Author Archives: Jason Ostendorf

Maryland custody law just changed in a way that will affect every parent involved in a custody case—whether you’re negotiating access schedules, litigating in a high-conflict separation, or considering whether a recent ruling is worth appealing. As of October 1, 2025, Maryland now has a codified list of “best interests of the child” factors that judges must consider in every …
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Presidential politics always generate noise, but the law underneath the noise is usually much quieter — and much clearer. On December 2, 2025, President Trump announced that he was “permanently terminating” every executive order, proclamation, pardon, and commutation from the Biden administration that bore an autopen signature. As always, this blog avoids the partisan food fight and focuses solely on …
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In a world where AI writes legal documents, drives cars, and diagnoses diseases, there’s one dusty corner of the justice system still clinging to 19th-century tech like it’s sacred: the courtroom stenographer. Ah yes, the hallowed court reporter — perched beside the bench like a loyal altar boy, clacking away at 225 words per minute on a proprietary keyboard no …
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You’re a top performer. You’ve got the awards, glowing reviews, and a track record that speaks for itself. Then your health takes a turn. A disability flares. You miss work or show up late because you physically can’t move, speak, or think straight. You follow the rules: you get medical documentation, file for FMLA leave, and even request a schedule …
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New Zealand just proposed a law that would ban children under the age of 16 from having social media accounts. That includes Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat — and yes, even YouTube. The twist? YouTube is reportedly arguing it’s not social media at all and is considering legal action. In New Zealand’s eyes, YouTube is “social media” because it lets users create, …
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The Scandal That Won’t Stay Buried They sealed the coffin. Buried the body. Tossed dirt on the legacy. But the Epstein files refuse to stay dead. Now, as headlines erupt with news that Donald Trump was reportedly briefed on his name appearing in Department of Justice records, a new legal brawl is unfolding—not in some tabloid court of public opinion, …
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Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: I’m not writing this because I hate Trump. To the contrary, often I’ve written legal pieces defending his policies. And usually, to be blunt, Trump’s not wrong when it comes to how things should work legally. But law isn’t about what should be. It’s about what is. And when it comes …
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When a violent mob surrounds your car, do you sit there and hope for mercy — or do you hit the gas? Governor Ron DeSantis has again shown why so many Floridians trust his leadership. In his words: if a mob blocks your car and you fear for your life, you’re allowed to drive through it. Critics are howling — …
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In early June 2025, massive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles resulted in the detention of dozens of illegal aliens. Protests followed—some peaceful, others turning violent, and in some cases setting parts of the city of LA on fire. Police and civilians alike were assaulted by the protesters. In response, President Trump federalized approximately 4,000 National Guard …
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Can a President legally punish a billionaire for criticizing him? That question is no longer hypothetical. The escalating feud between President Trump and Elon Musk over the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” has moved from social media jabs to serious constitutional stakes. Trump has threatened to pull federal contracts and subsidies connected to Musk’s companies — a move that could trigger …
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