Waldorf Child Custody Lawyer (and Visitation Rights)

As a parent, dealing with child custody issues can be challenging in a number of respects. Not only are Maryland’s child custody laws complicated, but the process of securing or enforcing child custody rights can be emotionally charged as well.

While you want what is best for your child, your child’s other parent probably does too. Unfortunately, your opinions about what is best might not necessarily align.

Seeking Custody or Visitation Rights in Maryland During a Separation or Divorce

A significant portion of our child custody practice at Southern Maryland Law involves representing parents during separations and divorces. If you have children, establishing custody and visitation is a mandatory part of the process.

When establishing child custody—whether through informal negotiations, in mediation, or in court—the “best interests” of the child always govern. Under Maryland Law, the following factors must be considered in determining what is in the best interests of the child (or children) involved:

• The fitness of each parent;
• The character and reputation of each parent;
• The quality of each parent’s relationship with the child;
• Each parent’s desire to have custody or visitation rights;
• Each parent’s ability to maintain normal family relations for the child;
• The child’s age, health, and gender;
• The child’s preferences, if he or she is of sufficient age to express an informed opinion;
• Any material opportunities that have the potential to impact the child’s future;
• The location and proximity of the parents’ homes;
• The length of separation of each parent from the child (if applicable); and
• Whether either parent has voluntarily abandoned the child.

Depending on the circumstances involved, post-divorce and post-separation parenting arrangements can range from one parent having primary custody and the other having visitation every other weekend to both parents spending equal time with their children (or even continuing to spend time together in a “coparenting” arrangement).

At Southern Maryland Law, our Waldorf child custody lawyers can help you explore all your options and seek a child custody arrangement that fulfills your needs and wishes.

An important fact to keep in mind when seeking child custody or visitation rights in Southern Maryland is that the law does not inherently favor either parent over the other. Likewise, working full time is not necessarily an impediment to securing primary custody. In fact, no single “best interest” factor will be determinative in any scenario. 

When you choose Southern Maryland Law, you will work closely with your Waldorf child custody attorney throughout the divorce or separation process to ensure that you have every opportunity to secure the parenting rights you desire.

Modifying Your Existing Custody and Visitation Schedule

Is your child custody arrangement no longer working for you? If this is the case, you may be able to seek a modification in court. The Maryland courts allow for modification of child custody arrangements when there has been a change in circumstance and the modification is in the best interests of the child (or children) involved.

Our child custody lawyers in Maryland can determine if you are eligible to seek a modification. If you are, we can handle the entire process on your behalf.

Enforcing Your Custody or Visitation Rights in Southern Maryland

Is your former spouse or partner consistently violating the terms of your child custody arrangement? The Maryland courts treat this as a serious matter, and violating a child custody order can have severe consequences. Our Waldorf child custody attorneys can help you decide what to do, and if necessary, we can seek appropriate legal remedies in court on your behalf.