Ask a Question

Get free answers to your legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Maryland Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: I parked my car in a legal area, I woke up in the morning to a citation left at 4:00 AM on my windshield for $100

Violation as listed: “Not displaying attached front and/ or rear tag”. Although the officer listed in the notes: “Front plate not attached on public roadway. photo taken”. I keep my front tag in my windshield but last night When it was cleaning before entering the house, i placed it in my... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Nov 29, 2023

Maryland law requires that you affix tags to the front and back of your vehicle. You can request a timely request for a trial and request that the officer that issued the ticket be present. If they fail to appear, you should win. If you are convicted, the judge may cut you a break.

You...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Divorce and Family Law for Maryland on
Q: what is my Ex's financial responsibility, if any, to a debt i incurred 3 years after our divorce?

My wife and I get a divorce and I'm ordered to pay some alimony.

Three years later I'm in and out of psych wards depleting me to bankruptcy.

Is my wife legally responsible to any of my own debt or past/future expenses of

a psych ward or nursing home?

Would... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 27, 2023

In general, after a divorce, each ex-spouse is typically responsible for their own debts incurred after the divorce decree is finalized. This means that debts you acquired three years after your divorce, including those related to medical or psychiatric care, would usually be your responsibility,... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Maryland on
Q: Can child care portion of payment be paid directly to child care?

Child’s mother only put child in daycare right before hearing to make child support payment higher. Afraid she will take child out of daycare after hearing.

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 27, 2023

The court can order that the child care portion of child support be paid directly to the daycare provider. This is called an income withholding order for child care expenses. The income withholding order will direct the non-custodial parent's employer to withhold a portion of their wages and... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Divorce and Family Law for Maryland on
Q: Can a postnuptial agreement or Divorce decree free a spouse from creditors collecting on the other spouses debt?

My wife is worried that if we divorce and I eventually went bankrupt that she will be legally responsible for my finances. She thinks that there's a 5 year look back so if I went bankrupt within 5 years of our divorce finalization that creditors can legally claim her as liable.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 27, 2023

In Maryland, a postnuptial agreement or a divorce decree can define financial responsibilities and liabilities between spouses, including those related to debts. If properly drafted and executed, these agreements can clarify that your wife is not responsible for your debts incurred after the... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Divorce and Family Law for Maryland on
Q: Can a postnuptial agreement or Divorce decree free a spouse from creditors collecting on the other spouses debt?

My wife is worried that if we divorce and I eventually went bankrupt that she will be legally responsible for my finances. She thinks that there's a 5 year look back so if I went bankrupt within 5 years of our divorce finalization that creditors can legally claim her as liable.

Martha Warriner Jarrett
Martha Warriner Jarrett pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 22, 2023

It depends on where you live. If Maryland is a community property state, then you are both equally liable on all debts incurred during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the contract. Although a post-nuptial agreement or divorce decree can assign responsibility to one spouse or the other... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Divorce and Family Law for Maryland on
Q: Can a postnuptial agreement or Divorce decree free a spouse from creditors collecting on the other spouses debt?

My wife is worried that if we divorce and I eventually went bankrupt that she will be legally responsible for my finances. She thinks that there's a 5 year look back so if I went bankrupt within 5 years of our divorce finalization that creditors can legally claim her as liable.

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Nov 21, 2023

If you file a Chapter 13 petition in the future, it includes a co-debtor automatic stay for claims "dealt with by the Plan".

Filing a bankruptcy does not create a liability in a non-filing spouse. If she is currently liable as a joint obligor, then she remains liable for that...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: How can I get credit credit for the restitution payment if my co defendant paid it in full and it was jointly/severly?

Me and co defendant were ordered to pay restitution jointly and severly. The co defendant paid the restitution and received credit for the payment. If it was jointly and severly with co defendant don’t we both get credit for the restitution and if so how does the co defendant get credit for the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 19, 2023

In a situation where restitution is ordered jointly and severally, if one co-defendant pays the entire amount, it usually satisfies the obligation for all parties involved. This means that if your co-defendant has paid the full restitution, legally, the debt is considered paid for both of you.... View More

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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Eviction hearing Monday. Defendant died. What should love ones do? Time to empty house?

My dad has an Eviction hearing on Monday. He died this week before hearing? He was the only person on lease. What should we do? Notify the landlord?court? Do we have time to try to get his affairs in order?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 14, 2023

If you want his personal belongings from the premises, and you do not have access to the apartment, then you will need to open an estate for your father and have Letters of Administration issued to somebody acting as Personal Representative (PR) of his estate. If he had a will, he would have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Maryland on
Q: I have an LLC registered with my personal address. If I hire an RA and Virtual Business Address company...

...will my personal address be moved from the public record(unsearchable) and replaced by the address of the hired RA and Virtual Business Address? Or do I have to dissolve my LLC and create a new one with a new name?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 14, 2023

When you file a change of resident agent form, the prior forms on file are not deleted or removed. Therefore, although the search information on the SDAT Business Entity Site will be updated to reflect the new resident agent name and address, and will be what someone will see when they search for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: Got speeding ticket (85/55) in Montgomery Co., MD. Clean record. Options to fight or minimize impact (PBJ)?

I recently received a speeding ticket in Montgomery County, Maryland, for allegedly driving 85 mph in a 55 mph zone. I was pacing with another vehicle when I noticed a car parked in the emergency lane, which turned out to be a state trooper. The trooper later pulled me over, but I believe there may... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 27, 2024

This is a five point offense. Request a trial using the form or instructions on the ticket. Do not request a waiver hearing. Either hire a lawyer or go on your own and request a point reduction or PBJ.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Maryland on
Q: Should I appeal a citation under 21-309(b) where I signalled to change lanes and a driver hit the side of my car?
Lee Eidelberg
Lee Eidelberg
answered on Nov 27, 2024

Your post presumes that you were found "guilty" and not granted a probation before judgment - which would avoid a 3 pt assessment. Filing an appeal results in additional time and expense, including an appeal fee and your (or an attorney's) reappearance before a Circuit Court judge.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Maryland on
Q: What can be done about a dog continuously getting out of its owners property

My neighbors dog keeps getting out of their yard, constantly barking and nipping at people walking by. Causes every other dog on the street to go ballistic.

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 25, 2024

Call Animal Control

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Banking for Maryland on
Q: I don’t know what to do and this is really hard for me I need help

I received a job opportunity that turned out to be a scam and they used me to cask a check for the equipment to work but turns out it was a fake check and the next day my checking acc was overdrawn by 5,000 and there was nothing the bank could do they sent me a letter in the mail saying there was... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Nov 22, 2024

I am sorry that this happened to you. The bank is not liable for the fake check. You presented a check to the bank that was not valid. The bank has no duty to verify every check they receive. That would be impossible.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Maryland on
Q: received pbj for DRIVER CHANGING LANES WHEN UNSAFE, when will this pbj go away? Disposition Date: 05/22/2023

no other charges, provisional license at the time

Lee Eidelberg
Lee Eidelberg
answered on Nov 14, 2024

The PBJ does not "go away" and remains part of a separate PBJ record maintained by the MVA that ordinarily would only be available to you, the Court or a law enforcement agency.

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Personal Injury for Maryland on
Q: On the affidavit when it says, “plaintiff claims “, would the principal amount be the amount in suing my employer for?

I plan on filing suit against a previous employer. I’ve spoken to a lawyer but I can’t afford his hourly fees so I plan to proceed without one for now. My previous employer’s lawyer reached out and said they are reviewing documents submitted by both myself and my previous employer. However,... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Nov 13, 2024

A Maryland attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. It isn't fully clear what you're suing for, but your categories include "Personal Injury." If this involves an injury sustained at work (in the course of employment), you may want to consider... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Maryland on
Q: Hello I gave notice to my rental office that I would vacate my unit on October 31, 2024. I moved my things out on Sunday

Hello I gave a 60 day notice to my rental office that I would vacate my unit on October 31, 2024. I moved my things out on Sunday October 27th, 2024 and left the keys in the drop box because I am moving over an hour away and it would be a hassle to return them this week. Yesterday as I was... View More

Leonard A Englander
Leonard A Englander
answered on Nov 1, 2024

Not really. Once you turned back possession of the premises, they were legally entitled to come in and dispose of anything remaining. The Landlord would generally be protected in this type of situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Maryland on
Q: Im on federal probation I violated foe not going to drug program what will happen at court been going 2 yrs out of 3yrs

I'm on 3yrs probation I've been in the program 2yrs no violations

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 29, 2024

I'm sorry to hear you're facing this situation. Since you've been on probation for three years and have successfully completed two years in the drug program without any violations, this history will be important in court. Your consistent participation shows your commitment to meeting... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Maryland on
Q: How do I proceed with a fire-arm in Maryland?

Around 4-5 years ago while I was in college in Florida, I bought an AR-15 Pistol from a friend. When I finished college I moved back to Maryland and brought the pistol with me. I have not registered the pistol in Maryland, and am wondering if I am going to get in trouble while trying to do so. I am... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 20, 2024

Bringing a firearm into Maryland involves specific legal requirements. Since Maryland has strict gun laws, it's important to ensure that your AR-15 pistol complies with state regulations. Begin by reviewing Maryland’s firearm laws to understand the necessary steps for registration and any... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.