Child Custody Attorney Team in Potomac, MD

One of the most emotionally difficult aspects of divorce or separating from your partner is the impact it may have on your child. While child custody matters can often be contentious, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable family law attorney by your side who can take the burden off your shoulders. No matter how complex your case may be, the child custody attorney team at Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield has the experience and knowledge necessary to achieve a favorable outcome for you and your child.

Our attorneys are also parents. We understand the concerns you have for your child’s wellbeing and will help ensure your child’s best interests are first and foremost. Our family law attorneys will assist you with navigating your case and negotiating a custody agreement that will meet the unique needs of your family.

Types of Child Custody in Maryland

Child custody in Maryland comes in two parts: physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody, also called “residential custody,” refers to where and with whom the child lives. Physical custody can be granted solely to one parent, or it can be joint, and shared between them.

Legal custody refers to which parent has decision-making authority. It gives a parent the right to make decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and other important matters. Like physical custody, legal custody can be sole and belong to one parent, or joint.

Maryland courts favor shared custody arrangements whenever possible. However, courts have the authority to fashion multiple forms of custody arrangements based on what is in the best interests of the child. When determining custody disputes, courts in Maryland are authorized to consider 16 statutory factors, including the following:

• The stability and the foreseeable health and welfare of the child;
• Frequent, regular, and continuing contact with parents who can act in the child’s best interests;
• Whether and how parents who do not live together will share the rights and responsibilities of raising the child;
• The child’s relationship with each parent, any siblings, other relatives, and individuals who are or may become important in the child’s life;
• The child’s physical and emotional security, and protection from exposure to conflict and violence;
• The child’s developmental needs, including their physical safety, emotional security, positive self-image, interpersonal skills, and intellectual and cognitive growth;
• The child’s day-to-day needs, including education, socialization, food, shelter, culture, religion, clothing, and mental and physical health;
• How to place the child’s needs above those of the parents, protect the child from parental conflict, and maintain the child’s relationships with siblings and relatives;
• The child’s age;
• Any military deployment of either parent and its effect on the parent-child relationship;
• Any previous court orders or agreements;
• Each parent’s role and tasks related to the child and how they have changed;
• The location of each parent’s home and how it relates to their ability to coordinate parenting time, school, and the child’s activities;
• The parents’ relationship with each other, including their ability to communicate and co-parent without disrupting the child’s school and social life, and how they will resolve any disputes in the future;
• The child’s preferences, if age appropriate;
• Any other factor the court considers appropriate to determine how best to serve the physical, developmental, and emotional needs of the child.

Judges are required to document the reasoning for their custody decisions in writing or on the record.

Notably, parents do not need to let a judge decide the outcome of their child custody matters. Mediation and the collaborative process are two cost-effective and efficient alternatives to litigation that can empower parents to create custody arrangements that work for their family. These alternative dispute resolution methods can help co-parents remain amicable, reduce stress, and find creative solutions that might not be available in the courtroom. Our child custody attorney team can advise you regarding your options and help you determine the best course of action based on your specific situation.

Child Custody Modifications

If the custody plan that is in place no longer meets the needs of your child, or your family circumstances have changed, it may be necessary to modify your current custody arrangement. Parents can agree to make a change and submit their modification to the judge to become a legally binding order, or if they cannot agree, a judge can determine the issue. The parent requesting the modification must demonstrate to the court that there has been a material change in circumstances since the last order was issued, and a modification would be in the child’s best interests.

At Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield, our child custody attorney team works with clients who are both seeking custody modifications and arguing against them. We will guide you through the legal process and present the evidence necessary to the court to portray your position in the most favorable light.

Complex Child Custody Matters

While child custody matters can be complicated even under ordinary circumstances, they can become more complex when certain factors are present. In cases where there are allegations of domestic violence or substance abuse, or questions regarding parental fitness arise, it’s vital to have a skillful child custody attorney who can advocate for you and your child. In addition, in situations where a parent will be relocating to a different state or country, or a child has special needs, it’s crucial to have counsel by your side who has detailed knowledge of the applicable law.

Our child custody attorney team has decades of experience representing clients in complex Maryland custody matters. Handling each case with the attention it deserves, we will take the time to understand your unique circumstances and how your child is affected. When necessary, we will involve outside professionals such as therapists, mental health professionals, and custody evaluators to support your goals and strengthen your custody position.