Contempt of court matters can only be filed after the court has already issued a court order outlining what each party must do in their divorce, child custody, and/or child support matter. In Maryland, if someone does not comply with a court order for child or spousal support, they can be found in contempt of court. Md. Code, Family Law § 11-110 specifically sets out the courts powers which include imprisonment of the nonpaying party. However, if the nonpaying party can prove that they are not able to pay, jail will probably not be the result.

Violating a court-ordered custody and visitation schedule can also result in contempt of court. If a party is denying or interfering with the other parent’s custodial time with out justification, the court may find that person to be in contempt of court. The court will either order make-up time or modify the existing court order make sure everyone complies with it in the future.

In any contempt matter, the court may order attorneys fees against the other party if they are found to be in contempt. Contempt of court is a powerful and necessary tool that enables the aggrieved party to file an action with the court and seek the court’s intervention. It is important to note that contempt of court matters require evidence. The more evidence that you have to prove that the other party is unjustifiably disregarding the court order, the higher your chances of success you will have. To learn more about contempt matters or if you would like to discuss your case with us, please call us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to discuss your case with you.

An advance directive is a legal document that allows you to decide what you want to happen in case there is a medical emergency or if you get sick. It gives healthcare providers specific instructions on what you want while you are being treated. Examples include being able to tell your doctor whether you want to be placed on life support, whether you want CPR, whether you want medicine for pain relief, or whether you want life-prolonging treatments. You can also name a healthcare agent who can speak for you about what medical care you want. This person can be your family member or someone else. It is important to pick someone that you trust as these are serious decisions. It is also important to sit down with your healthcare agent and tell them your wishes to prevent any misunderstandings about your care.

If you have any questions, please call us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to answer all of your questions.

Having a will is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family. A will is a written document directing the disposition of your assets upon your death. It will legally protect your spouse, your children, your assets, and it will direct how you would like your assets handled after you pass away. In Maryland, the will must be signed by the person making the will and signed by two (2) credible witnesses in the presence of that person. Once it is signed, make sure your family members or executor know where it is kept. You can even register it with the Register of Wills in your county.

Having a will minimizes any family disputes that may arise about your estate. It also allows your family members to expedite the probate process. While your estate must still go through the probate process even if you have a will, having it will have the probate court serve only for the purpose of administering your estate rather than having it decide how to divide your estate. Once you have drafted and signed your will, it is important to revisit this document periodically to ensure it still reflects what you want. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (443) 741-2567 and we would be happy to discuss your estate planning needs with you.