Glen Burnie, MD Child Custody Attorney

Compassionate Child Custody Lawyer for Clients in Glen Burnie, Maryland

Child custody cases can be difficult to resolve, as it can be challenging to separate the parents' emotions from the intricacies of family law. Ultimately, the parents will have to decide what is in the child's best interests, and if they cannot make that determination on their own, the judge may have to weigh in. During these intense legal proceedings, you can benefit from having a Glen Burnie child custody attorney on your side.

At DM Family Law, we provide clients with compassionate, honest legal services for a variety of family law issues. Attorney David Marquardt is a solo practitioner with more than 20 years of legal experience, so you can rest assured that your case will be given the close attention it deserves.

How Can I Resolve a Child Custody Dispute?

In many cases, the courts will order the parents to attend mediation to resolve a child custody dispute. Mediation can provide parents with a less adversarial setting to discuss their issues, as it takes place outside of court with no judge present. A certified mediator will sit in on the meeting to help the parents reach a point of compromise, honing in on the issues that prevent them from coming to an agreement.

Parents can also choose to enter mediation voluntarily. Attending mediation may prove beneficial in the long run, as it promotes a close working relationship between the parents.

However, if one parent is unwilling to cooperate or has a history of past domestic violence, mediation may not be productive. At DM Family Law, our attorney can advise you of how to respond in mediation to best protect your parental rights.

How Should Parenting Time Be Divided?

During your child custody case, you will have to figure out who will be responsible for taking care of the child throughout the year, as well as assigning visitation rights if necessary. This responsibility is known as physical custody, and it may be one of the main points of contention in a divorce.

Parents are encouraged to work together to reach a mutually agreeable joint custody arrangement. Some custody arrangements involve a 50/50 split of parenting time throughout the year, but the division of parenting time does not have to be equal. If one parent has a restrictive work schedule, they can exercise their parenting time rights in a way that allows them to remain active in the child's life, such as taking custody on certain weekends or holidays.

Child Custody Litigation in Maryland

If you and your co-parent cannot agree on how to split up custody, you may have to resolve the issue through litigation. This involves going to court and presenting your case to a judge for your preferred custody arrangement.

The judge will hear both parents' concerns before coming to a final decision. In any case, the judge will consider what is best for the child when dividing up custody between the parents. The judge may factor in each parent's fitness to take care of the child, each parent's financial situation, and the child's physical and mental wellness.

If you expect to handle your child custody case through litigation, you should seek representation and counsel from a skilled family law attorney. At DM Family Law, we can help you build your case around the child's best interests while standing up for your rights as a parent.

Meet With a Glen Burnie, Maryland Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody is a delicate matter. At DM Family Law, we can look out for your family and pursue a resolution that addresses your unique circumstances. Call us at 443-545-8100 or contact our Glen Burnie child custody attorney to schedule a free consultation.