Child Custody & Visitation

Maryland and Virginia Child Custody & Visitation

Helping Parents Protect Their Children and Preserve Family Bonds

Disputes over child custody and visitation can be some of the most difficult and emotional challenges a parent will ever face. At The Burton Firm, we understand how important your relationship with your child is — and we’re here to help you protect it. Our experienced team guides parents through all aspects of Maryland and Virginia child custody & visitation matters with compassion, strategy, and a deep commitment to the best interests of the child.

We represent parents and guardians across Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland, including Fairfax County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Charles County, Calvert and the Metro D.C. area, offering skilled legal advocacy in every phase of custody and visitation disputes — from negotiation to trial.

Understanding Child Custody in Maryland and Virginia

In Maryland, custody involves two key components: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody grants the right to make major decisions about your child’s education, healthcare, and upbringing. Physical custody determines where the child lives and how time is shared between parents. Our firm helps you pursue fair, practical arrangements that protect both your parental rights and your child’s emotional stability.

We handle all forms of custody arrangements, including:

• Sole/ Primary Custody — One parent holds full legal and physical custody. 
• Shared/ Joint Custody – Both parents share legal and/ or physical custody.
• Mixed – The legal and physical custody arrangement is different. For example, joint legal custody with sole physical custody.

Visitation, Access and Parenting Time

Even when one parent has primary custody, the other typically retains the right to meaningful visitation. We help parents establish and enforce fair visitation schedules that reflect the needs of both the child and the parents. Whether through mediation or litigation, our goal is to minimize conflict and create arrangements that promote consistency and security for your child.

We also assist with:

• Supervised visitation orders
• Visitation modifications due to relocation or changing circumstances
• Enforcement of existing parenting time agreements
• Expedited visitation due to military deployment

Custody Evaluations and Court Involvement

When parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court may order a custody evaluation to assess each parent’s home environment, parenting ability, and relationship with the child. These evaluations can significantly influence the court’s decision, which is why skilled legal guidance is essential. We prepare clients thoroughly for this process, ensuring that your perspective and priorities are clearly represented.

Modifying or Enforcing Custody Orders

As children grow and family circumstances change, existing custody or visitation orders may need adjustment. We help clients pursue and defend modifications when necessary — for example, due to relocation or a shift in a child’s needs. We also assist with enforcement when one parent fails to comply with court orders.

Speak with a Maryland and Virginia Child Custody & Visitation Attorney Today

If you’re facing a custody or visitation dispute, don’t face it alone. The Burton Firm is here to help you protect your rights and your child’s well-being. Call (301) 420-5540 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. You can also request a consultation directly through our website.