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Maryland Contracts Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Contracts for Maryland on
Q: In Maryland, is a contract with a contractor valid if both parties have not signed it?

The contract is for repairs to my home.

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Oct 24, 2024

If no work has been performed or materuials ordered, then you can cancel and disavow the contract without penalty. If you've paid the initial deposit, and the contractor has commenced work or ordered materials, then you have partial performance and either side can argue the contract has been... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Contracts, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Banking for Maryland on
Q: Can my car lease be repossessed from defaulting on a unsecured credit card within the same bank?

I am looking into joining a debt relief program and before doing so, I am concerned that not paying/defaulting one of my unsecured credit card debts that will be included in the program with Chase Bank will then cause them to repo my vehicle which is also a lease through Chase Bank. I also have a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 24, 2024

When you default on an unsecured credit card, it doesn’t automatically lead to the repossession of your leased vehicle. Typically, the repossession of a vehicle is associated with missed payments on the auto lease itself, not other unrelated debts. However, banks can cross-check their records,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts for Maryland on
Q: Can a restaurant be held liable for hosting an event by an company that fraudulently scammed people out of money?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 16, 2024

It depends upon the particular facts and circumstances. Key information will be whether the restaurant sponsored and promoted the event, or whether the sponsors of the event simply reserved a room or tables at the restaurant as a place to hold the event.

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Banking for Maryland on
Q: Does the dawer of a negotiable instrument such as a check have the right to get the amount even if it’s not in the acc?

A bill of exchange such as a check is payable on demand and if it isnt, the bank is obligated to pay it according to the Bill of Exchange correct?

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on May 15, 2024

In your specific example, with a check, the answer is almost always no. I don't know of any bank that would issue payment to a check payee when there are insufficient funds in the account. When a customer sets up an account with the bank they usually sign an agreement that entitles them to be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Construction Law for Maryland on
Q: What does MHIC guaranty fund pay for?

Concrete sidewalk/steps/handrails installed - paid in full $3900. MAJOR issues with the work and home inspection deemed all of work unsafe. Every other contractor said all concrete had to be removed and redone - basically start from scratch. Total paid to redo - $7100. Filed claim and have... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 2, 2024

The regulations governing the adjudication of claims against the Guaranty Fund specify the formulas to be used by the Commission when calculating an award for actual loss from the Guaranty Fund:

Unless it determines that a particular claim requires a unique measurement, the Commission shall...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts for Maryland on
Q: At what point are cancellation fees in a contract unreasonable?

I am involved with a greek organization chapter currently facing a contractual dilemma and am seeking legal advice on how to navigate this situation. Three years ago, an officer, who has since left the chapter, signed a perpetual service agreement with a greek organization management platform. The... View More

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Feb 22, 2024

This is a great question that I think hinges on the contractual defense of unconscionability. This is not the easiest contractual defense to prove, but it appears to be in the ballpark of what you're asking about which is the reasonableness of the contractual terms.

Here's what...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts for Maryland on
Q: At what point are cancellation fees in a contract unreasonable?

I am involved with a greek organization chapter currently facing a contractual dilemma and am seeking legal advice on how to navigate this situation. Three years ago, an officer, who has since left the chapter, signed a perpetual service agreement with a greek organization management platform. The... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 25, 2024

There is caselaw on this issue in Maryland, and as always, every case and contract turns on its peculiar facts and contract terms. If the cancellation fee (called “liquidated damages” in the law) exceeds a reasonable estimate of actual damages incurred, then it may be deemed an unenforceable... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Construction Law for Maryland on
Q: I inadvertently hired an unlicensed contractor. I'm unhappy with the work, but I haven't paid yet. What happens now?

I hired a Virginia-based company to repair a leak in my home. I asked if they were licensed to work in Maryland, and they said they were, but the document they provided me says "Out-of-state contractor (not for home improvement)," and neither the business trade name nor any of the... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 17, 2024

Performing a home improvement without a license is a criminal offense in Maryland, and the civil courts will not enforce the contract for the contractor. In other words, the contractor cannot legally accept payment, or sue you if you don’t pay, so no, you do not have to pay. I would immediately... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: 3 siblings inherit home 2 want to sell 1 doesn't. What are our options

Home in hyattsville.

Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on Jan 10, 2024

The answer partly depends on what you mean by "inherit." More specifically, in whose name is the deed? That/those person(s) are the owners. If by "inherit" you mean a Will describes intention, but a new deed has not issued from the Estate, that is a different analysis.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: 3 siblings inherit home 2 want to sell 1 doesn't. What are our options

Home in hyattsville.

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Jan 10, 2024

It’s not a majority vote issue. If any owner wants to sell, they can petition for sake in lieu of partition. The attorney fees will be reimbursed from the sale. The only defenses are that the property can be partitioned or the tenant in residence gets the notice given to tenants. Get counsel.

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: 3 siblings inherit home 2 want to sell 1 doesn't. What are our options

Home in hyattsville.

Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
answered on Jan 10, 2024

Hi,

This is a pretty common scenario. What options the family has depends in large part on where you are in the inheritance process. If the property is still in the name of the deceased person, then the Personal Representative usually has very wide discretion to sell the property and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Consumer Law for Maryland on
Q: My car transmission has been replaced twice still financing and paying rental car what can I do

Along with other problems like catalytic covertor axle broke and transmission being replaced twice which they had for 6 weeks and we paid 3000 dollars in rental car

Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
answered on Dec 15, 2023

It isn't clear what legal issue you are seeking help with. It is neither fun nor cheap to replace a transmission but generally that falls 100% on the car owner unless the car is covered under a Lemon Law.

Maryland "Lemon Law" only applies to new (or newer) cars driven...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Maryland on
Q: Can I get a payment refund if my lawyer was not able to file a lawsuit on my behalf, as noted in the retainer agreement?

I signed a retainer agreement for a law firm to file a lawsuit on my behalf by a certain date and to represent me if there is a settlement. But a month after the indicated date on the agreement, the firm was still not able to file the lawsuit. I asked them why and I was told they lacked the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 17, 2023

In your situation, if the law firm failed to fulfill the obligations outlined in the retainer agreement, such as not filing a lawsuit by the specified date and lacking the necessary expertise, you may have grounds to request a refund. The retainer agreement and the nature of the legal services... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: If I wish to place my graphic designs on stationary, tee shirts, and mugs, and sell them via Amazon, do I need...

...to obtain a DBA from the state if I wish to sell the products in my name (no branding) as a sole proprietor.

Also, do I need to register with the state at all if I operate as a sole proprietor AND I will NOT have NOR hold any inventory? (It would be a "print on demand" side... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 17, 2023

If you plan to conduct business under your own name as a sole proprietor, obtaining a DBA ("Doing Business As") is not typically required. However, if you decide to sell your products under a name other than your legal name, then a DBA would be necessary. The requirement to register your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: If a prenup disposes of real property must it be recorded

Our prenup gives me a life estate if my husband predeceases me, assuming I continue to pay the mortgage. Do we need to record notice of the life estate?

Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
answered on Nov 8, 2023

Yes, one would generally want to update the deed itself to preserve rights in the property. Otherwise if the spouse owning property predeceases the property would go through their probate estate and then it would require asserting claims against the estate. Doing nothing to outline the rights now... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: If a prenup disposes of real property must it be recorded

Our prenup gives me a life estate if my husband predeceases me, assuming I continue to pay the mortgage. Do we need to record notice of the life estate?

Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on Nov 3, 2023

Your prenup is statement of intention. Only a recorded deed can pass an interest in land, or create a life-estate. For years our Firm has litigated this issue because the family law lawyers often don’t know how to handle the real property side of a separation agreement. It’s not hard, but it... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Family Law and Tax Law for Maryland on
Q: I terminated services with a daycare provider and the provider is refusing to provide a receipt. What should I do?

The licensed provider did not require a contract however just the required forms to be completed for state regulation. However there are emails and text messages showing the business relationship for an 8 month period.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2023

If the daycare provider is refusing to provide a receipt, you can take the following steps:

1. Communicate Clearly: Send a polite and formal written request, preferably via email or text message, asking for the receipt. Mention any relevant details like the dates of service and payment...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Maryland on
Q: Form requires indemnification for a car accidents

My sister is disabled and lives in Maryland. A new agency will to be providing services to her, namely getting her "out in the community" by driving her to, and helping her participate in, activities outside of the home. The staff member would be driving her in their own car and is... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jul 6, 2023

Liability waivers are, in general, enforceable, with some limitations that require a lawsuit and fact finding by a judge or jury to sort out--which is not what you want. A party cannot enforce a liability waiver to release them from liability for "gross" negligence or reckless behavior,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Construction Law, Consumer Law and Contracts for Maryland on
Q: where do I find the Maryland law for residential time and material contract
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jun 23, 2023

That's like asking where do you find the law on crimes, or contracts, or divorce. Far too broad of a subject. There are so many sources of laws that apply to residential contruction contracts, including statutory, regulatory, common law, zoning and consumer aspects. If you have a specific... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Maryland on
Q: Can I lend money to someone and ask for their car tile as collateral? Do both sign it? How do I give it back when paid?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 19, 2023

Title loans are legal and common, but because of abuses by some unscrupulous lenders, there is a whole body of law which has developed to protect consumers from predatory lenders.

This is not a simple DIY project. You need the services of a competent attorney experienced specifically in...
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