Owings Mills, MD Child Custody Attorneys

Caring Custody Lawyers Advocating for Parents in Owings Mills, Maryland

Tensions can run high in a custody dispute when both parents have different ideas about what is best for the child. If you are going through a divorce with children or another dispute about your parental rights, having strong legal representation can be crucial. An Owings Mills child custody attorney can act as a fierce advocate for your rights, voicing your concerns in a court of family law.

As a parent, you may have some concerns about how you can stand up for your custody rights. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we have represented parents in numerous cases over the years, and we have a deep understanding of how family law courts operate. When you work with our firm, you will receive quality legal counsel from beginning to end of your case.

Mediation for Custody Issues

It is not uncommon for judges to send parents in a custody dispute to mediation so that they can resolve their issues outside of court. In mediation, you and your co-parent can sit down to draft a parenting plan together with the help of a third-party mediator who will help you reach a point of compromise.

Mediation is only effective if both you and your co-parent are willing to cooperate with each other in good faith. If you can set aside your differences, you can create a shared parenting plan that promotes your child's long-term welfare with a stable home environment. However, if mediation falls through, our attorneys can take your custody case to court with an aggressive litigation strategy.

Abuse and Neglect in Child Custody Cases

Courts of family law take a child's health and safety very seriously. If your child is being abused or neglected in the care of your co-parent, you can petition the court for an urgent modification of custody.

This will involve a courtroom hearing where both you and your co-parent will be given the chance to advocate for or against a custody modification. After hearing from both sides, the court may decide to modify the custody order to protect the child's well-being. This may involve giving you sole custody of the child or another appropriate action to prevent further harm.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can help you petition for a modification of custody in cases of parental unfitness. Before the hearing, our lawyers will work with you to uncover proof of neglect or abuse to present to the court, making an argument for your child's best interests.

Child Support

If you do not have primary physical custody of your child, you will likely have to pay child support. This is a court order, so failing to pay child support can result in serious legal penalties ranging from fines to jail time. There are limited exceptions where a parent may not be obligated to pay child support, such as if the paying parent is incarcerated or totally and permanently disabled.

Child support payments can also be modified in court if you experience a significant change in circumstances, like an unexpected injury that affects your livelihood. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can represent you in any legal proceedings involving child support, making sure that you are fully informed of your options. Likewise, if your co-parent refuses to pay the child support that you are legally owed, we can help you enforce the court order.

Meet With an Owings Mills, Maryland Child Custody Lawyer Today

As a parent, you may have reasonable worries related to custody. Our Owings Mills, MD child custody lawyers are here to speak up for you in court and provide you with sound legal advice. To schedule a consultation with Zide Law Group, LLC today, call us at 410-760-9433 or contact us online.