by Samantha ChanI was placed on a PIP by my employer—Now what do I do?
You’ve just been placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (commonly known as a “PIP”). Take a deep breath. While it may be framed as a supportive tool to help you improve, a PIP can be an employer’s first step in building a paper trail to justify termination of employment. That doesn’t mean you’re powerless, but it does mean you need to act strategically and quickly.
Maryland is an at-will employment state, which means that your employer can terminate your employment at any time without cause (unless the reason is discriminatory or retaliatory). You may wish to consult an employment attorney to evaluate whether you have a viable legal claim, but strong documentation is essential if you decide to pursue a wrongful termination case. Below are a few steps to take if you are placed on a PIP.
- Read the PIP Carefully.
- Identify all measurable goals, deadlines, and names of supervisors—add them to your calendar or task list immediately.
- Look for missing benchmarks. Has your employer defined what counts as “improved” or “successful”?
- Document unclear or impossible expectations now. That record could be key if you’re later terminated for failing to meet them.
- Request a Clarification Meeting (In Writing)
- In may circumstances, it may be a good idea to schedule a meeting to clarify deliverables, timelines, and support.
- After such a meeting, follow up with a summary email to document what was discussed and agreed upon.
- Start a File and Document
- Save a copy of the PIP and related emails to your personal device or cloud storage.
- Maintain a dated log of all meetings, feedback, and deliverables and preserve time-stamped evidence (e.g., emails and proof of submitted work).
- Retain past performance reviews, awards, or praise that contradict the claims in the PIP.
- Stay Professional: Every Interaction Counts
- Write every message as if it could be used in court. Avoid sarcasm, jokes, or emotional reactions.
- Document every request for support, training, or resources, and your employer’s response (or lack thereof).
- Update Your Resume and Build Your Backup Plan
- Quietly update your resume and LinkedIn profile. You do not have to wait until the PIP ends to start looking for a new job.
- Back up your non-proprietary work samples (e.g., templates, spreadsheets, or charts you created) that highlight your skills and could be useful in future roles — but don’t download or retain any documents that contain company proprietary information or trade secrets.
- Before Signing Anything, Talk to a Lawyer
- If you’re offered a resignation agreement, severance package, or reference letter, you do not have to sign on the spot. You may ask for time to review and negotiate if needed.
- Get all promises in writing, including any agreement to serve as a reference or provide severance.
- Consult an employment attorney with your thorough documentation in hand.
by Kelley SingerMaryland’s New Child Support Guidelines
A shift in the way child support is calculated is coming to Maryland on October 1, 2025. Under current law, child support is calculated based only on the number of children whose support is being determined, and deducting from a parent’s income existing child support orders that are actually paid. Current law does not consider whether a parent is supporting other children in the home for whom there was no support order. There are many reasons for there to be no child support order – for example, there could be an informal child support arrangement, the other parent could be deceased, or the other children could be from a current marriage.
The new law accounts for children in the home that are there at least 92 overnights a year and to whom a parent has a legal duty of support. The parent’s income is reduced by calculating the amount of child support the parent would have paid if there was an order in place using only the parent’s income, multiplying that number by 75%, then deducting it from the parent’s actual income before a support award is made.
Courts have discretion to decline an allowance if they find, after considering the evidence and the best interest of the child for whom support is being determined, that the application of the allowance would be unjust or inappropriate.
If you have questions about child support, an attorney may help you better understand your rights and obligations. Please contact Lewicky, O’Connor, Hunt & Meiser at (410) 489-1996.
by Anthony KratzWhat is a Financial Power of Attorney and why might you need one?
Life is full of the unexpected — an illness, an accident, or even just the realities of aging can leave you temporarily or permanently unable to manage your finances. If that happens, having a trusted person who is legally empowered to act on your behalf can make a big difference. That’s where a Financial Power of Attorney (POA) comes in. But a POA is not just for the elderly or seriously ill—it’s a smart, proactive step for adults of any age.
A Financial Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you (the “principal”) to authorize someone else (the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to manage your financial affairs. This can include anything from paying bills and managing investments to filing taxes and handling real estate transactions.
A POA is a critical part of any estate planning strategy because it allows continuity of managing your finances in case of incapacity. If you become ill, injured, or are otherwise unable to handle your own finances, a POA ensures that someone you trust can step in immediately to keep your affairs in order—without delays, court involvement, or confusion.
By formally appointing someone you trust, you reduce the risk of others stepping in without your consent or knowledge, especially during times when you’re vulnerable or unable to communicate clearly. Without a POA in place, your family may have to go through a lengthy and often expensive court process to be appointed as your guardian. A POA helps bypass this and gives clear legal authority to your chosen agent.
Even if you are not incapacitated, a POA may be useful if you are traveling, deployed, or just want help managing your finances. Your agent can deposit checks, sign documents, or handle transactions on your behalf.
The person you choose as your agent should be someone responsible, trustworthy, and capable of handling financial matters. It could be a family member, close friend, or even a professional fiduciary. It’s also a good idea to name a backup agent, just in case your first choice is unavailable when needed.
Speak with a legal or estate planning professional to draft a POA tailored to your needs and to ensure it complies with your state’s laws. It’s an easy but important step that can prevent big problems down the road.
by David HisleLandlord Licensing Requirements in Maryland
If you are landlord, or thinking of becoming one, be sure to determine whether you need a landlord license. There is no statewide landlord licensure requirement in Maryland, and not all counties and municipalities require a landlord to obtain a license. Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Baltimore City, and Baltimore Counties require landlord licensure. Some local municipalities, such as Bowie, Hyattsville, and Greenbelt, have specific licensure applications and processes.
Maryland law prohibits a landlord that does not possess an active and valid license from collecting rent from a tenant or evicting a tenant. In Howard County, prior to a entering into a residential lease with a tenant, a landlord must obtain and complete a license application issued by the Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits (RentalApplication_08.29.2023_Fillable_10.20.2023.pdf). Currently, Howard County only accepts landlord license applications that are mailed or delivered in person. The application fee in Howard County for a single unit dwelling is $93.50.
Following the submission of your license application, Howard County will send out an inspector to examine and assess your home to ensure that your home is compliant with the applicable County ordinance requirements (link to general inspection requirements: H02-NewRentalHousingChecklist Revised 12.21.22.pdf). Your landlord license will only be valid for two (2) years, and must be renewed.
If you are currently a landlord or you are thinking of becoming one, and have questions about the licensure process, an attorney may help you better understand your options and rights. If you have questions, please contact one of our attorneys at Lewicky, O’Connor, Hunt & Meiser, LLC, (410) 489-1996.
