The first step to getting a divorce in Maryland is to speak to a Maryland family law and divorce attorney and discuss your divorce options. At Zirkin & Schmerling Law, we’ll help you understand the two main types of divorce, as well as things you can do to strengthen your case and protect yourself. When […]
Maryland has two main types of divorce. In a limited divorce, the spouses live apart and separate assets, but the divorce can be reversed. An absolute divorce is permanent and finalizes the division of assets between the spouses. Generally speaking, a limited divorce is temporary or like a “trial separation agreement,” but it can become […]
“Best Interests of the Child” is the over-arching legal standard of review that a court must use in order to determine physical custody. While there are more than a dozen factors codified in Maryland Law that courts are required to consider, the list in the statute is not considered exhaustive. Rather, courts must consider all factors that may […]
In Maryland, alimony payments are not set forth statutorily. This means a judge must decide both the amount and the period of alimony based on the financial needs and abilities of the parties. Two types of alimony can be awarded: rehabilitative or indefinite. Rehabilitative is set for a period to allow the person to start […]
In Maryland, marital property includes a home, land, and property owned/acquired during the marriage. Because the state views this marital property as owned together during the marriage, it must be divided at the point of divorce.
In the city of Baltimore, the Circuit Court – Family Division handles family law matters and offers connections to family and divorce resources. You can also contact a Maryland family law/divorce attorney, who can help you understand your options for divorce and begin the legal process.
Since the Maryland state legislature enacted Alex and Calvin’s Law in 2016, the penalty for adults who provide alcohol to those under age 21 increased from a $5,000 fine to one year in jail. This means an adult who holds an underage drinking party can potentially face jail time for their role in providing alcohol […]
In Maryland, reckless endangerment involves causing someone else a substantial risk of severe bodily harm or death. There are numerous situations where reckless endangerment charges may apply, so each case is evaluated individually based on the circumstances. Reckless endangerment charges can arise from things like inciting violence, throwing an object into a crowd, using explosives […]
You might be able to fight reckless endangerment charges by claiming self-defense, but it can be difficult to prove without a lawyer’s help. Your attorney may argue that you were merely responding to someone else’s reckless conduct or that you were defending yourself in a situation involving a violent crime. Another route is demanding a […]
Maryland has two levels of assault charges. First-degree assault is a felony with a maximum sentence of 25 years of incarceration. This charge is reserved for the most severe situations where someone has caused serious bodily injury to someone else. Second-degree assault is a misdemeanor and involves causing or attempting “offensive physical contact.” Don’t make […]