Maryland Child Custody

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Navigating child custody cases without a seasoned attorney can be daunting, especially when crucial issues like domestic violence, divorce, spousal support, and child visitation rights hang in the balance. In Maryland, courts are guided by the paramount principle of deciding custody in the child’s best interest, without preference to either parent.

Factors Considered by Maryland Circuit Courts

When Maryland Circuit Courts determine child custody, they meticulously assess various factors, including:

  • History Between Parent and Child: A parent’s past relationship with their child plays a significant role in custody determinations.
  • Child’s Age, Health, and Gender: The child’s well-being and unique needs are essential considerations.
  • Primary Caregiver: Identifying the primary caregiver and their role in the child’s life is crucial.
  • Duration of Separation: The length of time parents have been separated can impact custody decisions.
  • Parents’ Collective Wishes: The parents’ intentions and agreements regarding custody are taken into account.
  • Child’s Preference: Depending on the child’s age and maturity, their preference may be considered.

Legal and Physical Custody in Maryland

In divorce cases in Maryland, child custody decisions can be an integral part of the process. For unmarried coparents, pursuing child custody is possible once paternity is established. Regardless of the scenario, courts may award both legal and physical custody.

  • Legal Custody: Legal custody grants a parent the right to make vital decisions concerning the child’s upbringing, education, religion, and healthcare.
  • Physical Custody: Physical custody relates to the child’s living arrangements. In Maryland, parents or the court itself establish a schedule for when the child will reside with each parent throughout the year.

Custody arrangements can take various forms and it is important to discuss your options with an experienced Maryland Child Custody Attorney.

Visitation and Parenting Time in Maryland

A parent not awarded custody can seek visitation rights or parenting time, referred to as “child access rights.” Grandparents and third parties can also petition for access, under specific circumstances. Judges wield significant discretion in granting these rights, even if the custodial parent opposes visitation. In all instances, the child’s best interests are the primary concern.

Consult with an Experienced Maryland Child Custody Lawyer

When dealing with child custody matters in Prince George’s County or Montgomery County, or if you have questions about your parental rights, the Law Office of LaSheena M. Williams, P.C. is your steadfast ally. We passionately represent clients across Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase, College Park, Cheverly, Greenbelt, Oxon Hill, Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Largo, Bowie, and surrounding areas.

Reach out to a Maryland child custody attorney at the Law Office of LaSheena M. Williams, LLC by calling (301) 778-9950 or submitting an online consultation request.

Let us protect your interests and guide you towards the best decisions for your child’s future.

  • Visitation
  • Modification of Custody
  • Enforcement of Custody
  • Divorce with Custody
  • Child Support
  • Appeal
Meet Our Experienced Maryland Child Custody Attorneys
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LaSheena M. Williams

Principal & Managing Attorney

Looking Beyond Maryland Child Custody

Comprehensive Legal Solutions

At the Law Office of LaSheena M. Williams, we understand that your legal needs may go beyond the immediate issue at hand. We believe in providing comprehensive legal solutions tailored to your family’s unique needs.

Explore how our legal team can assist you further on your domestic journey.

When substantial mistakes exist, Maryland offers the opportunity to appeal, though the appeal process is intricate and formal.

In Maryland, courts are guided by the paramount principle of deciding custody in the child’s best interest, without preference to either parent.

Child support entails the financial contribution that a noncustodial parent is legally obligated to provide to the custodial parent.

Non-compliance with a court order may necessitate a return to court, especially when someone refuses to adhere to orders concerning family law or divorce matters like child custody, child support, alimony, or property division. Contempt actions enable you to request the court to enforce compliance with a previous order.

Typically, the court that issued the original order or award handles modification of the orders stemming from your custody, divorce, domestic violence or child support case. Filing for a modification is a difficult and often confusing process. 

Paternity is the status of being a child’s father. Being a biological father doesn’t automatically make someone a legal father. The process of ‘establishing paternity creates the legal relationship, along with the rights and responsibilities it entails.

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