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Learn how to change a child’s name, what forms to use, and where to file.

Guardianship is a court proceeding. When an adult is unable to make personal decisions, such as medical decisions, or to handle his or her own property, a court can appoint a guardian.

Maryland law protects spouses from being disinherited by the other. The rule of law called the elective share gives the surviving spouse the right to receive a fixed amount of the deceased spouse’s estate. The purpose of the elective share is to ensure that the surviving spouse is provided for, within reason, for the remainder of his or her life.

Whether or not the guardianship is contested, a hearing on the guardianship petition will be conducted in the circuit court for the county in which the petition was filed. The two main issues in a guardianship hearing are (1) whether a guardian is needed (i.e., is the alleged disabled person really disabled?) and (2) who is the most appropriate guardian for the disabled person. The Petitioner has the burden to prove both of these issues.

Interested persons play a pivotal role in guardianship proceedings. For example, only an interested person can petition for guardianship.

Under Maryland law any health practitioner, police officer, or human service worker who has reason to believe that a vulnerable adult is in danger is required to report that fact to the local department of social services. Any concerned person may make such a report.

If the alleged disabled person does not already have an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney for the disabled person. This is required to ensure that the alleged disabled person’s due process rights are not violated during the guardianship proceedings.

Maryland law requires all children, 5 years and older and under 18, who live in this state and attend public schools to attend school regularly unless excused with a lawful absence.

This page gives an overview of estate administration and links to a number of resources for people who need to open an estate.

This article describes laws written to keep minors in the workplace safe.

"Informal kinship care" means a living arrangement in which a relative of a child, who is not in the care, custody, or guardianship of the local department of social services, provides for the care and custody of the child due to a serious family hardship.

This article outlines the types of offenses that a student may be disciplined for in schools.

There are a number of federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination because of age, race, color, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and pregnancy.

This is a summary of the procedures for school discipline in Maryland. There are three types of disciplinary penalties and different procedures apply to each.

Maryland law does not distinguish between different breeds of dogs or single out pit bulls for special treatment. All dog owners have a common set of responsibilities. Some Maryland counties have breed-specific laws, so make sure to check with your county.

It is against the law in Maryland for a landlord to evict a tenant just because the tenant has brought suit against the landlord or participated in a suit against the landlord.

"Bullying" occurs when you are repeatedly harassed or intimidated by another student. Bullying includes threats and nasty remarks as well as physical actions like pushing or hitting, written conduct, and damaging your property.

The Maryland Lien for Unpaid Wages is a tool that allows employees to claim a lien on the property of an employer who owes wages, without having to file a complaint in court.