Baltimore & Towson Lawyer DIscusses Man Setting House On Fire After Divorce
Divorce can bring out the worst in some people. The demise of a marriage is never easy, but depending on the circumstances that led to the divorce, it may have been a necessity. While it is true that some couples are able to end the marriage amicably, some parties still want to salvage the marriage and they make it painfully clear that they are not willing to let it go without a fight.
Divorcing individuals may, on occasion, decide to take matters into their own hands, particularly if they are harboring any level of resentment or hate toward the party seeking the divorce. That seems to have been the case for one Maryland man who was arrested for setting the home that he shared with his wife on fire and shooting at sheriff’s deputies.
According to news reports, sheriff’s deputies were attempting to enforce an eviction on the man, as the home was supposed to be sold as part of the divorce. When they tried to remove him from the house, he advised the officers that he was not leaving and noted that he had a gun.
Ultimately, the situation increased in intensity, with the man firing shots at the officers. Soon thereafter, officers noticed smoke coming from an upstairs bedroom. The man was apprehended once he left the home and now, he faces up to 60 years in prison after being found guilty of first degree arson, first degree assault and use of a handgun in the commission of a crime of violence.
Planning to Get Rid of Assets Tied to Your Divorce? Think Again
Divorce lawyers in Towson and all throughout Maryland know that hiding assets during a divorce is not only unethical, but it is also illegal. Still, many parties try their best to keep the other party from getting the settlement to which he or she may be entitled. That said, it is crucial for those going through the divorce process to work with skilled lawyers who can properly advise them with respect to their particular situation.
There are a number of "tricks" divorcing individuals use to hide or get rid of assets during the divorce process. For example, some individuals get very crafty by paying substantial amounts of income tax -- typically amounts that are far above their actual income tax debt. But once the divorce is finalized, those same individuals file an amended return, as well as a refund request for the overpayment. Naturally, had the couple remained married, the refund would have been shared; however, since they are divorced, it is highly unlikely the other spouse will receive any of those monies.
Another trick involves property. Some parties may seek to devalue the property at issue over a period of time, such that the managing spouse benefits from the lower value of the asset. To be clear, there are no legal methods one could use to hide assets. Spouses are generally required to disclose all of their marital assets and liabilities. Anyone failing to disclose that information willfully can face punishment under the law.
Call (410) 321-4994 For a Free Consultation
Call The Law Offices of Amar S. Weisman at (410) 321-4994 to schedule a Free Consultation. The Purpose of the consultation is to determine whether you want to retain this law firm as your Baltimore County & Harford County Family Lawyer. If you do wish to proceed, then you must pay a retainer. See Our Policy on Fees and Costs. The family firm is located next to The Circuit Court for Baltimore County, at 1018 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, MD 21204.
