Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How an “Ambiguity” in a Commercial Lease Can Lead to Litigation
When negotiating any form of real estate lease, it is critical to be precise. Any ambiguity in the terms of a lease may lead to disagreements between the parties, which in turn can lead to litigation. And if a judge finds that the lease is indeed ambiguous, it may be necessary to look at… Read More »
Maryland Court of Appeals Recognizes Tort of “Intentional Interference” with an Inheritance
The purpose of any estate plan is to distribute your property according to your wishes. So what happens if someone interferes with those wishes? Many states have recognized a specific kind of tort claim known as “intentional interference with an inheritance or gift.” Indeed, just recently the Maryland Court of Appeals decided to recognize… Read More »
How “Unfriending” Someone Online May Be Used Against You in a Criminal Trial
Social media has become a daily part of our lives. One consequence of this is that anything a person does or says online may later be introduced as evidence in a civil or criminal trial. This poses special challenges for criminal defense, as it is critical for judges to properly authenticate the validity of… Read More »
Will Falling Behind on My Student Loan Payments Doom My Efforts to Obtain a Security Clearance?
Student loan debt is a significant burden carried by many people in this country. Unlike other types of consumer debts, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to discharge unpaid student loans in bankruptcy. As a result, it is not uncommon for people to default on their student loans or otherwise fall behind on… Read More »
How Will an Old Credit Card Debt Affect the Renewal of My Security Clearance?
Many people who require a security clearance for their jobs run into problems due to financial difficulties. Under the Department of Defense’s guidelines, the “failure to live within one’s means, satisfy debts, and meet financial obligations” may be cited as grounds for rejecting or revoking a clearance. The main concern is that a clearance… Read More »
What Is a “Confidential Relationship” When It Comes to Maryland Estate Planning?
When it comes to estate planning, Maryland law imposes a heightened duty on anyone deemed to be in a “confidential relationship” with the person who is making the plan. For example, an estate planning attorney is always in a confidential relationship with their client. This means the attorney must act in the client’s best… Read More »
How a Misplaced Fence Can Lead to an “Adverse Possession” Lawsuit in Maryland
There have been many cases in Maryland real estate law where neighbors end up in court over the location of a fence. That is to say, the fence may mark a different boundary between the neighboring properties than what is actually reflected in the land records. If this “incorrect” boundary remains in place long… Read More »
Government Suitability & Fitness
Experienced National Security Law Attorneys Representing Government Employees and Contractors in Suitability & Fitness Cases At Henault & Sysko Chartered, our suitability & fitness attorneys have a long history representing government employees and federal contractors across a wide range of legal matters. If you have been denied a position or removed over concerns about… Read More »
Can You Be Held Personally Liable for a Debt Incurred by the Previous Owner of Your House?
When you purchase real property, you need to be aware of any covenants that may impose restrictions on your use or enjoyment of the land. Covenants often “run with the land” itself, meaning the restriction is conveyed to any subsequent owners. At the same time, just because a covenant appears in a deed, that… Read More »
Suitability and Fitness Determinations: How they Differ from Security Clearance Actions
Potential clients end up calling our offices all the time and the story similar, “I’ve been denied a security clearance and I need help!” When it comes time for the appointment and the individual shares their documentation, it is apparent that they have not been denied a security clearance, they have been denied or… Read More »
