Frederick Child Custody Attorney

Knowledgeable Attorneys for Child Custody in Frederick, MD

Disputes about child custody can be intense, as both spouses may have different ideas for the child's safety and well-being. Questions about the child's best interests often go hand-in-hand with discussions about parental rights, as the court must consider the best solution for the child's long-term wellness while respecting the parents' wishes when possible. A trusted family law attorney in Frederick can help resolve child custody issues in the midst of a divorce, advocating for a solution that respects the child's ongoing needs. At Salvado Law Offices, we always provide personalized representation to our clients, implementing legal strategies based on real experience.

Joint Custody

In divorces where both parents can engage in healthy dialogue about important decisions in the child's life, a joint custody agreement may be appropriate. In this custody arrangement, the child might live with both parents who share physical custody on an alternating basis. A joint custody agreement might also give each parent separate decision-making powers over different aspects of the child's life, such as medical care or education, referred to as legal custody.

The key foundation of a joint custody agreement is having a parenting plan in place, a legal document that clarifies what each parent is responsible for. Pertinent issues addressed in a parenting plan might include a parenting schedule, how communication is handled, physical and legal custody, and guidelines for conflict resolution. A family law attorney at Salvado Law Offices can help both parents draft a parenting plan that suits their needs and serves the child's best interests.

Sole Custody

In some cases, the divorce courts will decide that one parent should assume full responsibility for taking care of a child or making important decisions for him or her, referred to as sole custody. A judge's decision to grant sole custody may be based on several factors, including:

• If a parent creates an unsafe environment for the child through his or her criminal tendencies, substance addiction, or mental illness.
• If one parent is chronically absent from the child's life.
• If one parent has abused the child in the past.
• If both parents are prone to heated arguments and conflict.

After sole custody is awarded, the other parent may still have the right to visitation. The court can mandate that these visits be supervised or establish a schedule for spending time with the child. In sole custody arrangements, a family law attorney can see that these rules of contact are enforced, or to protect your rights to visitation and reasonable time with your child.

The Child's Best Interests

In Maryland, family courts are required to rule in the best interests of the child over all else. In any case, the child's own wishes may be a consideration, but rarely the sole deciding factor; as the child grows older, his or her preference may be given more weight.

Beyond the fitness of both parents, the court's decision on best interests could also take into account the geographical location of both parents, and if moving away might disrupt the child's relationship with the community. If a child has close family or friends at the current residence, preference may be given to one parent keeping physical custody. A family law attorney will make notes of the child's living situation in meticulous detail so that the court is fully informed before making a judgment.

Meet with a Child Custody Attorney in Frederick, MD

During a divorce, the issue of child custody is likely to be at the forefront of your mind. A child custody lawyer at Salvado Law Offices can help build a case for the child's welfare, making a compelling argument for a joint or sole custody agreement. To start with a consultation, contact our Frederick family law attorneys at 301-933-1814 today.