Child Custody

Maryland Child Custody Attorney

Protecting Your Time and Relationship with Your Child

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important issues to resolve is how each parent will spend time with their child. At The Burton Firm, we understand that maintaining a strong, consistent relationship with your child is essential to their well-being — and to yours. Our experienced Maryland and Virginia child visitation attorney helps parents create fair and workable visitation schedules that support stability, safety, and continued parental involvement.

We represent parents and guardians throughout 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 providing compassionate legal guidance and skilled advocacy in all child visitation and parenting time matters.

Understanding Child Visitation in Maryland and Virginia

Visitation, sometimes called “parenting time” or “access,” refers to the time a noncustodial parent spends with their child. Even when one parent has primary physical custody, Maryland and Virginia law presumes that maintaining frequent and meaningful contact with both parents is in the child’s best interests — unless there are safety concerns.

We help parents negotiate, establish, and enforce visitation arrangements that reflect their family’s needs and the realities of everyday life. Our goal is always to promote cooperation and protect the child’s emotional well-being while ensuring your parental rights are respected.

Types of Visitation Arrangements

Every family’s circumstances are unique. We assist clients in creating visitation agreements that are customized and practical, including:

• Fixed Schedules — Regular, structured visitation plans with set days and times.
• Reasonable Visitation — Flexible arrangements that allow parents to coordinate schedules cooperatively.
• Supervised Visitation — For cases involving safety concerns or limited contact, visits occur under professional supervision to protect the child’s welfare.
• Holiday and Vacation Schedules — Ensuring both parents enjoy quality time with the child during special occasions and school breaks.

We also represent grandparents and other relatives seeking third-party visitation or access when it benefits the child’s well-being.

Modifying or Enforcing Visitation Orders

Life changes — and parenting plans sometimes need to change with it. If a parent relocates, changes work schedules, or if visitation is no longer working in practice, we help clients request modifications to existing orders. We also handle enforcement actions when one parent interferes with or refuses court-ordered visitation.

Our firm takes prompt action to protect your rights while maintaining focus on what’s best for the child. In every case, we strive to reduce conflict and find long-term, workable solutions.

When Visitation Is Contested

When parents cannot agree on visitation, Maryland and Virginia courts determine access based on the best interests of the child. Factors may include the child’s age, health, emotional needs, and the ability of each parent to provide a safe and nurturing environment. We prepare each case thoroughly, using documentation, testimony, and clear communication to ensure your voice is heard in court.

Speak with a Maryland and Virginia Child Visitation Attorney Today

If you’re struggling with a visitation dispute or need help creating a parenting plan that works, The Burton Firm is here to help. Call (301) 420-5540 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. You can also request a consultation directly through our website.