Baltimore, MD Child Custody Attorneys

Supportive Custody Lawyers Representing Clients in Baltimore, Maryland

A small disagreement about child custody can quickly spiral into a prolonged legal battle that is emotionally taxing for all parties, especially the children caught between the parents. If you need help resolving a dispute regarding your children, a Baltimore child custody attorney can represent you in a court of family law, giving voice to your concerns and arguing for a fair resolution.

Child custody matters should be handled with a diligent, thoughtful approach. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our family law attorneys have decades of experience representing parents in court. We can provide you with personalized legal services to help protect your rights and preserve your relationship with your child.

What Is the Difference Between Physical and Legal Custody in Maryland?

Custody rights are broken down into two separate categories in Maryland, referred to as physical custody and legal custody. Both are equally important for playing an active role in your child's life. The rights and responsibilities of both forms of custody include:

• Physical Custody: This gives you the right to act as your child's caregiver on a daily basis. Additionally, you can get reasonable visitation rights with physical custody if you are not the primary caregiver.
• Legal Custody: This gives you the right to make decisions on your child's behalf. Oftentimes, legal custody centers around healthcare, school, religion, and extracurriculars.

In many cases, physical and legal custody can be shared jointly between the parents. If one parent is unfit—usually due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect—the other parent may be given sole custody.

What Happens When Parents Disagree About Custody?

There are many ways to resolve a custody dispute. Oftentimes, judges will order parents to attend mediation, though the parents can also enter into mediation voluntarily. In mediation, both parents can sit down and discuss their issues in a meeting overseen by an unbiased third party referred to as a mediator. During the meeting, the mediator will look for common ground between the parents and suggest a compromise to satisfy both parties.

If mediation does not work, the parents may have to proceed to court to resolve the issue. The role of the judge in a custody dispute is to determine what is in the child's best interests. To accomplish this, the judge may appoint a representative to investigate the child's home life, who will then make a recommendation about custody to the court. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our attorneys can help you advocate for your child's best interests in court.

Can Custody Orders Be Modified?

Although court orders for child custody are legally binding, they can also be modified to reflect changed circumstances. You can petition for a modification of child custody if the child's physical or mental health is at risk with the other parent. Keep in mind that the court will only approve a modification of custody if it is in the child's best interests.

A parent deciding to move with the child may also be cause for a modification of custody. The other parent may choose to object to the parental relocation in a court hearing. During this hearing, parents can make a case for or against the proposed relocation. The courts might consider a modification of custody for a relocation if it would lead to an improved quality of life for the child. However, the courts also respect the right of the non-moving parent to remain present in the child's life.

Contact a Baltimore, MD Child Custody Lawyer

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we serve as advocates for parents in intense family law cases. When you work with our Baltimore custody attorneys, you can rest assured that you will receive zealous representation and legal advice to enforce your parental rights. Call us at 410-760-9433 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation today.