Annapolis, MD Child Custody Attorney

Supportive Attorneys Representing Clients in Child Custody Cases in Annapolis, Maryland

As a parent going through a divorce, you may feel as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Trying to do what is best for your child while looking after your own needs can feel like an impossible balancing act at times. If you have any concerns about child custody, an Annapolis, Maryland family law attorney can provide you with legal guidance and advocacy.

When it comes to high-stakes issues like custody, your choice of attorney matters. Attorney David Marquardt is a solo practitioner with over 20 years of legal experience dedicated to family law and divorce concerns. You can rely on our firm to provide you with highly personalized legal services to suit your situation, as we work to safeguard your parental rights.

How Is Custody Divided in Maryland Divorces?

In Maryland, child custody is divided up into two distinct responsibilities known as physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody refers to the time a child spends with each parent at their residence or during visitation. Legal custody refers to the authority a parent has to make decisions on the child's behalf, usually concerning important aspects of a child's life like healthcare or school.

Both kinds of custody can be shared between the parents after a divorce. The exact arrangement is usually detailed in a document known as a parenting plan, which must be approved by the court. At DM Family Law, we can help you draft a sound parenting plan that specifies where the child will live throughout the year and who will be responsible for making important decisions.

Addressing Disputes in Child Custody Cases

If you and your co-parent cannot agree on how to divide child custody, you may have to turn to a third party to resolve the issue. Many parents turn to mediation during a divorce, where they can discuss their issues with a neutral party outside of court. The neutral party, known as the mediator, can propose creative ways to resolve disputes about parenting time or decision-making responsibility.

Mediation is often preferable to litigation since it tends to be less expensive and adversarial for both parties. However, if attempts at a civil dialogue fall through, you may have no choice but to pursue litigation. In court, you can argue your case to a judge, proposing a plan that you believe to be in the child's best interests.

At DM Family Law, we can adapt our approach to meet your needs. We can help you reach a mutually agreeable resolution with your co-parent outside of court, but if needed, we are prepared to advocate on your behalf in litigation.

When Can Child Custody Be Modified in Maryland?

In general, you may only seek a modification to an existing custody order if there has been a material change in circumstances. Common examples of a change in circumstances include:

• A child developing a health condition that requires special attention
• A parent getting a new job with a different work schedule
• A parent becoming incarcerated
• A child moving to a new school

Additionally, the court will always put the child's best interests first in any matters related to custody. If the proposed modification would adversely affect the child in any way, it may be denied by the judge. Note that parents may also agree to modify a custody order together, though it is subject to approval by the court.

Contact an Annapolis Child Custody Attorney Today

If you are going through a difficult custody dispute in Maryland, our Annapolis child custody lawyer can help. Our firm will take the time to understand your family situation so that we can better advocate for your parental rights. To schedule a free consultation with DM Family Law today, call our offices at 443-545-8100 or contact our Annapolis child custody lawyer.