Elkridge, MD Child Custody Attorney

Skilled Custody Lawyer Representing Clients in Elkridge, Maryland

The issue of child custody can be one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce. You and your co-parent will have to make difficult decisions about how you want to divide up parenting time and other responsibilities, which may lead to contentious disputes. During this emotional chapter of your life, you could benefit from the services of an Elkridge, Maryland child custody attorney.

At DM Family Law, we understand what is at stake for you and your child in a custody battle. When you work with our firm, we will make meticulous preparations for your case so that we can better advocate for your parental rights.

Should I Consider Mediation to Resolve a Child Custody Dispute?

When parents cannot agree about how custody should be divided, a judge may order them to attend mediation. The couple will then have to attend a meeting with a certified mediator who will try to help the parents compromise on the issues at hand. Note that a mediator does not have the authority to make a final ruling like a judge. Instead, the greater focus is on helping the parents come to an agreement.

There are many benefits to resolving child custody disputes through mediation. For one, it may lay the groundwork for how future disputes will be resolved, allowing the parents to discuss their issues in a civil setting. It also tends to be cheaper than litigating a child custody dispute in court.

Furthermore, mediation gives parents greater agency in deciding how to divide custody, as opposed to leaving the ruling in the judge's hands. However, you must still submit your joint parenting plan to the court for a judge's final approval.

Understanding the Best Interests Standard in Child Custody Cases

A term that comes up often in child custody cases is "the child's best interests." This is a legal standard that guides all important decisions about parental responsibilities. Essentially, the judge will always rule in favor of the child's best interests, keeping their health and happiness in mind. When deciding what is in the child's best interests, the judge may consider multiple factors, including:

• The child's age and maturity
• The child's physical and mental health
• The child's wishes and preferences
• The parents' ability to work together and maintain family relationships
• Each parent's financial resources

The courts take these considerations very seriously. If one parent poses a substantial risk to the child's welfare through neglect or abuse, the other parent could be given sole custody rights.

Third-Party Custody in Maryland

In some cases, a party other than the child's natural parents can petition for custody rights. Generally, third parties can only request custody in Maryland if they can show they have acted as a de factoparent. To be considered a de factoparent, you must have fulfilled a parental role in the child's life with the blessing of the biological or adoptive parents while living in the same household as the child. Additionally, you must show that you have served in this role long enough to form a bond with the child.

Third parties can also petition for custody rights if one parent is unfit or if there are exceptional circumstances that justify third-party custody, like a strong, genuine bond between the third party and the child.

Contact an Elkridge Child Custody Lawyer

Do you need assistance resolving a child custody case? If so, consider working with DM Family Law. Our Elkridge, MD child custody attorney has over 20 years of legal experience, having helped numerous clients with difficult family law issues. To schedule a free consultation today, call our offices at 443-545-8100 or contact our Elkridge child custody attorney.