Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Reporting Rules for 3 Types of Child Abuse & Neglect in Maryland
Not every case of child abuse or neglect is readily apparent. Sometimes there are no signs of injury or hunger or poor hygiene. Sometimes children are placed in situations where the danger to them is less visible, but still quite real. Accordingly, Maryland law provides specific reporting rules for individuals who observe or suspect… Read More »
Dissecting 3 Variations of Adoption in Maryland
The Maryland Code of Family Law institutes a multifaceted system of rules and regulations to govern the process of child adoption. These rules and regulations exist to safeguard the best interests of any children involved as well as protect parental rights from unreasonable interference. There are three types of adoption under Maryland state law:… Read More »
What is the Maryland Approach to Alimony?
Alimony is a type of support payment available to a spouse during divorce proceeding and/or after completing their divorce. These support payments are designed to address financial imbalances between formerly married spouses and promote future self-sufficiency. Alimony can be awarded to either spouse, even if that spouse contributed to the grounds for divorce. When… Read More »
Manslaughter & Homicide by Vehicle or Vessel in Maryland
The Maryland Criminal Code prohibits any person from driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. When a person loses the ability to drive safely and carefully due to consumption of these substances, DUI charges are often appropriate. In certain situations, a person can face charges other than DUI for negligent operation or… Read More »
Analyzing 3 Crucial Elements of Child Support in Maryland
Under Maryland family law, child support is a mechanism to divide the costs and burdens of raising children between parents. This type of support payment is most common for unmarried or divorced parents who live apart. And the Maryland state courts usually award child support to protect the health and safety of any children… Read More »
Annulment of Void or Invalid Marriages in Maryland
Maryland family law provides a legal basis for most married couples to seek a divorce — in both no-fault and at-fault situations. On the other hand, annulment is only available to people who entered into a void or invalid marriage. Stated otherwise, Maryland family law restricts annulment to marriages that were unlawful, performed incorrectly,… Read More »
What is the Difference Between Limited & Absolute Divorce in Maryland?
When a couple decides to end their marriage and pursue a divorce in Maryland, there are several different legal routes available. Maryland family law provides for both limited (temporary) and absolute (permanent) divorces. Furthermore, either spouse can request an at-fault absolute divorce, or both spouses can agree to a no-fault absolute divorce. Limited Divorce… Read More »
Temporary Removal of Abused or Neglected Children in Maryland
When domestic violence involves abuse or neglect of a child in Maryland, there are special procedures in place to protect the child’s best interests. In narrowly constructed situations, Maryland law even allows temporary removal of a child from their home. And if the child returns to their parent, custodian, or guardian, there are oversight… Read More »
What Happens to Family Property After a Maryland Divorce?
During the process of completing a divorce in Maryland, property division is an important consideration. Essentially, the soon-to-be former spouses must decide how to split up their marital assets, including any family property. In this context, the term “family property” refers to both family home and family use personal property. Family Home vs. Family… Read More »
Dissecting 4 Types of DUI & DWI Offenses in Maryland
In certain places, driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are essentially interchangeable. Under Maryland law, however, these are actually separate offenses, each with its own punishment structure. At this juncture, it is important to note that Maryland escalates the punishment for repeat DUI or DWI offenders. The same is true… Read More »
