New Maryland Laws Effective Today

by Tucker Clagett | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: 5 minutes

If it’s October, you can bet Maryland has some new laws. October 1 is when most new Maryland laws take effect. As per usual, we have the rundown of the new Maryland laws that are likely to affect you the most. Share this with friends and family. Everyone should know this stuff. Rear Facing Child...

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Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Laws & Safety Advice on Upgrading

by Tucker Clagett | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: 4 minutes

Southern Maryland truck accident lawyer

It’s almost daylight savings time again – when you are supposed to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. This year, you should consider replacing more than batteries. When we bought our house it came with the original issue smoke detectors. That January there was a story in the news about a tragic fire in Annapolis. ...

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When Your Life Insurance Can Refuse to Pay

by Tucker Clagett | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: 4 minutes

You should get life insurance to protect the loved ones you may leave behind. And you probably think your loved ones are perfectly safe after you sign on the dotted line. But did you know that in Maryland, your life insurance can legally refuse to pay out sometimes? I had a case years ago where...

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Three Ways to Stop an Eviction in Maryland in 2021

by Tucker Clagett | Posted in Bankruptcy & Foreclosure | Reading Time: 6 minutes

The Federal Eviction Moratorium was recently stricken down by the Supreme Court. Thousands of tenants in Maryland are subject to eviction. Congress has done nothing to renew it, so there is no federal lgal protection from eviction right now. If you, or someone you know, is subject to an eviction because they fell behind on...

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Tax Break For Pet Foster Parents

by Dave Gormley | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: < 1 minute

Years ago my daughter adopted a great dane. He is now passed on, but he became a part of our family. If you think we are crazy to have a great dane you should take some time to learn about this great bread of dog. When I realized we were coming up on the anniversary...

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Driving with Earbuds in Maryland

by Tucker Clagett | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: 3 minutes

Get ready.  When you read this story you will say “just like a lawyer!” A few years ago, I was driving my daughter and her best friend on an hour long trip.  I wanted to listen to a podcast while I drove, and I didn’t want to force the girls to listen.  They were talking...

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DIY Legal – How to Litigate a Small Claims Case

by Tucker Clagett | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: 21 minutes

Sometimes you need to go to court, but it just isn’t worth the money to hire a lawyer. If the lawyer’s fee would equal any recovery you get from the case, then why do it? That is why the judicial system created Small Claims Court.  A non-lawyer should be able to get their day in...

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Consumer Guide to Hiring Home Improvement Contractors

by Tucker Clagett | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: 7 minutes

A Home improvement project gone wrong can cost you a LOT in time, money, and peace of mind. I have litigated several home improvement disputes over the years. Believe me, you want to avoid being in that position. It is stressful, and expensive.  You can do a lot to avoid being in that situation if...

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Firework Laws in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC

by Tucker Clagett | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: 3 minutes

While fireworks actually predate American history by a few thousand years, fireworks have been a long standing symbol of American Independence since 1777. Original celebrations of our independence included the firing of guns and cannons. While that has understandably fallen out of public favor due to safety concerns (imagine blasting a cannon in your backyard...

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Think Before Adding Children to a Deed

by Dave Gormley | Posted in Civil Law & Consumer | Reading Time: 4 minutes

We get a LOT of calls from people who want to add their children or another family member to the deed to their house. They have the best intentions – but they may be making a giant financial mistake! You need to seriously consider the tax and financial implications of adding someone to the deed...

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