Bethesda, MD Custody Lawyers
Bethesda, MD Custody Lawyers
Arranging child custody can be the most contentious part of the divorce experience. Protecting your children from the trauma associated with divorce and helping them maintain stability as much as possible are among your first priorities as parents; however, in addition to wanting what’s best for your child, you still want to be a part of their lives and create significant family memories.
The Bethesda custody lawyers of Z Family Law can help you make decisions that are in the best interest of your children, protecting and preserving your relationship with them. In addition to the legal guidance we can provide, we take a 360-degree approach to helping you with your custody arrangement. Our Client Care team offers complimentary, concierge-style referrals, connecting you with local businesses and trusted service partners. Whether you need to find a new residence, hire a new handyman, plan for your financial future, or something else, we can help take the burden off your plate.
We offer free case evaluations, so reach out to schedule a first meeting with a member of our team today!
Defining Child Custody In Maryland
One of the most pressing questions people have when they enter a custody battle is how arrangements work. Does one parent get to keep the children or will you share the responsibility of decision making? Who gets the holidays? What are the possible ways for custody to break down?
Here are a few common terms and arrangements to give you an idea of what custody options may be available:
- Legal custody: When you have legal custody of a child, you have the right to make decisions on how the child is raised and how they will spend their time. Parents can share legal custody of a child, or one parent might be awarded sole legal custody. When parents share legal custody, the court will often imbue one parent with “tie breaking” authority in order to avoid stalemates in parental decisions.
- Physical custody: When a parent has physical custody of a child, it means that the child lives with that parent. Physical custody also refers to the amount of time you spend with your child.
- Sole custody: Parents with sole custody have legal and physical custody of their children at all times.
- Joint custody: If parents share joint custody, they share some level of legal and physical custody. Joint custody can be shared equitably or one person might have more time with the child than the other.
How Can Our Bethesda Custody Lawyers Make An Impact?
Now that we have discussed the forms that custody can take, your next most pressing question may have to do with what factors influence outcomes. When judges make decisions in custody cases, they must do what they find to be in the best interest of the child. Typically “best interest” entails access to both parents, but not always. In situations where one or both parents are abusive, have a substance abuse issue, or suffer from debilitating mental illness, it might be preferable that one parent is given sole custody or, in extreme cases, that neither parent is granted custody.
In order to best determine the needs of your child and serve their interests, a judge will ask many questions, including but not limited to:
- Who has been the primary caregiver for the child?
- Who can offer the child the greatest stability?
- Who can spend the most time with the child?
- Does the child have a preference for either parent?
Our Bethesda custody lawyers can offer our assistance in making a case in your favor so you can retain custody of your children.
Z Family Law Law Can Make A Difference In Your Custody Arrangement
At Z Family Law, we want to help you make the moves that are the best for your family. When you work with us, we will use the full knowledge of our team to advocate for the ideal outcome and help you put your children first! Reach out to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need to pay child support?
Whether or not you will pay child support is dependent on a number of factors, including income disparities and the specifics of your child custody arrangement. Regardless, both parents have an obligation to support their children financially.
Can my child pick who they want to live with?
If your child is old enough and has a preference for where they want to live, a judge might take their choices into consideration, but it depends on a variety of factors, including the child’s age and maturity.
How long does it take to arrange child custody?
The length of time will vary based on the specifics of your case. On average, custody cases take about six months to a year.