Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Does Maryland Address Murder Crimes?
Murder is a violent crime with irreversible consequences. When a murderer takes the life of a victim, there is no way to undo the damage. The victim’s family members cannot bring their loved one back from the dead. As a result, Maryland imposes serious consequences for actual or attempted murder in the first and… Read More »
Award of Reasonable & Necessary Expenses in Maryland Alimony Proceedings
Alimony is a type of spousal support payment available during and after divorce proceedings in Maryland. Generally speaking, alimony exists to address financial imbalances between formerly married spouses. But there is also a temporary form of alimony available during the divorce process. Referred to as alimony pendente lite, this support payment can help either… Read More »
Temporary Protective Orders in Maryland
When an abuser commits domestic violence or other forms of abuse in Maryland, the courts can intervene on behalf of the victim. In order to protect the victim and halt further abuse, the Maryland courts can even issue a temporary protective order before a final hearing occurs. Purpose of a Temporary Protective Order Maryland… Read More »
Key Provisions of Custody Agreements in Maryland
During the process of a divorce, one of the most important considerations centers on the issue of child custody. Even after the completion of a divorce, both parents retain a duty to care for the best interests of their shared children. In order to streamline this process, the divorced parents can enter into a… Read More »
Drunk and Impaired Driving Laws in Maryland
In order to safeguard public roadways within the state, it is illegal in Maryland to drive under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs or controlled substances. To regulate this type of dangerous behavior, Maryland has strict laws and penalties for intoxicated or impaired driving. Given the gravity of the potential consequences, drivers should understand… Read More »
What are the Requirements for Adoption Requests in Maryland?
The legal process of adoption in Maryland involves many steps and requirements. Part of this stems from the rights of a natural parent. Absent extreme circumstances, a child’s natural parents — or their custodians or guardians — must consent to an adoption. Furthermore, the new adopting parents must go through a lengthy process to… Read More »
Paternity in Maryland Child Support Cases
Child support is an important issue for divorced or unmarried parents with children in common. But under Maryland law, it is not possible to award child support payments or other obligations without determining paternity beforehand. As a result, the issue of paternity is absolutely vital in matters of child support. In order to gain… Read More »
How Does Maryland Law Address Prenuptial Agreements?
A prenuptial agreement is a contract that future spouses execute before they get married. Most prenuptial agreements protect one spouse’s assets and property from the other spouse. If the spouses ever get divorced, a valid prenuptial agreement overrides the usual rules concerning property division. In certain cases, prenuptial agreements can dictate the future terms… Read More »
What is a Child in Need of Assistance in Maryland?
The definition of child in need of assistance (CINA) appears in Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code Section 3–801. There are two requirements under the law. First, a Maryland court can only intervene and help a child based on: Abuse — The child suffered physical or emotional abuse at the hands of a parent,… Read More »
What Happens if a Maryland Driver Refuses a Sobriety Test?
When Maryland law enforcement officers stop a suspected drunk driver, they will request permission to conduct a breath test to determine blood alcohol concentration. Contrary to popular belief, the driver is not required to submit to this sobriety test; but, if the driver refuses to submit to the test there are immediate and long-term… Read More »
