- DivorceAt Stephen Jennings King, P.A., we are here to handle your family law matter. When it comes to divorce law and all the parts that come along with it including custody, child support, spousal support, separation agreements, and property settlements we are here to guide you.
- Child SupportSteve King has over 30 years experience in Family Law handling child support claims and questions. In Maryland child support is generally determined by the Maryland Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. There are actually two child support guideline worksheets depending upon the division of time of the child(ren) between the parties. Worksheet A or the sole custody guidelines worksheet for child support is employed when one parent has the child(ren) in residence more than two-thirds of the nights in the course of the year. The factors which go into a guidelines worksheet for child support are the incomes of the two parents, the cost of health insurance for the child(ren), extraordinary expenses for the child(ren), private school tuition, work related child care expenses and the division of time between the parents. Sometimes there is a deviation from the child support guidelines based upon special circumstances.
- Child Custody and VisitationChild custody is perhaps the most significant aspect of family law. Parents who believe a child custody issue will arise should seek out legal counsel at the earliest opportunity. Important ground work in preparation of the case can occur even prior to a separation. Sometimes settlement agreements can be reached resolving custody and visitation disputes before the parties separate. On occasion mediation may be an appropriate vehicle for resolution of such issues.
- Spousal SupportSpousal support or alimony is an important feature of the Maryland Domestic relations law. Alimony may be granted on a temporary basis during the pendency of a case. Temporary alimony or alimony pendent lite, also referred to as APL, is a temporary award of money paid by one spouse to the other to recognize a disparity in income and need. Hearings for temporary alimony are granted on a more expedited basis because a trial on the merits can take a year or more to achieve and the courts recognize the parties may not be able to wait for temporary cash assistance.
- AnnulmentA. The vast majority of clients requesting an annulment actually need a divorce. The correct choice can usually be determined at the initial consultation.
- Child AbuseIn Harford County the Spouse Abuse Resource Center or SARC has a hot line at 410-836-8430 to assist with emergency circumstances and provide referral information. After the initial order, a follow-up hearing in court will be scheduled at which it is very desirable to have an attorney represent you. These hearings take place on rather short notice, within days or a week and therefore you should communicate with your legal counsel as soon as possible to arrange for their availability. Domestic violence petitions are also available in situations involving child abuse, threats of serious harm, assault, battery, sexual assault, rape or sexual offense, attempted rape or sexual offense in any degree, false imprisonment, stalking, any act that causes serious bodily harm and an act that places a person eligible for relief in fear of imminent serious bodily harm. It is important to bring domestic violence claims promptly. The first step in the process is simply a call to 911 indicating that an act of abuse has occurred and requesting police assistance. If possible, it is desirable to speak with legal counsel, but this may not be possible due to the timing of the event. Steve King offers an initial consultation at a reduced rate on Domestic Violence & Family Law Matters. Call 410-879-7442 to schedule an appointment.
- Criminal DefenseOne common mistake is thinking you can talk your way out of a criminal charge by discussing the matter with law enforcement. If you suspect you are being investigated for commission of a crime, you should seek out an attorney at once and not discuss the case with anyone else until you have received legal advice. Under certain circumstances law enforcement is permitted to record telephone conversations with suspects without their knowledge or consent. This conduct, which would otherwise be in violation of Maryland law, is permitted by law enforcement under special circumstances even though the law enforcement officer is not a party to the call. You should never discuss potentially criminal conduct over the telephone without first seeking out legal advice. Steve King offers a free initial consultation on criminal matters. To schedule, call 410-879-7442.
- DUI/DWIDriving while impaired, driving while under the influence and driving under the influence per se are all charges related to alcohol and/or drug consumption and driving. If you are charged with drunk driving, you should seek out legal advice at the earliest opportunity. With experience as a DUI and DWI attorney in Bel Air Maryland, call Steve King today for a free consultation.
- Wrongful DeathWrongful Death is a category of legal claims arising out of an accidental or intentional act which culminates in the death of another human being. This office has experience in the area of wrongful death law and is prepared to offer competent, compassionate assistance in such event. There is no charge for initial consultation on wrongful death cases.
- Sex Crimes
- Assault
- Personal InjuryIf you are involved in a car accident, there are several forms of compensation potentially available to you. Under your own automobile insurance there is, probably, coverage for damage to the vehicle, but there may also be personal injury protection or no-fault insurance in conjunction with your automobile insurance policy which covers lost wages and medical expenses up to a limit of coverage set out in the policy. These claims must be reported promptly. Additionally, if you are injured in an automobile accident which is the fault of another, you should consult with legal counsel regarding presentation of a claim. Consultation with your own legal counsel should occur prior to having conversations with the representative of the opposing party. However, such claims should be brought promptly and therefore you should seek out legal counsel immediately following such an event. Retain records of all important data such as the identity of the opposing party, tag number, driver’s license number, insurance information, investigating officer’s identification, location of the collision, identification of tow facility, health care provider, ambulance company, and any identified witnesses. In serious claims accident investigation may be desirable and is best performed at the earliest date possible, while skid marks and various debris are still available for examination. Accident investigators may also take photographs of damages and other vehicles involved in the collision, preserving important evidence for the case. Steve King offers a free initial consultation on injury claims. To schedule an appointment call 410-879-7442.
- Estate PlanningA. The legal fee and costs in a divorce case in Maryland will be determined primarily by the amount of attorney and paralegal time expended on the matter. Initial consultation on Family Law & Estate Planning matters is now offered at a reduced rate. Accident cases, wrongful death, motor torts & criminal cases are not charged a fee for the initial consultation. A contested custody case can be extremely expensive because of the amount of time required and the seriousness of the issues. However, many issues can be settled by agreement, requiring less time on the attorney’s part, saving significant expense. See the section titled “Your Role in Controlling Your Fee.” While it is not possible to predict the time required for a case in advance, the attorney may be able to provide some insight based upon information supplied at the initial conference. As the facts of the case change, so will the cost.
- WillsProbate is the process in Maryland by which an estate is administered through the Register of Wills or the Orphans’ Court. There is administrative probate and judicial probate depending upon the circumstances of the estate. The process of probate is designed to identify the assets of the deceased, determine the liabilities appropriately chargeable to the estate, identify intestate heirs if there is no Will, prove the validity of the Last Will and Testament if such a document exists, resolve outstanding obligations, funeral expenses, taxes, and legitimate debts and fairly distribute in accordance with the Last Will and Testament or the intestate law, as appropriate, the remaining balance of the estate.
- Trusts
- Power of AttorneyOur practice includes estate planning, Wills, Probate, Trusts, Living Wills, Advance Directives for Health Care, Powers of Attorney, and other estate planning devices. An estate exceeding the federal estate tax exemption deserves careful planning to take advantage of legal maneuvers which are permitted under the law to minimize the tax burden on the estate. In preparation for an estate planning consultation, it is desirable to know the identity and titling of all assets and approximation of the fair market value and any liens on any asset and have a basic concept of your desires regarding the disposition of your estate. Federal and State estate tax law is a changing situation and requires periodic review. A properly drafted Last Will and Testament is essential in your estate plan. A Last Will and Testament allows you to select and identify the person who will manage your estate and provide specific instructions regarding the division of your assets when you no longer need them. The best time to prepare a Last Will and Testament is long before you are ill or dependent upon the care of others. Whether you are searching for a Maryland Estate Lawyer, Harford County Estate Lawyer, Bel Air Estate Lawyer, Fallston Estate Lawyer, Aberdeen Estate Lawyer, or Havre de Grace Estate Lawyer, the most important course is to select an attorney you are comfortable with and get going on the project while you are motivated.
- Probate
- Tax Law