When Can You File a Marital Status Discrimination Claim in Maryland?

Maryland’s Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) prohibits covered employers from discriminating against employees and job applicants based on their marital status. If you were denied a job opportunity or fired because of your marital status, you may be entitled to financial compensation and other remedies. To find out, promptly discuss your situation with an experienced Maryland discrimination lawyer.

Marital status is one of several protected characteristics under Maryland’s Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA). This means that employers covered under FEPA (i.e., those with 15 or more employees) are prohibited from factoring marital status into their employment-related decisions.

However, not all employers follow the law.

If you have experienced marital status discrimination in the workplace, you are not alone. Whether intentional or inadvertent, many employers violate their employees’ rights. In this situation, you can (and should) hold your employer accountable, and the first step is hiring an experienced Maryland discrimination lawyer.

What Constitutes Marital Status Discrimination in Maryland?

Like employment discrimination based on other protected traits, marital status discrimination can take many forms. Ultimately, if you have experienced any form of disparate treatment based on the fact that you are single, married, separated, widowed, or divorced, it will be worth talking to a lawyer about the legal options you have available.

Some examples of potential grounds to file a marital status discrimination claim in Maryland include:

• Refusal to hire (or consider for employment)
• Refusal of the ability to work remotely
• Unfavorable job and location assignments
• Unfavorable performance evaluations
• Termination of employment

To establish a claim for marital status discrimination, you must be able to prove that your employer’s decision (or a prospective employer’s decision) was based on your marital status. Various forms of evidence may be available, and once you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer can determine whether sufficient evidence exists to substantiate a claim under FEPA. For now, keep any relevant documentation you have, and take detailed notes on why you believe your employer (or a prospective employer) discriminated against you.

How Do You File a Marital Status Discrimination Claim in Maryland?

To file a marital status discrimination claim in Maryland, submit a formal complaint to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR). When preparing your complaint, be as thorough and accurate as possible. To avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your claim, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced Maryland discrimination lawyer to prepare your complaint.

FAQs: Filing a Marital Status Discrimination Claim

Do I need to hire a lawyer to file a marital status discrimination claim?

While not legally required, we strongly recommend hiring a lawyer to represent you. You must carefully navigate the process, avoid mistakes, prepare for your employer’s defenses, and clearly understand the remedies you are entitled to.

What are the remedies for marital status discrimination in Maryland?

In marital status discrimination cases, employees and job applicants can seek both financial remedies (i.e., back pay and additional damages) and equitable remedies (i.e., placement or reinstatement). That said, the remedies available in your case depend on the specific circumstances.

How Our Employment Discrimination Lawyers Can Help

If you believe you have a marital discrimination claim against a Maryland company, our lawyers can help in several ways. In this scenario, we can:

• Provide a comprehensive assessment of your legal rights (including the remedies you are eligible to seek);
• File your complaint with the MCCR and represent you during the MCCR’s investigation;
• Advise you regarding what to do (and what not to do) while your claim is pending;
• Represent you in settlement negotiations and help you make an informed decision about whether to settle with your employer (if an offer is on the table); and
• Take any other legal action that is necessary to protect your legal rights as an employee in Maryland.

Speak with an Experienced Maryland Discrimination Lawyer in Confidence

To discuss your legal options with an experienced Maryland discrimination lawyer at The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, LLC, contact us today. Call us at 410-514-6099 or tell us how we can reach you online to arrange a confidential initial consultation.