Who gets custody of the children? This is the first question that will come up when a couple is separating. The court does not favor one parent over the other and is only concerned about the best interests of the child. To portray a parent as the fit parent, they should hire a child custody lawyer in Frederick.
Child custody is often a contentious battle between the two parents and proving which of them is better qualified to raise the children is a complex area of law. A child custody attorney understands what the court is or is not interested in. They will also help the parent understand child custody laws.
Joint Custody
Joint custody is becoming more popular in Maryland than it was 20 years ago. When the parents show a willingness to work together to raise the child in the child’s best interest, a court is more favorable in ruling for joint custody. Joint custody will also be determined by where the parents live in proximity to each other and whether they can foster a loving relationship with the other parent.
Physical Custody
Physical custody is having control over a child. This includes the time the parent spends with the child away from the other parent or supervised visitation.
Legal Custody
Legal custody can involve both parents making major decisions about the child’s upbringing and is called joint legal custody. If only one parent can make decisions, it is called primary legal custody. The terms can be intermingled with physical custody and a child custody lawyer in Frederick can help a parent to understand the various applications of the law.
Domestic Violence
If there has been a history of domestic violence or abuse in the family, it is always important to discuss it with the attorney. Domestic violence or abuse could change the outcome of a child custody determination. If there is a history of drug or alcohol abuse or incarceration, this should also be discussed with the attorney.
If you find yourself facing a divorce, in need of modification of a child custody order, now is the time to contact an attorney. Schedule an appointment today.
