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 […]
Using social media during a divorce comes with pros and cons. You might be able to use it to find important information about behavior, friendships, and other details that impact your case. However, it can also be used against you by the other side. Your lawyer will likely advise you to lock down or disable […]
A mutual consent divorce occurs when both spouses agree to the divorce, and there is no waiting period required. Both must sign an agreement that resolves property, assets, and the custody of any minor children in common. Because there is no waiting period, or any sort of required separation period, this option is optimal for […]
A Maryland divorce is either a divorce with grounds or a no-fault divorce. Acceptable grounds include desertion, adultery, imprisonment for a crime, cruelty, insanity, and vicious conduct toward the spouse or children. For a no-fault divorce, a year-long separation or mutual consent is sufficient.
In Maryland, there are two different ways to legally prevent unwanted contact and harassment: Protective Orders and Peace Orders. Protective Orders: A Maryland Protective Order is the legal, technical term for what most laypeople call a “restraining order.” It is a criminally enforceable, civil court order that protects certain victims of domestic violence from abuse. […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]