Glen Burnie Third-Party Child Custody Lawyers

Empathetic Family Law Attorneys for Third-Party Custody in Glen Burnie, Maryland

There are some cases when a party other than a child's biological parents can petition for custody rights. However, this is by no means an easy process. The courts of family law take the best interests of children seriously, and any third parties seeking custody will have many questions asked of them. With representation and counsel from a Glen Burnie child custody attorney, you can make a case for third-party custody in court.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we know how important it can be for someone to step up in a child's life. Our attorneys are here to help you advocate for a child's well-being and safety as we argue for your rights to third-party custody.

Who Is Considered a Third Party in Maryland?

Anyone other than a child's legal parents (biological or adoptive) is considered a third party. Parents are given precedence in custody proceedings over third parties, as third parties generally cannot petition for custody rights except in specific scenarios.

In order for a third party to get rights to custody or visitation, they must prove that the child's parents are unfit for the role. A parent could be considered if:

• The parent is abusive or allows the child to be abused
• The parent has abandoned the child for an extended period of time
• The parent routinely neglects the child
• The parent has a substance abuse problem that puts the child at significant risk

The courts will also allow a third party to seek custody if there are exceptional circumstances that justify it.

De Facto Parents Can Seek Custody Rights

There are strict proofs that must be demonstrated in order to petition for third-party custody rights. However, third parties may have another avenue to seek custody rights by proving that they have acted as de facto parents. A de facto parent is essentially someone who has acted as a substitute parent in the child's life. If you have fulfilled this role, you do not need to show exceptional circumstances or that the parents are unfit in order to petition for custody.

To qualify as a de factoparent, you must prove that all four of the following things are true:

• You have lived with the child for a significant period
• You have taken on parental roles or responsibilities without the expectation of monetary compensation
• You have a strong bond with the child
• Your bond with the child was permitted by their parents

If you meet all of the listed criteria, you will have the right to seek custody or visitation rights in the child's life.

What Is in the Child's Best Interests?

All child custody cases in Maryland tend to revolve around the child's best interests, a legal standard with multiple factors. Before you are granted custody rights as a third party or a de facto parent, the court will weigh the child's best interests, which may include considerations for:

• The fitness of the third party seeking custody
• The child's preference
• The child's needs
• The opportunities for visitation
• The material opportunities available to the child with the third party

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we are prepared to advocate for the child's best interests on your behalf. We will take the time to understand your situation so that we can argue for your parental fitness, making a case for the child's long-term well-being.

Meet With a Glen Burnie Third-Party Custody Attorney

You may face a serious uphill battle trying to petition for third-party custody rights. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our Glen Burnie, MD family lawyers are here to help. Call us at 410-760-9433 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation with our attorneys.