David R. Bach, lawyers in Rockville, MD, Maryland

Actions between Spouses or Domestic Partners for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

Virtually every state recognizes intentional infliction of emotional distress as a civil tort. Most states have adopted the definition of the tort that provides no physical injury need be shown, but the plaintiff must show severe emotional or mental distress caused by the defendant's ''outrageous'' intentional or reckless conduct.More...

Uniform Marital Property Act

The Uniform Marital Property Act (UMPA) created a class of property that is the property of the marriage, and not the property of individuals. That class of property is made up of all property of the spouses, except certain specific exceptions that remain individual property. If there is a question about specific property, whether it is marital or individual property, the UMPA raises the presumption that it is marital property. More...

Status as a Legal Parent

Legal parenthood confers more than power, control, and authority over one's child. It has long been held that there are corresponding duties to parental rights. These parental responsibilities include the obligation to care for and protect the child, provide financial support, see to his or her education, and supply proper medical care. More...

Institutional Facilities for Delinquents and Civilly Institutionalized Juveniles

If a state institutional facility has deprived a juvenile of his right to mental treatment or has deprived him of any of his civil rights, the juvenile may opt to file suit against the institutional facility. There are two basic methods that the juvenile may seek with respect to relief. More...

The Multiethnic Placement Act

The Multiethnic Placement Act (MEPA) is a federal law, enacted in 1994, that prohibits racial and ethnic discrimination in connection with adoptions and foster care. A 1996 amendment, called "Removal of Barriers to Interethnic Adoption," reaffirmed and strengthened the MEPA. More...