Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Void and Voidable Marriages in Maryland
The topic for examination today centers on a commonly misunderstand section of Maryland family law – void and voidable marriages. As the following sections will explore, void and voidable marriages are not considered legal marriages. Under certain conditions, a court of law may declare such marriages invalid. Void Marriages in Maryland Void marriages are… Read More »
How Does Maryland Deal with Child Support?
First established in 1990, the state of Maryland instituted guidelines to ensure that divorced or separated parents are responsible for child support. The standard formula involves a calculation of each parent’s gross income. To help understand the landscape of child support in Maryland, the following sections will provide an overview of general rules for… Read More »
What is the Difference Between DWI and DUI in Maryland?
Today the subject for examination involves the difference between the Maryland crimes of driving while impaired (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI). The following sections will explore the laws and penalties in Maryland for DWI and DUI. What is the Definition of DWI in Maryland? Under Maryland state laws, it is unlawful to… Read More »
What is the Maryland Approach to No-Fault Divorce?
The subject for discussion involves an exploration of no-fault divorce in Maryland. In essential terms, no-fault divorce involves a decision by either spouse to end their marriage for any reason. This is different from at-fault divorce, where there is conduct by either spouse that justifies termination of marriage, such as adultery or domestic violence…. Read More »
Exploring the Characteristics of a Peace Order in Maryland
The subject for examination today involves an exploration of a vital mechanism for protecting the victim of certain criminal acts or threats from the alleged perpetrator – the peace order. In general terms, a peace order is a legal device designed to prevent additional criminal acts and keep an alleged perpetrator away from the… Read More »
Explaining Drug Possession and Distribution in Maryland
The topic for discussion today is an exploration of an important facet of Maryland criminal law – drug possession and drug distribution. The following sections will outline key definitions and penalty structures associated with Maryland drug laws. What are the Laws in Maryland Concerning Drug Possession? As outlined in Code of Maryland Section 5-601,… Read More »
Protective Orders in Maryland
The topic for exploration today is an important consideration for any domestic violence dispute – protective orders. This type of order is a legal mechanism designed to protect victims from continued abuse. The following sections will explore the different characteristics of protective orders under Maryland law. What is a Protective Order in Maryland? Protective… Read More »
Surveying Marital Separation Agreements in Maryland
Many spouses work through countless issues without resorting to divorce. But in certain cases, it may be in the best interest of both spouses to end the marriage. In those situations, it can be beneficial for the spouses to pursue a marital separation agreement. What is a Marital Separation Agreement in Maryland? A marital… Read More »
Explaining Child Custody in Maryland
Today we will examine a vital aspect of family law in Maryland – child custody. There are seven different types of child custody in Maryland. We will explore state-specific considerations for each type of custody in the following sections. What is Legal Custody in Maryland? Legal custody refers to the power to make decisions… Read More »
Intoxicated Maryland Man Crashes into State Police Patrol Car
A 51-year-old Maryland man was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after smashing into a state police patrol car, according to an article by NBC 4. This traffic accident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 11. At that time, a Maryland state police trooper stopped to help another driver change a… Read More »