Custody Is Difficult. Our Catonsville Child Custody Attorneys Can Help.
Establishing custody and a visitation schedule is by no means an easy aspect of a divorce. You want to look out for the best interests of your child and make certain their lives are affected as minimally as possible. We understand that this is an emotionally tolling time for your family. We will be here to help you find an arrangement that best suits your family’s needs.
We are the Catonsville Law Office of Kevin L. Beard, P.A. Our team serves families throughout the greater Baltimore area, including Baltimore County, Howard County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City, in all types of family law matters. We provide comprehensive services that address both your immediate and long-term needs.
“From the very first time I met with Kevin, I felt that I had someone on my side that would fight for my daughter, just as hard as I would. Because of this dedication I have been able to raise my child in a safe, secure and stable home. Kevin has your back and is always on your side – for as long as you need.” — Kim
Types Of Custody In Maryland
Child custody refers to the rights and responsibilities of each parent regarding a child’s best interests. Here are some of the broad types of custody under Maryland law:
- Legal custody: The right to make major decisions about your child’s life. This includes choices about education, health care and religion.
- Physical custody: Refers to where the child primarily lives. It dictates the schedule for the child’s time with each parent.
- Sole custody: When legal or physical custody is given to one parent.
- Joint custody (legal): When legal custody is held together by both parents.
- Shared custody (physical): When both parents have a significant percentage of the physical custody of a child.
- Split custody: This is a less common arrangement. Here, one parent receives sole physical custody of one child. The other parent receives sole physical custody of a different child.
Our child custody and visitation lawyers help prepare detailed parenting plans and formal child custody and visitation agreements. A parenting plan outlines the rules for daily life and the schedule for sharing time with the children. Visitation rights are the schedule for the noncustodial parent’s time with the child. We also assist with seeking emergency custody, which happens when a child is at risk of immediate harm. We can also help secure protective orders when necessary for safety.
What Is Visitation?
Visitation refers to the time that the noncustodial parent spends with their child or children. Visitation schedules depend on the best interests of the child and on which parent has physical and legal custody.
Who Gets Custody Of A Child?
The granting of custody determines which parent is the primary decision-maker for the general welfare of the child. There is no automatic presumption that either the mother or father is better suited for custody. A judge in the circuit court considers many factors, including:
- The fitness of each parent
- Parent/child relationships
- The parents’ ability to communicate
- Economic resources
- The environment each parent provides
- The child’s involvement in school, religion and community activities
- A history of substance abuse, mental illness or domestic abuse
- Preferences of the child (depending on age)
The court makes all child custody and visitation decisions based on the best interest of the child.
At What Age Can A Child Choose Which Parent To Live With?
Maryland law does not have a specific age at which a child can legally choose where to live. The court gives more weight to the preferences of children over the age of 16. However, the judge makes the final decision based on the child’s best interests, regardless of age.
Can Grandparents Get Custody?
Yes, third parties like grandparents can obtain custody. Generally, this occurs when the court determines that both parents are unfit. It is also possible if extraordinary circumstances exist. The third party must show that awarding them custody serves the child’s best interests.
How Do I Change A Custody Order?
To change an existing custody and visitation order, you must prove a significant change in circumstances. A small change is not enough. The change must be significant enough to warrant reevaluating the current arrangement. For example, job loss or relocation. We can help determine if your situation meets this legal standard.
Peacefully Resolving Complex And Challenging Disputes
If you face a dispute or need an objective opinion from a child custody lawyer, we can help. Our child custody and visitation attorneys are uniquely positioned to resolve complicated or high net worth child custody conflicts. Our family law attorneys will look to establish a schedule that fits the needs of your family. We also assist in establishing visitation schedules for nonbiological custody matters involving grandparents’ and third-party rights. As child custody attorneys for high net worth families, we handle complex child custody disputes, as well.
Protect Your Parental Interests With Our Child Custody Lawyers
Custody disputes are often highly emotional, and for good reason: your relationship with your child is on the line. Work with lawyers who care about the outcome of your situation and take an interest in your case. Please contact us at 410-929-7197 to schedule a free initial consultation. We look forward to speaking with you.