Baltimore Child Custody Attorney
Child Custody Attorney in Baltimore, Maryland
As a parent, you have worked tirelessly to establish the positive parental relationship you and your child cherish. The thought of not seeing a child every day can be unbearable. Many people have misconceptions about how a court will decide on child custody. Just because you may be a stay-at-home parent or take care of the child more of the time does not give you greater rights to custody. Both parents will have equal footing at the start of the divorce. Maryland courts and judges will always act in the child’s best interests. This is paramount to their decision. Generally, the court believes that each parent should have regular and ongoing access to their child, with a few exceptions. If you are getting a divorce and child custody needs to be addressed, it is crucial that you contact an experienced divorce attorney. Albers & Associates is an effective team of highly-skilled and passionate divorce attorneys ready to protect your rights and the best interests of your child. For a consultation, contact Albers & Associates.
Physical and legal custody
There are two types of custody that are often addressed in court. Legal custody is the right of a parent to make the important decisions that impact a child’s life. The parent with legal custody or the parents with joint legal custody can decide on matters, including academics, religion, healthcare, and more. Physical custody is the parenting arrangement. This facet of custody is awarded to the parent that will house the child more of the time. This parent is sometimes called the “custodial parent” or “primary caretaker.”
Joint and sole custody
Most parents settle the matter with a joint custody arrangement. They both have legal custody and a shared physical custody arrangement, with one as the custodial parent. Parents are generally asked to work together to mitigate the effects of the divorce on the child. This often means maintaining the child’s social, academic, domestic, and religious life. Some of the factors the state will consider when assessing a joint custody arrangement include:
- The capability of parents to cooperate for the best interests of the child
- The willingness of parents to engage in a shared custody arrangement
- Fitness of parents to act as guardians
- Relationship between child and each parent
- Preference of the child
- The impact on the child’s social and school life
- location of parent’s homes
- Parents’ employment and responsibility
- Age and number of children
- Financial status of parents
- Impact on state of federal assistance
In rare cases, a parent is deemed unfit to parent during the divorce or cannot, for some reason, be a guardian in any way. There are many reasons for a court to consider awarding one party sole custody, meaning both physical and legal custody, including abandonment, death, or if a parent poses a risk. It is important to have quality legal representation when legal custody is on the line and Albers & Associates is ready to fight for your rights.
Contact an experienced child custody attorney
Albers & Associates recognizes the magnitude of child custody cases. We understand the stress our clients endure when facing such a significant legal matter. Albers & Associates is comprised of experienced matrimonial and family law attorneys. For more information about our child custody services or to schedule a confidential consultation regarding your child custody matter, contact Albers & Associates today.