland Family Law?
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are legal contracts that exist between married spouses under Maryland family law. These types of contracts are often referred to generally as Spousal agreements, and can involve a number of important considerations for a married couple. Though Maryland family law does impose specific restrictions on what spousal agreements can involve…. Read More »
What Is The Maryland Difference Between Marital & Non-Marital Property?
When a married couple decides to pursue divorce under Maryland family law, property division can be one of the most difficult considerations. Each party gets to keep any non-marital property they acquired before marriage or through other approved methods. But the soon-to-be divorced parties must decide how to divvy up all of their marital… Read More »
Is It A Maryland Gun Crime To Allow Kids Access To Firearms?
Under Maryland state law, it is usually a gun crime to allow a child to access a firearm. The reason is simple, children die each year while handling firearms without supervision. Accordingly, Maryland makes it a criminal offense to allow children to access loaded firearms without appropriate supervision. What are the Laws Against Allowing… Read More »
Emergency Custody Orders For Domestic Violence In Maryland
An emergency custody order is a legal device that empowers the Maryland courts to intervene on behalf of children at risk of harm. These orders are available to safeguard children who suffered or are at risk of abandonment, neglect, or abuse. The Maryland courts often employ emergency custody orders in situations of actual or… Read More »
Can Maryland Alimony Include Reasonable Expenses & Medical Benefits?
During the process of and in the aftermath of divorce, the Maryland courts may require alimony payments. This type of spousal support obligation helps address financial imbalances between the parties to help each move forward in a self-sufficient manner. As explained in more detail below, alimony support payments can include reasonable and necessary expenses… Read More »
Exploring Maryland Drug Crimes Against Kingpins & Traffickers
Within the umbrella of drug crimes in Maryland, there are special provisions that address kingpins and traffickers. These high-level actors in the illegal drug trade represent a clear danger to Maryland health and public safety. Accordingly, there are stringent laws against both drug kingpins and traffickers in Maryland. Drug Kingpins – Maryland Laws &… Read More »
Does Maryland Enforce Out-Of-State Protective Orders For Domestic Violence?
When domestic violence occurs in Maryland or elsewhere in the United States, the courts may issue a protective order to protect the victim. These protective orders allow state courts to prohibit certain types of conduct, such as abusing or threatening a victim, going to the victim’s home or workplace, having contact with the victim,… Read More »
