Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Creating a Revocable Living Trust for Minor Children
Many people feel that creating an estate plan is an activity for the wealthy. However, if you have any assets, you should consider how you will leave them to your beneficiaries after you die. While many people are familiar with a Last Will and Testament (will), some people are unsure how revocable living trusts… Read More »
Why You Should Consider Forming a Trust
Oftentimes people think that estate planning is an activity for the elite and wealthy. However, visiting with a qualified estate planning attorney can help you understand what options may be available to you, including the formation of a trust. There are multiple benefits that a trust can provide for your family, and for future… Read More »
Social Media Behavior to Avoid During Your Divorce
According to an article in the National Law Review, 81% of divorce attorneys were able to locate incriminating evidence to use against another party on social media. This evidence was able to be presented in court during a divorce proceeding. Using social media as an outlet for your frustration in a divorce or custody… Read More »
Things to Consider When Writing a Will
A will is also known as a “last will and testament” and legally allows you to leave your property to persons or organizations, name a personal guardian for your children, name a person to manage your property, and name an executor after you pass away. If you die without a will in the state… Read More »
Inheritance Tax in Maryland
Estate taxes are imposed when the property you own is transferred to your heirs after your death. Inheritance taxes are the taxes imposed on the person receiving that property, also known as a beneficiary. Maryland is one of only six states in the United State that impose an inheritance tax. Inheritance Tax Law Maryland… Read More »
Understanding Estate Tax in Maryland
An estate tax is a tax imposed on the assets passed from the decedent to his/her beneficiaries after death. While the federal government has its own estate tax, several states also impose an estate tax, including Maryland. However, this tax is only levied when your estate reaches a certain value. Contacting an attorney will… Read More »
Mistakes to Avoid in the Estate Planning Process
If you have any kind of assets at all, you need to have an estate plan. Even if you are not wealthy or have significant assets, having an estate plan allows you to determine who will receive your assets when you die. The biggest mistake is not having an estate plan at all. The… Read More »
Child Support Obligations in Maryland
Child support becomes a central topic for any divorce involving children and can be challenging to determine correctly. Maryland law states that children have the right to financial support from both of their parents. Whether your divorce is uncontested or contested, both parents have a financial responsibility to support their children and act in… Read More »
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
The ending of a marriage can be a stressful time, which will impact you emotionally and financially. Knowledge of your rights and options in a divorce ensures that you obtain a fair division of child custody time, child support and/or financial assets. A marriage can be ended through either a contested or uncontested divorce. … Read More »
Child Custody Modifications in Maryland
Maryland law is very specific regarding the ability of either party in a divorce or custody proceeding to later modify child custody. The right to request changes to child custody always remains a right to either parent, however, there are substantial burdens that must be met for a court to overturn a previous order. … Read More »