08 October

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Maryland Child Custody Laws in 2026: What Parents Need to Know About the New 16 Best Interest Factors

Maryland child custody law expanded in 2026 to include 16 enumerated best interest factors, adding explicit consideration of domestic violence history, substance abuse, a parent's willingness to share custody, and home environment stability. These aren't optional talking points - courts must now address each factor on the record, making preparation more important than ever. Parents who understand the full list before entering proceedings can build their case, and their parenting plan, around what courts actually evaluate. The guide breaks down all 16 factors, explains the difference between legal and physical custody, compares Maryland's framework to neighboring states like Virginia, and...

01 October

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Is Maryland a 50/50 Custody State? What Courts Really Look at Before Deciding Parenting Time

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Uncategorized

Maryland does not guarantee equal parenting time to either parent. Family courts apply a 16-factor best interest standard to determine whether joint, primary, or sole custody best serves the child. Factors like parental fitness, willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent, geographic proximity, and the child's established routine all carry significant weight. A 50/50 schedule is achievable but requires both parents to demonstrate genuine cooperation and stability. Common mistakes, including violating temporary orders or using children as messengers, can seriously harm a custody case. Parents in Prince George's County and surrounding Maryland communities should document their involvement...

24 September

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How Divorce Works in Maryland in 2026: No-Fault Grounds, Mutual Consent, Custody, and Property Division

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Uncategorized

Maryland divorce law in 2026 offers several paths depending on whether spouses can agree. Mutual consent divorce requires no separation period and moves quickly when both parties sign a complete settlement agreement. Other options include a six-month separation ground and irreconcilable differences, which was added during Maryland's 2023 reform. Custody decisions follow a 16-factor best interest standard with no automatic presumption of equal time-sharing. Property is divided equitably, not equally, with courts weighing each spouse's contributions, the length of the marriage, and the source of each asset. Understanding the correct filing process, required documents, and common mistakes that delay cases...

17 September

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Can You Get Divorced in Maryland Without Going to Trial? A Guide to Settlement, Mediation, and Mutual Consent Divorce

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Uncategorized

Getting divorced in Maryland does not have to mean months of courtroom battles. Maryland law provides real alternatives, including mutual consent divorce, negotiated settlement, and mediation, that let couples resolve their marriages on their own terms. Mutual consent divorce, which requires no waiting period when both spouses agree on all terms, can close in as few as 30 to 90 days. Mediation helps couples with remaining disagreements reach durable agreements without handing all decisions to a judge. Contested trials remain an option for high-conflict situations, but they cost significantly more and take far longer. Understanding the differences between these paths,...

10 September

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Maryland Child Support in 2026: How Payments Are Calculated and What Happens When Income Changes

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Uncategorized

Maryland child support payments are calculated using the Income Shares Model, which looks at both parents' combined gross income and splits the financial obligation proportionally. Key factors include custody overnights, childcare costs, and health insurance premiums. In 2026, the 128-overnight threshold remains a critical dividing line between standard and shared custody worksheets. When income changes, support orders do not update automatically - parents must file a formal modification petition, and adjustments typically apply only from the filing date forward. Acting quickly matters. Families throughout Prince George's County and the broader Maryland area should understand these rules before income shifts or...

03 September

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Protective Orders in Maryland: What to Do If You Need Protection From Domestic Violence or Harassment

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Uncategorized

Protective orders are one of the most direct legal tools available to Maryland residents facing domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. Maryland offers three types of orders - interim, temporary, and final - each designed for a different phase of the process. Filing is free, and courts across Prince George's County and the state provide forms and self-help resources. But the final order hearing, where the respondent can appear and challenge the petition, is where preparation and legal guidance matter most. Specific documentation, proper court filings, and understanding what protective orders can and cannot do are all essential to getting real,...

27 August

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Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in Maryland: Which Option Makes More Sense for Your Debt?

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Uncategorized

Maryland residents facing serious debt have two primary bankruptcy options: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 eliminates most unsecured debt in 3-6 months but requires passing the Means Test based on Maryland income thresholds. Chapter 13 allows homeowners to catch up on mortgage arrears through a 3-5 year repayment plan while keeping assets that might be lost in a Chapter 7 case. Maryland's unique exemption rules, including the choice between state and federal exemptions, significantly affect outcomes for filers in Prince George's County and surrounding communities. Key factors like income level, home equity, type of debt, and financial goals...

20 August

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Can Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure, Wage Garnishment, or Debt Collection in Maryland?

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Uncategorized

Bankruptcy in Maryland activates an automatic stay the moment you file, immediately halting foreclosure proceedings, wage garnishment, and most creditor collection actions. Chapter 7 offers a faster path to debt discharge but only temporarily pauses foreclosure, while Chapter 13 allows homeowners to catch up on missed mortgage payments over a structured 3-5 year plan. Maryland's judicial foreclosure process gives residents more time than some states, but waiting until a sale date is already scheduled is a serious risk. Wage garnishment - which Maryland caps at 25% of disposable earnings - stops as soon as your employer receives notice of filing....

13 August

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What Property Can You Keep in a Maryland Bankruptcy? A Guide to Exemptions, Cars, Homes, and Personal Assets

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Uncategorized

Filing for bankruptcy in Maryland does not mean losing everything you own. State law provides specific exemptions that protect your home equity up to $27,060, up to $6,000 in vehicle equity, retirement accounts, wages, and certain personal property. The choice between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 often hinges on whether your asset equity falls within these limits, since Chapter 13 allows filers to keep non-exempt property through a structured repayment plan. Maryland requires filers to use state exemptions rather than federal ones, which sets it apart from states like Delaware and Washington DC. Common mistakes, such as transferring assets before...

06 August

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Maryland Expungement Laws in 2026: Who Can Clear or Shield a Criminal Record?

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Uncategorized

Maryland expungement law gives residents a real path to clearing or sealing criminal records, but eligibility depends on charge type, waiting periods, and sentence completion. In 2026, expanded eligibility under Maryland's Second Chance Act reforms means more people qualify than before, including those with certain misdemeanor and non-violent felony convictions. The key distinction is between full expungement, which destroys records entirely, and shielding, which hides them from most background checks while keeping them accessible to law enforcement. Waiting periods range from no wait for acquittals to 15 years for some felonies. Filing in the correct court, having all documentation ready,...

30 July

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Maryland Landlord-Tenant Law Changes: What Renters and Property Owners Should Know About Evictions, Fees, and Tenant Rights

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Uncategorized

Maryland landlord-tenant law governs the rights and obligations of renters and property owners across the state, and 2026 has brought meaningful changes that affect eviction procedures, allowable fees, and tenant protections. Landlords face stricter notice requirements before filing for eviction, tighter rules on security deposit handling and application fees, and county-level regulations in places like Prince George's County that layer additional requirements on top of state minimums. Tenants gained stronger habitability remedies, including clearer rent escrow procedures and anti-retaliation protections. Both sides benefit from understanding the specific steps required, the documentation that wins or loses cases, and the key differences...

23 July

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Starting or Running a Small Business in Maryland? Legal Mistakes to Avoid With Contracts, LLCs, and Compliance

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Uncategorized

Maryland small business owners face real legal exposure when they skip proper LLC formation, rely on verbal contracts, or miss annual compliance deadlines. Forming an LLC costs $100 in Maryland (2026), but the ongoing $300 annual report fee and April 15 deadline catch many owners off guard - sometimes causing their LLC to lose legal standing entirely. Beyond formation, written contracts that clearly define scope, payment terms, and dispute resolution are essential for avoiding costly litigation. Local compliance matters too, with Prince George's County requiring additional business licensing on top of state filings. Getting the legal structure right from the...

13 July

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What Family Court Judges Won’t Tell You About Hiring the Wrong Attorney

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Family Law

Family court judges witness daily how poor attorney choices devastate families. This post reveals what judges notice but can't warn you about: attorneys who use cookie-cutter approaches, don't prepare properly, or prolong conflict for profit. Learn the warning signs of inadequate representation, understand Maryland's specific family law advantages, and discover questions that separate good lawyers from great ones. Your custody arrangements and financial future depend on making the right choice from the start....

06 July

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Warning: Medical Bills Are Bankrupting Maryland Families (Here’s How to Stop It Before It’s Too Late)

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Bankruptcy Law

Medical debt is driving 60% of Maryland bankruptcies in 2025. This post explains warning signs that indicate immediate need for bankruptcy protection, compares Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13 options, walks through the actual bankruptcy process, and shows how life improves after discharge. Includes specific red flags like debt payments exceeding 40% of income, using credit for basic expenses, and constant creditor calls. Emphasizes bankruptcy as a fresh start tool, not a failure....

29 June

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Contract Disputes Insiders Keep This Resolution Strategy Secret (Here’s the Truth)

Posted by Gene Kirzhner

in Business Law

Business contract disputes don't have to spiral into expensive litigation. This post reveals the strategic approach most attorneys keep quiet: using solid legal positioning as leverage for settlement negotiations rather than rushing to court. The key is documenting everything thoroughly in the first 30 days and understanding when to fight versus when to fold. Maryland's business courts favor clear contract language and documented performance, making preparation crucial. The best disputes are prevented through clear contracts, but when prevention fails, quick strategic action with proper legal guidance can resolve issues faster and cheaper than traditional litigation approaches....

Author: Gene Kirzhner