If you have children and are divorcing or separating from the other parent, you may have questions about custody and child support determinations in Maryland. Read below to get some information about how Maryland Courts make custody and child support determinations. For information about other issues in divorce see our Divorce page. If you have serious custody or child support issues that need to be resolved, fill out our contact form and speak to an attorney who can help.
Child Custody and Visitation
If you are getting, or thinking of getting a divorce, you probably have a lot of questions. Read below for information about how property division and alimony work in a Maryland divorce. For information on child custody and child support, also see our page on Custody. If you are going through a divorce and want to get it resolved as quickly and effectively as possible, fill out our contact form and speak to an attorney who can help.
Adoption
A: Adopting your stepchild gives you all of the rights and obligations of a natural parent and takes those rights and obligations away from the other biological parent. Step-parent adoptions can be complicated if the parent who is losing their parental rights objects to the adoption. In very basic terms, if the parent losing their rights does not consent to the adoption you must be able to show that the adoption is in the child’s best interests. Additionally, the other biological parent may be absent, and you may be unable to locate them to ask for their consent. In this case you must still justify the adoption to the court. There are a number of ways that this can be accomplished. If you are dealing with an objecting or absent biological parent it is best to consult an attorney to help you through the process and ensure your best chance of success.
Spousal Support
A: Maybe. There are two types of alimony in Maryland and a series of factors that the Court must specifically consider before making an award of alimony.
Protection of your rights – While the justice system is founded on the belief that those facing charges are innocent until proven guilty, there may be areas where your rights are compromised. If, for example, you are arrested without being read your rights, the prosecution may not be able to use anything you said at the time of your arrest as evidence against you in your trial. By walking through all the details of your case and serving as your advocate throughout the criminal prosecution process, a criminal defense attorney can ensure that your rights are fully protected.
DUI/DWI
Each case receives a different level of severity in punishment, based on the circumstances of the situation. Maryland DUI laws are difficult to understand and navigate. Our lawyers can explain the existing laws as well as your rights to ensure you are fully aware of the possible outcomes. To learn more about DUI/DWI cases or set up a free consultation, contact us at (410) 280-5603 today!
Wrongful Death
Auto accidents – A majority of personal injury cases are related to automobile accidents, which may involve commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, or motorcycles as well as passenger vehicles. If another driver is determined at fault for the accident due to intoxication, negligence, or a failure to use reasonable care on the road, you may seek compensation beyond a standard insurance claim to cover the costs of an injury or wrongful death.
Traffic Violations
Our law firm understands that not all traffic violations are purposeful or the fault of the driver. We work to help you to understand the laws and protect their rights. Traffic violation cases are all very different and our lawyers review each case individually. We have over 40 years of experience and know how to help you fight your case. Our top priority is helping you and protecting your rights.
Sex Crimes
A: A protective order is an order from the Court aimed at protecting the Petitioner (person requesting relief) from abuse by a particular individual. Abuse is defined as (i) an act that causes serious bodily harm; (ii) an act that places a person eligible for relief in fear of imminent serious bodily harm; (iii) assault in any degree; (iv) rape or sexual offense under §§ 3-303 through 3-308 of the Criminal Law Article or attempted rape or sexual offense in any degree; (v) false imprisonment; or (vi) stalking under § 3-802 of the Criminal Law Article.
Burglary
Criminal defense law covers a wide range of crimes, though some of the most common include drunk driving, felony charges, traffic violations, drug possession and distribution, drug trafficking, sex crimes, and burglary. Fraud and theft are also common criminal charges that may fall into the category of white collar crime.
White Collar Crimes
It is best to contact a criminal attorney as soon as you learn that charges have been brought against you. Additionally, you might contact a lawyer if you suspect that you are under investigation for white collar crimes such as fraud or embezzlement. At the Law Offices of Thomas F. Ellis III, you can expect a free consultation for your case so that you have the answers you need to make a sound decision for your defense. To contact us for a consultation, call (410) 280-5603.
Theft
Embezzlement
Drug Crimes
Drug crimes: Drug offenses range from simple possession to drug trafficking. Drug cases are often very serious cases that can result in serious penalties. Our attorneys are experienced in the area of drug crime defense and have reached many successful results for clients in the past.
Sustaining a wrongful injury may not only mean being accountable for an excess of unexpected medical bills, but it can also mean suffering with permanent disabilities and emotional hardship as a result of someone else’s negligence. If you have been injured due to avoidable circumstances such as distracted driving or hazards on poorly maintained property, you may have grounds for a personal injury case. When you file a personal injury claim with the help of the Law Offices of Thomas F. Ellis III in Annapolis, you can seek the compensation you deserve after an accident. Our practice has 40 years of experience with a long list of past successes that will help you achieve the outcome you deserve in your case.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional’s mistake or lack of attention results in injury to patient. Our legal team can help you prove the negligence that occurred so you can seek financial recovery for your losses.
Auto Accidents
Dog Bites
Property liability – Simply owning property can put an individual or business at fault for slip-and-fall accidents, dog bites, and other injuries that may occur on the property.