May is Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the profound role foster families play in offering stability and care to children in need. Fostering can be deeply rewarding, yet it also comes with important legal responsibilities that can be complex to navigate. It is essential for prospective foster parents to approach the process with clarity and understanding to ensure they are well-prepared for the journey ahead.  Licensing Requirements Every state has specific licensing rules that foster parents must meet. These typically include background checks, home studies, training, and assessments of financial stability. To ensure compliance, prospective foster families should thoroughly research their state's requirements and submit to the necessary evaluations and inspections. Parental Rights and Legal Guardianship Foster parents provide day-to-day care for the children, but legal guardianship remains with the biological parents or the state. Depending on court decisions, cases may either focus on family reunification or lead to adoption. Understanding these dynamics helps foster parents know their boundaries and potential outcomes, guiding them in their supportive roles while respecting legal protocols. Court Oversight and Case Plans The legal system provides ongoing oversight in foster care cases through court hearings and caseworker involvement. Each child has an individualized case plan, created with the goal of ensuring long-term stability. This structure ensures that decisions regarding the child's future are made thoughtfully, responsibly, and with the child's best interests in mind. Advocacy and Legal Representation Legal advocacy plays a crucial role for both foster families and children. Legal representation can help families navigate their rights and responsibilities, particularly if they are considering adoption. Attorneys not only guide foster parents through the complexities of the legal process but also ensure the child's and family's interests are safeguarded throughout the foster-to-adopt transition. Understanding the legal considerations in fostering is vital for any potential foster parent. Engaging with professionals, legal experts, and foster care agencies can provide the necessary guidance and support. While the process may seem daunting, the impact on a child's life is truly invaluable, making the journey profoundly rewarding. Foster Care Awareness Month serves as a reminder of these important perspectives, encouraging us all to support and embrace the incredible work foster families do.

Summer vacation is a time of excitement and joy, but for co-parents, it comes with its own set of unique legal considerations. Ensuring a smooth and enjoyable summer for your children requires a bit of planning and legal awareness. With the right approach, co-parents can navigate these waters smoothly. Provide Advance Notice Notifying the other parent about your travel plans well in advance is crucial, even if it's not explicitly required by your custody agreement. Offering written notice fosters transparency, minimizes misunderstandings, and helps avoid last-minute scheduling conflicts. Review Your Parenting Plan Before making any arrangements, take a close look at your existing custody agreement. Understanding specific vacation rules, notice requirements, and any restrictions in your plan can prevent potential disputes. Being well-informed can save time and hassle, making the vacation smoother for everyone. Get Written Consent for Travel For out-of-state or international travel, it’s vital to check your custody agreement for any consent requirements. If needed, obtain a notarized travel consent form to offer legal protection while traveling. This step can help avoid complications at borders or airports. Share Detailed Itineraries Transparency is key to maintaining a cooperative co-parenting relationship. Providing the other parent with detailed travel information, such as the destination, accommodations, and emergency contacts, supports a healthy and trusting environment. Document Agreements in Writing Any modifications to the parenting plan or agreements about vacations should be documented in writing, ideally through emails or a parenting app. Having everything documented ensures clarity and accountability for both parties, minimizing potential conflicts. Consider Modifying Your Parenting Plan If conflicts about vacation plans recur, it may be worthwhile to consider updating your custody agreement legally. Including clear vacation provisions can simplify future planning and reduce the chance of disputes, leading to a more harmonious co-parenting situation. Proactive planning and legal awareness are essential in helping co-parents smoothly navigate summer vacations. Effective communication and cooperation should be prioritized for the well-being of your child. Consider consulting a family law attorney for guidance or reviewing your custody agreements well in advance to avoid last-minute legal issues. By doing so, you ensure a memorable and hassle-free summer for you and your children.

Legal terminology can often feel overwhelming, especially when trying to distinguish between civil and criminal cases. Understanding the parties involved in each type of case is essential to navigating the legal system effectively. In this blog post, we'll break down the key terms for both civil and criminal cases, offering clarity and real-world examples to make these concepts accessible. Civil Case Key Parties In civil cases, parties seek to resolve disputes over legal obligations or rights. Here’s a look at some of the important terms: Defendant: This is the person or entity being sued. For instance, if someone is accused of breaching a contract, they are the defendant in the case. Respondent: Used instead of "defendant" in specific scenarios like family law or appeals, where they are responding to a petition. Petitioner: In certain cases such as child custody or appeals, the term petitioner replaces "plaintiff" for the party initiating the legal action. Plaintiff: This individual or entity files the lawsuit seeking compensation or another form of legal remedy. For example, someone injured in a car accident might be the plaintiff pursuing damages. Criminal Case Key Parties Criminal cases involve actions considered harmful to society. Familiarizing yourself with these terms is crucial: Victim: Not an official party in the trial, the victim is the person who experiences harm from the alleged crime. Their testimony and experiences often play a crucial role in the case. Defendant: The individual accused of committing the crime, who can plead guilty or not guilty to the charges. Jury: In applicable cases, a group of citizens tasked with determining the defendant’s guilt based on the evidence presented. Prosecution (Prosecutor/District Attorney/State Attorney): This body represents the government, arguing the case against the defendant and aiming to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Judge: An authoritative figure in charge of ensuring fair proceedings. Judges interpret the law and make decisions on legal matters within the trial. Comprehending these key legal terms is imperative for anyone trying to understand or engage with the legal process. Staying informed about your rights and responsibilities in both civil and criminal cases can lead to more confident decisions. When in doubt, it's always advisable to consult with a legal professional for further clarity. While the world of legal terminology may seem complex at first, breaking it down into understandable parts helps make it more approachable. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to handle legal challenges with poise.

If you're a parent in Towson or the greater Baltimore area, there's a significant change in Maryland family law that could impact your custody rights: House Bill 1191 (HB1191). This new law updates how courts determine custody arrangements in Maryland, and it’s important to understand how it could affect your family—especially if you're separating, divorcing, or seeking to modify a custody order. At Lebovitz Law LLC, we’re committed to helping families stay informed and protected. Here are three key things Maryland parents need to know about HB1191: ✅ 1. HB1191 Defines the “Best Interests of the Child” in More Detail Previously, judges in Maryland used the “best interests of the child” standard without clear statutory guidance. HB1191 changes that by laying out 16 specific factors courts must consider in every custody case. These include: The child’s emotional, developmental, and physical needs Each parent’s ability to meet those needs The level of communication and cooperation between parents The child’s relationship with each parent This structured framework promotes more consistent, predictable outcomes for families across Maryland, including in Baltimore County and surrounding areas. ✅ 2. The Law Modernizes Custody Terminology HB1191 replaces outdated terms like “legal custody” and “physical custody” with plain-language alternatives: Parenting time (formerly physical custody) Decision-making responsibility (formerly legal custody) This shift encourages more collaborative parenting approaches, reducing conflict and emphasizing the child’s well-being. For many families in Towson and beyond, it creates a clearer path forward during an already stressful time. ✅ 3. HB1191 Takes Effect on October 1, 2024 The law applies to all new custody cases filed on or after October 1, 2024. If you’re preparing to file, or even considering a modification to an existing agreement, now is the time to consult with a Maryland custody attorney. At Lebovitz Law LLC, we’re already helping clients prepare for this legal shift—so you’re not caught off guard. 📚 FAQs: HB1191 and Child Custody in Maryland ❓What is HB1191 and how does it change Maryland child custody laws? HB1191 is a 2024 law that redefines how Maryland courts approach child custody cases. It introduces a detailed list of factors that judges must consider to determine what is in a child’s best interest. ❓When does HB1191 take effect? The law goes into effect on October 1, 2024. It will apply to any new custody filings in Maryland family courts, including those in Towson and Baltimore County, from that date forward. ❓Who is affected by HB1191? Maryland parents who are involved in new custody cases or modifications filed after October 1, 2024, will be directly impacted. This includes families in Towson, Parkville, Lutherville-Timonium, and throughout the state. ❓How does HB1191 impact custody decisions in Maryland? The law ensures that courts evaluate custody based on a child’s total needs—not just which parent "gets custody." It promotes shared parenting and removes ambiguity from the process. ❓Does HB1191 favor one parent over another? No. HB1191 is designed to be gender-neutral, focusing entirely on what serves the child’s best interests, without favoritism toward either parent. ❓Can I modify my current custody order under HB1191? While HB1191 does not automatically change existing agreements, it can influence how courts evaluate modification requests—especially if there’s been a change in circumstances. 👨‍⚖️ Need Legal Guidance on Maryland’s Custody Law Changes? At Lebovitz Law LLC, we’re closely following Maryland’s custody law changes to ensure our clients are well-prepared. Whether you're preparing to file for custody or modify an existing agreement, our Towson-based legal team is here to help you navigate HB1191 and protect your family's future. 📞 Contact us today for a consultation 📍 Serving Towson, Baltimore, and all surrounding Maryland communities