Author Archives: Jay Butchko
The Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry in Maryland
Even though Maryland adoption laws safeguard the best interests of the children involved, there are cases where natural relatives want to reunite at a later point. That is why Maryland created the Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry (the “Adoption Registry”). Created by legal statute, this registry facilitates the exchange of confidential information between natural… Read More »
Child Support Liens in Maryland
When a Maryland state court orders an award of child support payments, a parent must satisfy their obligations in a regular and timely fashion. When a parent fails to make the required payments, Maryland law creates a child support lien. These liens attach to a person’s real and personal property and allow the Maryland… Read More »
Agreements, Deeds, & Settlements Between Married Couples in Maryland
When it comes to legal contracts between spouses, a commonly discussed option deals with prenuptial agreements that were made before marriage. But there are also many forms of postnuptial agreements that a couple can enter into after marriage. Specifically, Maryland law allows a married couple to enter into agreements or deeds as well as… Read More »
How Does Maryland Regulate Handgun Use?
Even though every person in the United States has a constitutional right to bear arms under the Second Amendment, Maryland imposes numerous handgun laws and similar regulations. Every handgun owner in Maryland must abide by these rules or face criminal penalties, including but not limited to costly fines and even prison time. Definition of… Read More »
Joint Custody Agreements in Maryland
Child custody is one of the most important considerations in life for parents who divorced or never married. In these situations, it is generally advisable to keep both parents involved. That way, the child or children involved can develop solid relationships with both parents. To help facilitate the physical and legal considerations of sharing… Read More »
Award of Family Property After a Maryland Divorce
When a couple decides to end their marriage and pursue a divorce, both parties must consider the issue of property division. If the parties to a divorce cannot agree amongst themselves, then a Maryland state court will award possession and use of family property, including the family home and family use personal property. Family… Read More »
Standard Guidelines for Child Support Obligations in Maryland
Parents in Maryland have a duty to care for and protect their children, including payment of child support obligations where applicable. But in cases of divorced or separated parents, it can be difficult to estimate how much each parent should pay to support their common children. To help alleviate this problem, Maryland created standardized… Read More »
Maryland’s Mandatory Sentencing Guidelines for Violent Crimes
Violent crime is an incredibly traumatic experience for victims and their loved ones. It can take years for physical and emotional scars to heal. And in the most extreme cases, the victim dies or suffers permanent damage. From medical bills to lost wages and even funeral expenses, the costs of violent crime can be… Read More »
The Maryland Adult Protective Services Program
Generally speaking, child support and care responsibilities under Maryland family law end once a person reaches 18 years old. At that point, most minor children become self-sufficient adults, capable of taking care of themselves. In certain cases, however, adults are not able to reach self-sufficiency. Referred to legally as vulnerable adults under Maryland law,… Read More »
What are the Requirements for a Marriage License in Maryland?
Marriage is one of the most important aspects of family law in Maryland. For many couples, marriage is the first step toward building a family together. Subsequent steps might include having children or accumulating marital property, such as a family home. Ultimately, marriage is the foundational building block for many families. Unlike certain places… Read More »
