Clarksville, Maryland Child Custody Lawyer

Compassionate Custody Attorney for Parents in Clarksville

Child custody disputes can be a major source of stress for all parties involved, not only for the parents, but for the child caught between them as well. If you are going through a divorce with children, you will have some important decisions to make regarding the new parenting arrangement. A Clarksville child custody attorney can provide you with representation and counsel to protect your rights.

At DM Family Law, we are highly familiar with how child custody cases are handled. With over 20 years of experience in family law, Attorney David Marquardt can guide you through the legal proceedings and speak up for you in court.

Does Domestic Violence Affect Child Custody in Maryland?

In Maryland, judges in family law courts are concerned with the child's best interests first and foremost. If your co-parent has a past history of domestic violence or abuse, it could play a major role in the custody proceedings.

The judge will assess the danger your co-parent poses to your child. Even if the violence was not directed at your child specifically, it could still be considered a risk factor. This could lead to your co-parent being denied joint custody rights for your safety and the child's. If you want to pursue sole custody, our lawyer can help you document evidence of your co-parent's past abuse.

At DM Family Law, we can help you make an argument in the child's best interests to protect them from potential harm. If necessary, we can also help you file an order of protection to stop your co-parent from threatening you or your child.

Guardian ad Litems in Child Custody Cases

In order to determine the child's best interests, the judge can send out a professional known as a guardian ad litem to gather information for the court. The role of the guardian ad litem is to investigate the child's home life before making an official recommendation to the judge. The judge does not have to follow through with the guardian ad litem's recommendation, but it could inform their final ruling.

During your ongoing custody dispute, the guardian ad litem may interview you, your co-parent, and your child to better understand your family's situation. When interacting with the guardian ad litem, remain cordial and answer honestly, as their recommendation could have a significant impact on how the child custody proceedings play out.

At DM Family Law, we can provide you with legal advice during a guardian ad litem's investigation. We can also speak out for you if you feel that the guardian ad litem's recommendation does not align with your child's best interests.

How Should Custody Be Divided in Maryland Divorces?

There is no one right way to divide custody, as long as it respects the child's best interests. Oftentimes, the court will encourage parents to work together on a shared parenting plan, a document that outlines each parent's rights to physical and legal custody. Physical custody refers to the time each parent spends taking care of the child or visiting, while legal custody governs the right of a parent to make important decisions about how the child should be raised.

At DM Family Law, we can help you work toward a long-term, mutually agreeable custody arrangement. We can assist you in pursuing alternative methods of dispute resolution like mediation to smooth over any points of contention with your co-parent.

Contact a Clarksville, MD Child Custody Attorney

As a parent, you likely have strong feelings about the allocation of child custody. At DM Family Law, our Clarksville, Maryland child custody lawyer can work with you to reach an ideal arrangement. Call us at 443-545-8100 or contact our Clarksville child custody lawyer to set up a complimentary consultation.