Perry Hall, MD Child Custody Lawyers

Skilled Child Custody Attorneys Representing Parents in Perry Hall, Maryland

When parents get divorced, the question of custody can be a source of tension. It is the responsibility of a family law judge to make a final decision about a suitable arrangement for the child. If you are going through a divorce with children, a Perry Hall divorce lawyer can make a case for your rights to parenting time and decision-making responsibility.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we stand as dauntless advocates for parents across the state of Maryland. We have the legal knowledge and experience to represent you in court, petitioning for a favorable custody arrangement that puts your child's needs first.

Parenting Plan

In a divorce or separation with children, you and your spouse will have to present a parenting plan to the court. This is a legal document that lays out a detailed plan that addresses all relevant custody issues, including who the child will live with and who gets to make decisions on the child's behalf.

If you and your spouse are able to cooperate, you can draft a parenting plan together. In many cases, parents cooperate through mediation to draft this document together, working to resolve any issues with an unbiased third party. However, if you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement about how custody should be allocated, you can choose to create separate parenting plans for the court's consideration.

The courts will only approve a parenting plan if it serves the child's best interests. A parenting plan created specifically to spite one parent or cut them out of the child's life without good reason will likely be rejected.

How Is Parenting Time Divided?

Parenting time refers to the regular schedule where parents can see or take care of their children. There is no single "correct" way to divide up parenting time. Instead, a parenting time schedule should take the family's unique circumstances into account, factoring in the time each parent spends at work and the distance between the parents' residences.

The division of parenting time does not have to be an even 50/50 split. In cases of parental relocation, one parent might have a majority of parenting time throughout the year—though this does not preclude the other parent from reasonable visitation with the child or the authority to make decisions. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can help you advocate for a healthy split of parenting time, advocating for a solution that preserves your bond with your child.

Third-Party Custody

Sometimes, the courts will allow someone other than the parents to take custody of a child. That being said, third-party custody is not easy to secure. The burden of proof is on the third party to show that the parents are not fit to take care of the child or that there is an exceptional circumstance that justifies third-party custody.

A third party can also petition for custody rights if they have acted as a de factoparent. Acting as a de facto parent means that you have fulfilled important parental duties for a child, your bond with the child was fostered or approved by the parent, you have lived with the child, and you have a strong bond with the child. Unlike other third parties, de facto parents do not have to prove exceptional circumstances or parental unfitness to petition for custody rights.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can represent you in a petition for third-party custody, making a case based on the child's wants and needs.

Contact a Perry Hall, Maryland Child Custody Lawyer Today

If you are involved in a child custody dispute, the right choice of legal representation can make a significant difference. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our Perry Hall custody attorneys are ready to negotiate for a healthy custody arrangement on your behalf. Call our offices at 410-760-9433 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.