LegalEase – June 2023

June 21, 2023

From Our Computers to Yours

Dear Friends –

Happy Summer!  We hope everyone is well and looking forward to the next few months.  Please join us in welcoming paralegals Billie Sumiel and Carly Johnson to our Bienstock Law team!

Thank you for all your inquiries about our newsletter.  Here is June’s edition, jam-packed with useful information, and a dose of Believe it or Don’t.

Please be in touch if you need us.  As you know, we are a full-service law firm and are here … “wherever life leads you.”

Your attorneys,
Steve Bienstock
Josh Bienstock

DIVORCE:
NEW LAWS EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2023

Starting October 1, 2023, there are new laws that significantly change how you get divorced in Maryland. Here’s what you should know:

There will be no more Limited Divorce. (That was like a legal separation.  Custody issues and personal property get divided, but you’re still married.)

The old grounds for absolute divorce have been eliminated.  After October 1, once you’re separated for 6 months, which now can be in the same house, you can file for divorce with a signed separation agreement under mutual consent, or using the new ground of irreconcilable differences.

If you are thinking about getting a divorce and want advice, give us a call – we’re always here to help.

BELIEVE IT OR DON’T!

An 82 year old man in Germany, dealing drugs to supplement his pension, was given a “final warning” to stop dealing drugs.  He had 24 previous drug-related convictions!
Three teenagers were arrested in New York City for stealing the neighborhood’s live swan, which they later ate.

In Illinois, a man stole a backhoe to drive to the airport.  (Wonder if he caught his flight!)

Q&A

I am weighing the best options for a custody schedule. Would a 50/50 custody schedule be right for me?
If you and your spouse can cooperate and communicate well, then 50/50 legal custody would work.  As for residential custody, what works for your children is something only you can decide.

If you want to modify your schedule, or create one during your divorce, you should consult with a lawyer to explain the pros and cons.

I am expecting to be named in a family member’s will. When will the reading of the will happen?
There is no reading of the will.  The will is brought to Court to open an Estate and the Personal Representative (Executor) will notify all who are named in the will.

I already started representing myself in my divorce case, but now I’m overwhelmed. Is it too late to hire an attorney?
No, it’s not too late. This is not unusual. Your lawyer will need to get caught up, fix anything that needs adjusting, and help you through the rest of the case. You should hire an experienced family law attorney who will be best able to jump in quickly.

Do you have a question for us?
Are there any topics you would like to hear more about? 
Email our Paralegal, Carly, at carly@bienstocklegal.com
or call us on 301-251-1600.