Baltimore Child Custody Attorneys
Child custody refers to whom the child lives with, and the legal authority to make decisions about a child’s upbringing.
A parent with primary physical custody is typically the child’s primary caregiver and makes day-to-day decisions about the child’s care. A parent with primary legal custody has the right to make decisions about a child’s education, health, and welfare, but still must consult the other parent
Parents can have shared physical custody — they share in the day-to-day care of the child. In many cases, one parent can have primary physical custody while the other has visitation rights.
Shared legal custody gives both parents the right to make decisions about the child’s education, health, and welfare. Sole legal custody vests the right in that parent to make major life decisions about the child.
Child Custody According to Maryland Law
When it comes to child custody, Maryland law does not favor either the mother or the father. The court will make a decision on child custody based on the best interests of the child, taking into account various factors such as:
1) Capacity of the parents to communicate and to reach share decisions affecting the child’s welfare
2) Willingness of the parents to share custody
3) Fitness of the parents
4) Relationship established between the child and each parent
5) Preferences of the child
6) Potential disruption of the child’s social and school life
7) Geographic proximity of the parental homes
8) Demands of parental employment
9) Age and the number of the children
10) Sincerity the parents request
11) Financial status of the parents
12) Impact on state or federal assistance
13) Benefit to parents
In deciding on child custody, the court may also consider any history of abuse or neglect by either parent.
You should get the help of custody lawyers in Baltimore to help you fight a child custody suit.
Do You Have a Child Custody Case?
Different circumstances can necessitate a change in child custody arrangements.
You might be seeking to modify an existing child custody order if there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the child’s welfare.
If the custodial parent has substantially interfered with your visitation rights, you may also consider filing a child custody or custody modification case.
You might also be seeking to establish child custody for the first time if you are not the child’s parent.
For any of these circumstances, you need the help of custody lawyers in MD to help your file for custody.
How a Child Custody Attorney Can Help
Custody cases can get complicated. If you want to file for custody, you should contact a custody lawyer MD.
Our lawyers can help you determine what type of custody arrangement would be in your child’s best interests and can represent you in court.