A nationwide epidemic of loan modification programs have been on the rise along with foreclosure-rescue scams. In fact, government agencies have constantly been giving loud warnings about this and yet some homeowners haven’t heard these warnings. There’s even more who’ve fallen a victim to tragic instances of mortgage fraud and that too in spite of their best efforts to avoid them. Now, if you’re one of them,…

It has come to my attention that:

"Sens. Jim Brochin and Bobby Zirkin, Democrats, have introduced a bill that would reduce to six months the amount of time a legally separated couple must wait before filing for a divorce.



The current waiting period in the state is a year.



If passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor, the law would take effect on Oct. 1, 2013."



I welcome this news. I am concerned however, about how all of the jurisdictions in…

Imagine walking into the dank, faded yellow old District Court rooms on Allegheny Avenue some 30 years ago.  No security, no computers and no cell phones.  When you open the door to Court Room 1, you see an attractive strawberry blond in a LBD with heels, bright red lipstick and a single strand of pearls.  You are immediately intimidated.  How can she be this put together when I have no idea what I am doing, and I am very worried about what is going to happen to my client?  She looks like…

Back in June 2011, I wrote about New York State approving same sex marriage.  Now, in December 2012, I write about Maryland’s approval of same sex marriage.  It is amazing how quickly some things change!

Although, same-sex couples can apply for and receive marriage licenses now, the law goes into effect on January 1, 2013, so those hoping to be married before the New Year in Maryland will have to wait just a little longer.  The Circuit Court for Baltimore City and The Circuit Court…

After a car accident, there are many things that you need to do to make sure everyone is safe and to cover yourself. A car accident lawyer is a good person to contact, but there are things that you need to do right at the scene to ensure everything goes as it should. This is especially true if you…

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ALTIMORE COUNTY PRO BONO VOLUNTEER

by Richard R. Chambers, Deputy Director, MVLS

 …

The Power of a Financial Power of Attorney

Everyone should have a comprehensive durable power of attorney appointing one or more trusted persons as his/her Attorney-in-Fact. This enables those designated as the Attorney-in-fact to make financial decisions on one’s behalf, if and when necessary, and remains in effect even if one becomes incompetent.  Appointing an agent allows a person you trust to handle your finances. The agent can pay bills, sell real property,…

Under Maryland law, an expert's opinion testimony must be based on an adequate factual basis so it does not amount conjecture, speculation or incompetent evidence. In Taylor v. Fishkind, __ Md. App__, No 2407 Sept Term 2010, the Court of Special Appeals followed that statement of law in affirming a trial court's decision to exclude the testimony of a medical doctor as to the cause of a person's injuries allegedly due to lead paint. The existence of lead paint at one house, supported by the…

It's 2012 and there's absolutely no reason you should need to call your process serving company to get status updates on your cases. Ain't nobody got time for that! We do everything on line now...from searching for a new home to simply ordering a pizza (you can now even track the progress of your pie online from start to finish).

            Working with a process serving company that keeps you abreast in real time via automated email status updates just makes sense. It keeps…

After the colossal financial collapse in the US, many people suffered job loss as well as wage deduction. In this situation, a large number of people defaulted on mortgage payment and exposed to the risk of foreclosure. Once you have missed consecutive mortgage payments, you may receive a default notice. The creditors may request you to submit full payment in the mail, in order to avoid foreclosure proceedings. However, if you’re facing…

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals , in Montgomery Mutual Insurance v. Chesson,___ Md. App.___, No. 2454 Sept. Term 2009,(decided Aug. 29, 2012) held that under the Frye -Reed standard, the theories and methodologies of Ritchie Shoemaker, M.D. as to the causal connection between mold exposure and certain human health effects had not gained consensus in the relevant scientific community and should not have been accepted by the trial court.The Court explained the differences between the…

The Importance of Advance Directives

Estate plans typically include a number of documents that legally establish a protocol for what otherwise can be very controversial decisions.  One of these documents is referred to as an Advance Directive.  This document was previously known as a Living Will.  The Advance Directive is frequently referred to as one of the singular most important parts of estate planning.  One of the document’s major…

Godparents versus Legal Guardians

Creating a Will is among the most fundamental elements of estate planning. One of the primary duties within a Will is to name Guardians for children.  Parents frequently ask why a Guardian is needed if they have already named a Godparent for their children.

Guardians and Godparents are entirely different roles. The former is a legally recognized position and the latter is a ceremonial title significant…

TEAM ONE TOWSON ROCKS ROCKY POINT

As the deceivingly tranquil waters of the Chesapeake Bay lapped the shores of beautiful Rocky Point Park, over a dozen members of the Baltimore County Bar Association family gathered on Sunday, August 5, 2012 to participate in Purple Swim Baltimore in honor of and in support of our very own Judge S. Ann Brobst.

The…

With the 2012 election shaping up, those with significant family or business assets should line up now with an estate attorney.

There are significant estate and gifting opportunities that will be sun-setting in some fashion on December 31, 2012.

Now is the time to line up appointments with your attorney.  Depending on the advise given there may be significant lead time needed for the drafting of paperwork or the engagement and completion of appraisals to support a planned…

When a restaurant closes for whatever reason, be it a renovation, transfer of ownership or foreclosure, promptly contact the Liquor Board in writing.

In some jurisdictions this requires a hearing to preserve the license and there are time limits.  Failure to act promptly can jeopardize the license, which is a valuable asset.

Be advised that many jurisdictions, while practical in their approach, have begun enforcing this more strictly as of late.

Unfortunately, business fraud in the workplace is not all that uncommon. Employee theft and dishonesty affects all types of businesses and yes, even law firms. Often, the violating party is a well regarded employee who has been with the company or firm for many years. That trusted employee is often the company bookkeeper. Besides limiting check signing authority, there are many practical steps a business can take to prevent employee dishonesty. Most of the steps are obvious, but…

As part of a settlement with the Maryland State Collection Agency Licensing Board, Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn dismissed, without prejudice, 3564 debt collection cases filed by LVNV and Resurgent Capital Services. The dismissal follows claims made that LVNV and Resurgent allegedly violated state and federal laws about licensing and submitting false or misleading claims. LVNV is part of what is called the "debt buying " industry.

The defendants whose cases have been dismissed or who…

Maryland taxes being what they are has everyone taken simple steps to set up disclaimer trusts in their wills to open up options for their estate and personal representative to save taxes?  ... and new and existing life insurance policies probably should be in a life insurance trust.... all simple steps that could save lots of money in taxes but need to be done in advance now....

Baltimore County liquor licensing and Maryland liquor licensing in general got a little easier with new rules and opportunities, stay tuned for discussion of new opportunities