Every year in Maryland, individuals die without a valid will leaving behind property, financial accounts, and unresolved intentions. When that happens, the state does not simply confiscate the estate. Instead, a body of law steps in to answer the question the decedent never answered:  who gets what?  This is the law of intestate succession, codified in Title 3 of the Maryland Estates and Trusts Article, Md. Code Ann., Est. & Trusts §§ 3-101 to 3-413. What sounds like a routin

Navigating the world of law can feel like learning a new language. Legal documents and conversations often include terms that seem confusing or intimidating. But understanding these terms is essential. It helps you make informed decisions and communicate clearly when legal matters arise. In this post, I will walk you through some of the most common legal terms. My goal is to make these words simple and approachable, so you feel more confident when you encounter them. Why a Le

Legal ethics form the backbone of the legal profession. They guide lawyers and legal professionals in making decisions that uphold justice, fairness, and integrity. But what exactly are legal ethics? Why do they matter so much? And how can understanding these principles help you navigate legal issues more confidently? In this post, I will walk you through the fundamentals of legal ethics, breaking down key principles and offering practical insights to help you grasp this esse

Cross-border marriages produce cross-border breakups. That much is inevitable. What remains far less settled is the question of how United States courts, federal agencies, and immigration authorities treat a divorce decree issued by a tribunal halfway around the world. The short answer is that most foreign divorces can be recognized in the United States but the path to recognition runs through a doctrinal framework built on judicial discretion rather than constitutional manda

Diligence is more than just a desirable trait in legal practice—it’s an ethical obligation. As articulated in Rule 1.3 of the ABA Model...

Ethical missteps in legal practice don’t always stem from intentional misconduct. More often, they arise from oversights—delays in...

Court cases aren’t won by lawyers alone. They require well-prepared clients. While attorneys craft arguments, a client’s honesty,...

I. Introduction Equitable tolling has long served as a vital corrective mechanism in American jurisprudence, designed to prevent rigid...

Sexual harassment in the workplace isn’t just awkward or uncomfortable—it can derail careers, ruin reputations, and bring serious legal...

Key Factors in Determining Fee Reasonableness -Alex Chanthunya 1.                  Time and Labor Required The reasonableness of a fee is...

In the case of Department of Agriculture Rural Development Rural Housing Service v. Kirtz, decided by the Supreme Court in February 2024,...

Ethics: Trust, Misappropriation, and Accountability by Alexander Chanthunya The D.C. Court of Appeals discussed the complexities of legal...

Title: The Impact of Landmark Cases: Shaping the Legal System Introduction: Landmark cases have played a crucial role in shaping the...

Navigating Legal Terminology: A Beginner's Guide Image Description: A colorful image featuring a stack of law books with a magnifying...

Understanding Supreme Court Decisions Image Description: A close-up image of a gavel resting on a stack of law books. The gavel is made...