Timonium, MD Child Custody Lawyers

Experienced Child Custody Lawyers Serving Parents in Timonium, Maryland

When a disagreement arises over child custody, the legal proceedings can become complicated. The court of family law will try to determine what is in the child's best interests, which requires an exhaustive investigation with testimony from multiple parties. If you are involved in a custody disagreement with your co-parent, our Timonium custody lawyers can represent you in court.

Once a judge makes a final decree about child custody, it may be difficult to modify later. As such, it is critical that you negotiate for a favorable custody arrangement in a court of family law. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can stand up for your rights as a parent and help you do what is best for your child.

Joint Custody

A joint custody arrangement is an agreement wherein both parents share physical possession and/or decision-making authority over the child. In many divorces and other separations, parents are able to share joint custody. The state of Maryland does not give special priority to mothers or fathers, so both parents have an equal right to petition for custody.

Not all arrangements for joint custody have to represent an equal 50/50 split. A parent can still have a right to physical custody even if they only see the child for a small portion of the year due to long distance. Similarly, both parents could share equal physical custody while one parent has slightly more input in legal custody.

If you are willing to work with your spouse, you could negotiate for joint custody in mediation, as opposed to taking the dispute to court. In mediation, you can draft a parenting plan with the help of a certified mediator who can help to resolve disputes between you and your co-parent.

Sole Custody

Sole custody is an arrangement where one parent has exclusive rights to physical custody and/or legal custody. The courts may choose to award a parent with sole custody if:

• The other parent abandoned the child
• The other parent has abused the child
• The other parent is incapable of supporting the child due to mental illness
• The other parent has exposed the child to a dangerous living environment

The choice to give a parent sole custody is not treated lightly. If you want to petition for sole custody, you will have to prove that denying the other parent custody rights would serve the child's best interests. Even if you are awarded sole custody, your co-parent may still have the right to seek visitation, whether supervised or unsupervised.

Other Custody Factors

There are numerous other factors that may impact a custody award. Although it will never be the sole consideration, the court is allowed to consider the child's preferences when making decisions about custody. An older, more mature child may have their preferences taken more seriously by the court.

Additionally, you and your co-parent's willingness to work with each other may be factored into a custody award. Oftentimes, the courts will urge the parents to work together to reach an agreement. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can inform you of the relevant factors in determining your child's best interests so that you can effectively petition for custody.

Meet With a Timonium, Maryland Custody Attorney Today

Child custody cases can be difficult for all parties involved, especially the children caught between parents. At Zide Law Group, LLC, our lawyers can help you protect and enforce your parental rights while also doing what is right for your child.

When it comes to resolving a child custody dispute within your family, you deserve attentive, empathetic legal representation. Call us at 410-760-9433 or reach out to us online to schedule an initial consultation today.