While not overtly a domestic violence bill, HB294 revises Public Safety Article §5-101(b-1)(2)(i) so a person, who receives a probation before judgment for second degree assault that is a “domestically related crime” (as defined in Criminal Proc…
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The 2017 legislative session saw only one bill concerning the Mutual Consent ground for divorce. To eliminate the requirement that both parties attend the uncontested divorce hearing. The bill failed. In the 2016 session, there was a failed attempt t…
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This Session saw an unusual blending of family/domestic violence law and estates and trust law in SB562/HB498. Specifically, this bill revises Health General Article §§5-602 and 5-605, expanding the categories of persons disqualified from serving a…
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A number of bills did not pass the Maryland General Assembly in the 2017 session, one of which has been long in the making. SB574/HB428: Family Law – Child Conceived Without Consent – Termination of Parental Rights (Rape Survivor Family P…
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The 2017 legislative session saw the introduction of relatively few family law bills, but with a surprising number passing (especially as compared with 2016). Subject to veto by the Governor until May 30 (which is not anticipated), the following bill…
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In Maryland divorce cases, pets acquired during the marriage are considered personal property. This means that current law entitles the court to determine ownership and nothing more. Not what’s more suited to a member of the family, such as cus…
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Effective October 1, 2017, changes go into effect regarding the Office of Child Support Enforcement’s right to suspend different types of licenses of payors who fall behind on child support. Specifically, these changes apply to driver’s licen…
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Currently, Maryland law (Family Law Article §7-301.1) makes an Interim, Temporary, or Final Protective Order granted in a domestic violence proceeding inadmissible evidence in other family law matters, such as divorce, custody, and custody modificat…
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Since 2016, there have been multiple failed attempts to pass legislation increasing the minimum age to marry in Maryland. The 2017 Maryland General Assembly Session was no exception. This year saw two. HB484, sought to increase the minimum age from 1…
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A May 2017 Tax Court Opinion reminds us that to qualify as deductible alimony (among other requirements), payment must be required by a “divorce or separation instrument”. This is defined as: – A decree of divorce or separate mainte…
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