Ellicott City, MD Child Custody Attorney

Compassionate Custody Lawyer Representing Parents in Ellicott City, Maryland

Child custody is a highly sensitive matter in divorce and family law proceedings. Even if the parents are on civil terms, they may still disagree about critical issues, which can lead to contentious disputes in court. An Ellicott City, MD child custody attorney can provide you with fierce representation, speaking up for your parental rights.

At DM Family Law, we have over 20 years of legal experience handling sensitive family law matters, including child custody cases. When you work with our firm, you will receive personalized counsel and representation from a solo practitioner, ensuring that your case will not get passed off to a less experienced attorney. We are committed to providing our clients with honest, compassionate representation, prioritizing the well-being of children in family law issues.

Will a Judge Listen to a Child's Preferences in a Divorce Case?

In any child custody case, the judge will consider the child's best interests. During a divorce, the child may voice their preferences regarding which parent they want to stay with. While this may influence a judge's decision, the judge does not necessarily have to act according to the child's wishes if it goes against what is best for them. Many other factors in the child's best interests, such as each parent's fitness, will also be considered before a judge makes a final ruling.

Younger children are easily impressionable and may not always know what kind of custody arrangement is right for them. However, older children may have their wishes taken more seriously by the court. In fact, a child who is 16 or older can petition for a custody modification by themselves.

What Is Physical Custody?

In Maryland, physical custody can refer to the amount of time the child spends at each parent's household as well as a parent's visitation rights. Determining an appropriate schedule for parenting time can be complicated, as you may have to factor in the distance between each parent's residence. Parents must also think about the location of the child's school, and what attachments the child has to their community.

In some physical custody arrangements, the child stays at one parent's household while the other visits on regular occasions. However, a parent's right to visitation could be denied if he or she poses a safety risk to the child. The court can also call for supervised visitation, only permitting the parent to see the child while being monitored by another responsible adult.

What Is Legal Custody?

A parent who has been given legal custody has the right to make certain life choices on behalf of their child, such as where they will attend school, what religion they will be raised in, and healthcare decisions. Legal custody can also specify how the child's discipline will be handled between parents.

Like physical custody, legal custody can be shared jointly between the parents in a variety of different ways. For example, both parents can split up the responsibilities so that there is no room for argument about who has the final say. Alternatively, both parents could provide input on all decisions, with one parent having tiebreaking authority in case of a disagreement.

The details of both physical and legal custody are specified in a legal document known as a parenting plan. When parents divorce, they must present their parenting plan to the court for a judge's approval.

Contact an Ellicott City, MD Child Custody Lawyer

Finding your voice in a parental dispute can be difficult, but an Ellicott City child custody attorney can make sure that your concerns are heard in court. To schedule a free consultation with DM Family Law, call us at 443-545-8100 or contact our Ellicott City child custody attorney online.