Is child support modifiable?
Child support can be modified by the Court if there is a “material change in circumstances” since the last Order for child support. For example, if a Separation Agreement providing for child support is incorporated into a divorce decree, the parent seeking a...
How is child support determined?
In 1990, Maryland enacted Child Support Guidelines in order to have appropriate and consistent child support awards. Unless application of the Guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a particular case, the Court will apply the Guidelines when establishing child...
Can the Court order college contributions?
In Maryland, the Court cannot order either parent to contribute towards college expenses of a child, since the obligation to pay child support terminates when the child attains age 18 (unless the child is enrolled in high school, then until the child graduates from...
When is alimony awarded?
The Court can award alimony to either party on a Complaint for Alimony or as part of an action for Annulment or Divorce. Depending on the facts of a particular case, alimony can be awarded to one spouse while the action is pending (called pendente lite alimony) as...
When does alimony terminate?
Unless the parties agree otherwise, alimony terminates: (1) on the death of either party; (2) on the recipient’s marriage; (3) if the Court finds termination is necessary to avoid a harsh and inequitable result; or (4) on a date specified by the Court or by the...
What are the factors for awarding alimony?
In Maryland, when awarding alimony, the Court must consider all factors necessary for a fair and equitable award. The factors for alimony include: (1) the ability to be wholly or partly self-supporting; (2) the time necessary to gain sufficient education or training...
How long can alimony be awarded?
In Maryland, alimony is typically awarded for a period of “rehabilitation” until the spouse receiving alimony can be expected to become self-supporting through education, training or work experience (e.g., 3 – 5 years). The Court can award indefinite alimony if it...
What will happen if I have to go on trial?
When you have to go to trial, nothing is more important then having a lawyer next to you who is experienced, well prepared and confident. Trials are understandably stressful events for the accused. Much can be at stake. Prior to trial, you should have met with your...
Will I receive points on my driving record and my insurance rates go up if I received a traffic ticket?
Before you receive any points and before your insurance rates can go up, your case must be heard in court. Points are only assessed on your driving record if you are found guilty. Since a traffic ticket is a criminal charge, the State must prove your guilt beyond a...
If I receive an MVA Hearing Notice, do I need a lawyer at the hearing or can I represent myself?
MVA Hearings are conducted by Administrative Law Judges employed by the Office of Administrative Hearings, a State Agency. There will be no one prosecuting the case and witnesses are rarely required or present…
If I am charged with a serious traffic offense (incarcerable), how can a lawyer help me?
Serious traffic offenses include Driving Under the Influence or Impaired, Driving Without a License, Driving While Revoked or Suspended, Driving Without Insurance, Fleeing and Alluding, Leaving the Scene of an Accident and others…
What is a Grand Jury and what should I do if I am served with a Grand Jury Subpoena?
A Grand Jury, whether Federal or State, is a group of citizens summonsed to serve by the Prosecutor for the purpose of deciding what if any charges should be filed against a person or corporation. The right to Grand Jury consideration of proposed criminal charges...
Will there be a plea bargain in my case?
At Houlon Berman, our first step is to get your case dismissed. Sometimes, prior to the trial date, the prosecutor will make a plea offer. By the Director of the U.S. Supreme Court, we are now obligated to tell you of any plea offer that has been made. The decision to...
What will happen when I go to court?
Depending upon the jurisdiction and whether your case is in Maryland State Circuit or District court, District of Columbia Superior Court or Federal Court, there are a number of different types of court appearances which will occur. In all cases, there will be an...
What will happen if I have to be sentenced?
It is never pleasant to think about the possibility that there will be a sentencing hearing in your case. However, if you wait until the last moment to get ready for that possibility, you will be way too late to make the kind of presentation you will want to make to...
What should I look for in a criminal defense attorney?
You should look for an attorney with experience, confidence and a proven track record for obtaining results. At Houlon Berman, our philosophy is to focus on serving the client by obtaining the very best possible results…
What types of criminal cases do Houlon Berman Lawyers handle?
Houlon Berman lawyers have expertly handled a huge variety of criminal cases in the past, ranging from the routine to the most complex, including but not limited to the following: Murder, Attempted Murder, Vehicular Manslaughter, Drug Cases (Federal & State Courts) (Distribution, Possession With Intent to Distribute, Conspiracy, Possession)…
In which jurisdictions and counties does Houlon Berman practice?
Houlon Berman lawyers frequently handle criminal cases in all jurisdictions and courts across Maryland and in the District of Columbia, as well as in the Federal Courts of both: …
If I think I am under investigation, is there anything I should do?
If you believe you are under police investigation, it is critical that you immediately speak to an attorney. An attorney can advise and warn you about the traps you may fall into and about the dangers of meeting with the police or prosecutors, and can make certain you...
Will my license be suspended for DUI before I go to court?
Upon an arrest for DUI and after you are issued a paper license and proposed suspension, you must request a hearing within 30 days or your license will be automatically be suspended on the 46th day. The length of suspension will depend upon whether you submitted to a...
What should I do if I am arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and offered a breath or blood test for the presence of alcohol?
Every person who has a driver’s license has given implied consent to submit to a breath or blood test for alcohol presence where a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the person may be under the influence…
What are the consequences of a criminal conviction for a felony or misdemeanor?
There are many consequences of a conviction of crime, whether the conviction is a felony or misdemeanor. Convicted felons lose many of their civil rights such as voting and the right to jury service…
How can I get my car or money back after the police seize it?
When you are arrested for a drug or fraud/theft crime, the police will keep your car, your money and other personal property. They may also seize and come after your bank or investment accounts and even your home. If the prosecutor decides to try and keep your...
Can they really try to take my home if I am charged with a crime?
If you are charged with certain crimes, the Prosecutor’s may try to seize and forfeit your home. There are not many offenses which qualify for this type of extreme sanction. However, if you are charged with a drug crime, fraud or theft offenses, whether in State or...
After I am arrested, will I be released on bail or pretrial release?
After you are arrested, you will be brought before a judicial officer or judge who will decide whether you can be released on any conditions…
What will happen to me when I am arrested? What should I do?
Immediately after you are arrested, you will be taken for booking. The booking process takes place either at a police station or a central processing unit (a police facility set up for the booking process). The police will require identification information, they will...
What are my Miranda rights? Should I make a statement?
Every person arrested and subjected to questioning must first be informed of their Miranda rights. The Miranda rule was created by the Supreme Court many years ago to protect and enforce your Constitutionally based 5th Amendment right…
How can I find out more about the charges against me or get a copy of the police reports?
When you are arrested in Maryland, you will be given a Statement of Charges which will set out some of the facts supporting the allegations against you. You can not get police reports at this first stage. Once you hire an attorney, he or she will be able to obtain the...
What if I want to appeal my case?
Appeals to higher courts require particular experience and skills. The lawyers at Houlon Berman have handled hundreds of Appeals to the Maryland Court of Appeals and Court of Special Appeals. Such cases require hours of research and writing plus the ability to argue...