As experienced Maryland family lawyers, we have helped many families in Maryland navigate the complexities of custody battles, co-parenting arrangements, and child support issues.
Understanding Child Custody in Maryland
In Maryland, courts will make child custody decisions based on what the court determines is in the “best interest of the child.” This standard governs all custody arrangements and decisions, to ensure that the child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs are met.
Custody is divided into two broad categories:
- Legal Custody: This refers to the right to make major decisions about a child’s life, including education, medical and mental health care, and religious upbringing.
- Physical Custody: This pertains to the schedule that the parents and the child follow and where the child lives and which parent is responsible for the child’s care.
The court may award sole or joint legal custody, or primary or shared physical custody, depending on the situation. Joint legal custody or shared physical/residential custody, is common when both parents can communicate, cooperate, and effectively share responsibilities relating to the child.
Factors the Court Considers in Custody Cases
The Maryland courts consider various factors when determining the best custody arrangement. Some of the critical elements include:
- The child’s age, health, and developmental needs
- Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s emotional and physical well-being
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The parents’ work schedules and availability
- The child’s preference, depending on their age and maturity
- Any history of abuse or neglect
- Each parent’s willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent
As experienced Maryland family lawyers, we know that these factors are weighed carefully in each case, and we work diligently to present the most compelling case for our clients.
Modifying Child Custody Arrangements
Life circumstances can change, and as a result, existing custody arrangements may no longer be practical or in the child’s best interests. Whether you’re dealing with a relocation, a significant change in work schedules, or a shift in your child’s needs, we can help you pursue a modification of custody.
In Maryland, a court may modify a custody agreement or order if there has been a “material change in circumstances.” This standard means that the change must be significant enough, affecting the best interests of the child, to warrant revisiting the original custody arrangement. Some examples of material changes include:
- One parent relocating to a different city or state
- A significant change in the child’s needs, such as new educational or medical requirements
- A parent’s inability to comply with the current custody arrangement due to work or health reasons
- Evidence of neglect or abuse that could impact the child’s safety or welfare
If you believe that your custody arrangement needs to be modified, contact us, and we can help guide you through the process.
Child Support in Maryland
In addition to custody, child support is an important issue that needs to be resolved. In Maryland, child support is calculated using state guidelines that consider the income of both parents, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, and other expenses such as health insurance, childcare expenses, and certain educational costs.
We are experienced attorneys in Maryland who can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under Maryland law. Whether you are seeking to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, we have the knowledge and experience to assist you.
Maryland Child Support Guidelines
Maryland follows a formula-based system to calculate child support, which ensures that the child’s financial needs are met in proportion to the parents’ income. The child support calculation includes:
- The gross monthly income of both parents
- The number of children
- The number of overnights the child(ren) is with each parent per year
- The costs of work-related childcare
- Health insurance premiums
- Extraordinary medical expenses
As your trusted attorneys in Maryland, we can help ensure that the child support calculations are accurate and fair. In cases where the standard guidelines don’t seem to fit, we can advocate for adjustments to the court’s calculation to ensure that your child’s needs are fully met.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Just like custody arrangements, child support orders can also be modified if there has been a material change in circumstances. Common reasons for modifying a child support order include:
- A significant change in either parent’s income (such as a job loss or promotion)
- A change in the child’s financial needs (such as increased medical expenses or educational costs)
- A change in the custody arrangement that impacts the time the child spends with each parent
If you’re looking to modify your child support agreement, we can help you through the legal process. Our top-rated attorneys will work to ensure that your modified child support order reflects your current financial and custodial situation.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
Unfortunately, some parents may fail to comply with a child support order, which can leave the other parent struggling to meet the child’s financial needs. If you are dealing with a parent who is not paying their court-ordered support, we can assist you in enforcing the order.
Maryland law provides several enforcement options, including:
- Earnings withholding or wage garnishment
- Entry of money judgments and enforcement of judgments
- Seizure of tax refunds
- Suspension of professional or driver’s licenses
- Contempt of court proceedings, which can result in financial penalties, or even incarceration
We take these cases seriously because we understand how critical child support is to your family’s well-being. As your trusted counsel, we will work diligently to ensure you receive the support your child is entitled to.
Why Choose Brodsky Renehan Pearlstein & Bouquet?
Here’s why we stand out as a top-rated law firm:
- Experienced Team: With years of experience handling complex family law cases, we have the knowledge and skill to address your unique needs.
- Personalized Approach: We understand that every family is different. We tailor our approach to suit your specific circumstances and goals.
- Compassionate Representation: Family law cases are often emotionally charged, and we strive to offer compassionate, supportive legal representation that keeps your family’s best interests at the forefront.
- Proven Track Record: Our firm has a history of success in resolving difficult child custody and support cases. We have built a reputation as one of Maryland’s most reliable family law firms.
Contact a Lawyer Today
If facing a child custody or support issue in Maryland, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our experienced family law attorneys are here to help you achieve a fair and favorable outcome for your family. Whether you seek to establish custody, modify an existing order, or resolve a support dispute, we have the expertise and dedication to assist you.
Call us today to schedule a consultation, and let us help you secure the best possible future for you and your family. We are here to provide the support, knowledge, and legal representation you need.
