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Jac E. Knust is an experienced lawyer with over 50 years of practice in Maryland. He specializes in family law, including cases related to child support, custody/visitation, and divorce. Advocating for alternatives to traditional divorce, Mr. Knust is well-versed in collaborative law and mediation services. He also oversees a team of collaborative lawyers. Beyond family law, Mr. Knust handles cases in criminal law, DUI/DWI, traffic violations, motor vehicle accidents (Plaintiff), estate planning, wills, probate and estate administration, and business organizations. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law and was admitted to practice law in Maryland in 1972.

Practice Areas

Collaborative

Collaborative law is a legal process enabling couples who have decided to separate or end their marriage to work with their lawyers and, on occasion, other family professionals in order to avoid the uncertain outcome of court

Mediation

Mediation is a constructive process where a neutral third party, the mediator, facilitates discussion between disputing parties to foster resolution, promoting mutual understanding, and enabling collaborative decision-making.

Probate

Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s will is validated, their assets are identified and valued, and their debts and taxes are paid. It’s governed by the court, to properly distribute wealth to heirs.

Sales

Sales law governs transactions involving the buying, selling, and transfer of property. It covers legal aspects such as contracts, property rights, title transfers, disclosures, financing, and negotiations to ensure lawful and fair property transactions.

Criminal Law

Criminal law is a branch of law that defines crimes, establishes punishments, and regulates the investigation and prosecution of people accused of committing crimes, which are considered offenses against the state or society as a whole

Business Matters

Business matters encompass legal aspects of operations, contracts, liability, intellectual property, and more. Addressing these ensures compliance, protection, and success.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is a comprehensive process that involves making plans and arrangements for the management and disposal of an individual’s estate during their lifetime and at and after death. It typically includes the creation of documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.

Divorce

Divorce is a legal dissolution of marriage by court order, ending the legal marital relationship. It addresses issues like property division, alimony, child custody, and support. It aims to provide a formal process for ending a marriage and addressing related legal and financial matters.

Guardianship

Guardianship is a legal process where a court appoints a guardian to manage personal and/or financial affairs for a person, known as a ward, who is unable to do so due to age, incapacity, or disability.

Paternity

Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as the biological father of a child. Establishing paternity grants rights and responsibilities, including custody, visitation, and financial support. It is often determined through DNA testing or voluntary acknowledgment, ensuring legal rights for both the child and father.

Custody

Refers to the legal right and responsibility of a parent to make decisions about a child’s upbringing and well-being, encompassing matters like education, healthcare, and religion. It can also refer to physical custody, determining where the child will live and spend time.

Landlord/Tenant

Landlord provides property for rent, tenant pays rent, and both must follow lease terms. Landlord maintains property, ensures habitability, and addresses repairs. Tenant keeps property in good condition, pays rent on time, and follows rules. Disputes may involve eviction, security deposits, or breach of lease.