Maryland Child Custody Enforcement Lawyer
When parents divorce or separate, who gets custody of their children can become complicated. Often, parents are unable to arrive at an agreement and the courts must step in. Although parents may have an idea of what is best for the child, ultimately, it is up to the judge to decide. It is also possible for only one or both parents to get custody of their child.
If you are currently fighting for custody of your child or you need to modify your present custody arrangement, we may be able to assist you. You must consider your needs and the needs of your child before fighting for custody, and once you decide, a child custody attorney can provide you with the advice and guidance you need to navigate the custody process. Get in touch with a Maryland child custody enforcement lawyer to talk about your specific situation.
Types of Child Custody
In Maryland, there are multiple types of child custody arrangements. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to custody, and the court will usually choose the arrangement that is in the best interests of the child. Depending on the circumstances of a case, a parent may be awarded the following types of custody:
- Legal Custody – Parents with legal custody have the right to make major legal decisions on behalf of their children.
- Physical Custody – The parent the child lives with overnight has physical custody of the child.
- Joint Custody – Both parents share physical and/or legal custody of their child.
- Sole or Primary Custody – Only one parent has legal and physical custody of a child.
It is possible for both parents to get legal custody. Many child custody enforcement arrangements are settled out of Maryland court with the help of a lawyer, and as a matter of fact, out-of-court settlements are highly encouraged. When both parents choose to settle outside of court, they typically both retain legal and physical custody of their child.
Factors That Could Affect Custody
When custody is contested, the court will decide what arrangement is in the best interest of the child. When awarding physical custody to a parent, a judge will take the following factors into consideration, along with many others:
- Mental and financial fitness of each parent
- Reputation and character of each parent
- Preference of the child (if the child is old enough)
- Age, gender, and health of the child
- Residence of the parents and visitation opportunities
- Parental desires and existing custody agreements
As a knowledgeable lawyer in Maryland can explain, the judge will also take the criminal record of the parents into consideration in a child custody enforcement case, especially if a parent has been convicted of neglect, abandonment, or child abuse. When choosing which parent gets custody, the court will seek to balance what is in the best interest of the child with parental desires.
If a parent is awarded sole legal custody, they will be fully responsible for caring for the child. They will also be the only parent allowed to make major decisions on behalf of the child. It is important to note, that a custody arrangement can be modified in the future, if necessary, under certain circumstances.
Discuss Your Case With a Maryland Child Custody Enforcement Attorney
If you are currently seeking custody of your child, you may be feeling overwhelmed and nervous. Such feelings are normal, especially since your child is the most important person in your life. Fortunately, with the help of an attorney, you may be able to get the custody arrangement that best suits you and your child.
Discuss your case with a Maryland child custody enforcement lawyer at your earliest convenience.
