Maryland Child Custody Facts

As in other states, courts in Maryland base child custody determinations on what is in the best interest of the child. This can be a rather vague term leaving lay person wondering: what does that really mean? Generally, family court judges will look at a number of factors to decide what is best for the child while trying to allow the child to have a continuing and meaningful relationship with both parents after a divorce or in a case where the parents have never married.

Judges will consider how old the child is, what kind of a relationship the child has with each parent, what the parents want in regards to the child, the mental and physical health of the child and both parents, how willing and able each parent is to help the child foster a relationship with the other parent, which parent has been the main caregiver up to this point, what the child's wishes are if old enough to have a reasonable opinion, how custody arrangements will affect the child's daily life, school, and other activities, and how each parent can provide for the child's needs and well-being.

When a child reaches the age of 16 in Maryland, he or she can ask for a change of custody through the family court. Either a court hearing on the matter will be held or the court will change the custody ruling to place the child with the desired parent. Several types of child custody exist, including physical and legal custody, which may be held jointly or solely.

Family Law Firm in Columbia, Maryland

Child custody issues can be very contentious and divisive if parents cannot agree between themselves on how to resolve the matter. Getting experienced legal help with such an issue is imperative if you wish to have your case presented to the court in the best possible manner. Child custody as an issue is part of a pending divorce but it may also arise in the years after a divorce has been finalized. This can happen when a substantial change in the circumstances of a parent or child occurs or when a custodial parent needs to relocate to another city or state.

The divorce and family law firm of Garner & Garner, P.A. has been successfully assisting clients with these kinds of issues since 1985. The legal team has a combined 44 years of practical and courtroom experience in resolving all types of divorce and family law matters, from paternity to child custody, domestic violence, and more. With that kind of experience in family law, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the attention and care that it deserves. Contact the firm to schedule a free thirty-minute consultation with one of the legal team about your divorce or family law issue to get started.