Crofton, MD Child Custody Lawyers

Compassionate Custody Lawyers Advocating for Clients in Crofton, Maryland

For many parents going through divorce, the question of child custody may be the most pressing issue. In some cases, parents are able to reach an agreement outside of court, but in other cases, litigation may be necessary. If you have any concerns about custody rights, visitation, or decision-making responsibility, a Crofton family law attorney can fight for your rights as a parent.

Child custody matters should be handled with diligence and consideration for the child. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we understand how sensitive these matters can be, and we will help you fight for a long-term solution that serves your child's needs.

Types of Custody

In Maryland, custody rights are divided into physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody decides the schedule for parenting time, while legal custody allows a parent to make important life decisions on the child's behalf.

Custody is not awarded on an all-or-nothing basis. Parents can—and often do—share the responsibilities of custody. For example, parents may decide to share 50/50 physical custody over a child, swapping possession of the child on certain days of the week. This is only one example of a physical custody schedule, however. Custody arrangements allow for flexible terms to accommodate a family's needs. As long as there is no conflict with the child's best interests, family law courts are willing to work with parents to reach a sustainable arrangement.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can provide you with legal guidance to work toward an ideal solution. We can act as mediators between you and your co-parent for a mutually agreeable custody plan.

Can I Get Sole Custody Over My Child?

There are some cases when one parent may be given sole custody over a child. This measure is usually reserved for cases where one parent is demonstrably unfit to take care of the child. A history of abuse or neglect, criminal convictions, or substance addictions may result in a parent being declared a risk to the child. In other cases, a parent walking out of a child's life or expressing a total lack of interest may be grounds for sole custody.

Even if a parent is declared unfit, they may still have rights to supervised visitation as long as it does not jeopardize the child's physical or mental well-being.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can represent you in concerns regarding sole custody, whether you are petitioning for or against it. No matter the case, we will do everything in our power to advocate for your child's well-being.

Child Support

Child support is usually awarded to the parent with majority physical custody after a divorce. These monthly payments are intended to provide for a child's needs, such as food, housing, school expenses, and healthcare. To calculate the amount a parent will owe in child support, the courts will refer to both parents' monthly gross income, the number of children between them, and other relevant factors.

If your co-parent refuses to pay child support, you can petition the court to garnish their wages to get the payments you are owed. However, you cannot deny visitation to your co-parent for being late on child support. Our attorneys can help you take action to get the support you need, providing you with proper legal advice and representation.

Contact a Crofton, MD Child Custody Lawyer Today

At Zide Law Group, LLC, our Crofton family law attorneys are here to help you with your legal concerns regarding child custody. We can help you negotiate for a sustainable, healthy split of parenting time and decision-making responsibilities, and if necessary, we can take your case to court. Call us at 410-760-9433 or contact us online to set up a consultation today.