Arnold Child Custody Attorneys

Caring Custody Lawyers Advocating for Parents in Arnold, Maryland

A disagreement over child custody can easily boil over and become a battle between parents during a divorce. If you are in the midst of a contested custody dispute, you might feel like you do not have a voice in the legal proceedings. Whether your divorce is amicable or not, an Arnold child custody lawyer can represent you in a court of family law.

Effectively navigating a custody disagreement requires a delicate approach and a full understanding of the law. With over 50 years of combined experience, our lawyers are ready to support you through your case and advocate for a favorable solution on your behalf.

The Responsibilities of Custody in Maryland

A custody agreement must include terms for two different kinds of custody, as follows:

• Legal Custody: This gives a parent the right to make life decisions for a child, usually about healthcare, education, and religion.
• Physical Custody: This gives a parent the right to take care of their child and see them on a regular basis.

Oftentimes, parents can split up legal and physical custody in a way that best suits the family's needs. For example, both parents might share physical custody of the child on different days of the week while also sharing legal custody, splitting up important decisions between both parties.

Keep in mind that no premarital or postmarital agreement can dictate how custody will be handled in the event of a divorce. While parents are certainly encouraged to cooperate and reach a decision together, the court must give final approval on any custody arrangement.

Best Interests of the Child

When making a final judgment about child custody, the judge will base their decision on the child's "best interests." This entails a close examination of the child's family life, and in some cases, the court may appoint a special representative to advocate for the child. Factors considered in a child's best interests may include, but are not limited to:

• Whether one or both parents have acted as a caregiver or source of comfort to the child
• The ability of both parents to take care of the child, as well as any past history of neglect or abuse
• Each parent's willingness to maintain family relationships with the other parent and extended family
• The child's preference regarding custody (taking into account their age and maturity)
• Each parent's financial resources

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can make a case for your child's best interests, advocating for your ability to provide for your child's physical and emotional needs.

Third-Party Custody

If a child's birth parents are not able to care for the child, a third party can petition the court for custody. Oftentimes, a relative or friend of the family will step forward to take on this responsibility.

If you are looking for custody rights as a third party, you will have to prove that the child's biological parents can no longer fulfill their role. Possible reasons for third-party custody include severe abuse, neglect, abandonment, drug addiction, sexual abuse, or incarceration.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can represent you in a petition for third-party custody, arguing for the need for immediate intervention for the child's ongoing welfare.

Meet With an Arnold Child Custody Attorney Today

If you are struggling to reach a custody solution, Zide Law Group, LLC is more than qualified to help with your case. Our Arnold family lawyers have the skills and experience to guide you through a child custody dispute. We will take the time to understand your family's unique situation before working towards the best possible outcome. Call us at 410-760-9433 or contact us online to set up an initial consultation with our firm.