Child Custody

If the other parent is violating your custody order—missing exchanges, denying visits, or relocating without consent—you don’t have to face it alone. This guide explains what counts as a custody violation in Maryland, how courts handle these disputes, and what steps you can take to protect your rights and your child’s well-being. Learn when to document, when to act, and when to involve an experienced family law attorney.

Navigating child custody in Maryland can be overwhelming for parents facing separation or divorce. Understanding Maryland custody law is essential to protecting your parental rights and ensuring the best outcome for your child. This guide covers legal and physical custody, parenting plans, child support implications, visitation rights, and how courts make custody decisions. Whether negotiating an agreement or seeking a court order, having the right legal support is crucial. The Burton Firm is here to help you through every step of the custody process.

Although the Uniform Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) was designed to resolve any complexities between states, if you find yourself in the middle of an interstate child custody dispute, contact an experienced Maryland family law attorney who can help you.

If the parents live in different states or nations, the first issue that must be resolved is whether the court has proper jurisdiction over the person to handle the child custody or support dispute. The UCCJEA is the law that spells out the rules for whether a state’s courts can legally decide a child custody or placement case for any given child. It also explains how custody or visitation orders issued by a court in one state can be enforced by the courts of another state. “Jurisdiction” is the power or right of a court to decide a case and to make orders that can legally be enforced against a particular person or people.

Child custody and visitation is another important part of the divorce proceeding. When contemplating which parent should get primary custody the Court must reach a decision that is “in the best interest of the child.” There are several major facts that the Courts will consider before awarding primary custody to one parent or the other.

Maryland law allows grandparents and third parties to petition for visitation or custody, provided they can prove parental unfitness or exceptional circumstances. Courts prioritize the child’s best interests, considering factors like the child’s relationship with the third party and emotional stability. Grandparents are treated as third parties, with no preference over others seeking custody.

Custody in Maryland is not permanent and can be modified as situations evolve. Types of custody include legal, physical, joint, and sole custody. The court process typically involves pre-trial conferences, mediation, and possibly evaluations to determine custody arrangements and visitation schedules.

Each case is unique, and seeking advice from an experienced Maryland family law attorney is essential to navigating these complex matters.