Clarksville, MD Child Custody Attorneys

Compassionate Custody Lawyers Advocating for Parents in Clarksville, Maryland

Most parents want the best for their children. However, when parents have opposing ideas about what is truly in the child's best interests, a simple disagreement can turn into a prolonged legal dispute. If you need legal representation for your rights as a parent, a Clarksville child custody attorney can help.

Protecting your parental rights in court requires a deep knowledge of family law. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our child custody lawyers have handled numerous cases involving divorce, visitation, and third-party custody. With decades of experience, our team of attorneys will handle your case with a highly analytical approach. We are also willing to use an aggressive litigation strategy to uphold your rights.

Will I Get Joint or Sole Custody?

Many child custody cases end with both parents getting joint custody over their children. In joint custody agreements, parents can share parenting time and visitation (physical custody) as well as decision-making responsibility (legal custody). Note that joint custody does not have to be an even split of parental rights and responsibilities. Depending on the judge's ruling, one parent might have significantly more parenting time than the other or a greater share of decision-making responsibility.

Sole custody may be awarded to one parent if the other parent is unfit to take care of the child. To determine if a parent is unfit, the courts may look at past instances of abuse or neglect. Incarceration, a violent criminal record, or substance abuse issues could also disqualify a parent from obtaining custody rights over a child.

Will I Have to Pay Child Support?

You may be responsible for paying child support if you do not have primary custody over your child. The role of child support is to provide a child with a similar standard of living that they might have enjoyed if they lived with both parents under one roof. Child support can cover necessities like rent or a mortgage, clothing, food, school expenses, and anything else the child might need for a healthy upbringing.

If you have been ordered to pay child support, you will be responsible for paying it until your child becomes a self-sufficient adult, usually upon turning 18 or graduating high school. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If you and your co-parent agree to it, you could end up paying for college expenses as well. Additionally, if your adult child cannot become independent due to a physical or mental impairment, you could be ordered to continue paying child support.

Can Child Custody Be Modified in Maryland?

A court order of child custody can be altered in Maryland, but not without good cause. To petition for a modification of custody, you will have to prove that the alteration is in the child's best interests. For instance, you could argue to have your child removed from your co-parent's home if they live with a convicted sex offender.

Parental relocation is another circumstance in which a modification of custody may be called for. If you intend to move with your child, you will have to provide written notice to your co-parent, who can choose to object to the move. If the move is contested, you will have to appear in a court hearing and present your case to a family law judge. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our attorneys can advocate for you on either side of a relocation hearing.

Meet With a Clarksville, MD Child Custody Lawyer Today

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we offer legal representation to parents going through legal troubles. Our Clarksville child custody attorneys have the resources, skills, and experience to help you through your case. Call us at 410-760-9433 or contact us online to set up a consultation.