Columbia, MD Custody Lawyers
Columbia, MD Custody Lawyers
When you are fighting for child custody, you probably have many anxieties and concerns associated with the process. Naturally you want to protect your children from stress and trauma as much as possible, but you’re also concerned for yourself and the relationship you will have with your children after the custody process is complete.
If you want to make the legal decisions that are best for your child and ensure that you will still be a cornerstone in their life, our Columbia custody lawyers at Z Family Law can help you achieve your goals and put your mind at ease.
Z Family Law is dedicated to thoroughly helping our clients with matters regarding child custody. We take a 360-degree approach to our client-centric service so you can have access to assistance even beyond the legal process. Our Client Concierge service, for example, offers our clients access to non-legal resources, including already vetted local vendors, to help with everything from financial planning, to home maintenance and organization, pet care, and more.
Reach out to us for a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you decide on a custody arrangement that serves the best interests of your children!
What You Need To Know About Child Custody In Maryland
If you are experiencing any confusion regarding the process of child custody and how it can be arranged, our Columbia custody lawyers can make sure you have all of the information you need to make the right decisions! First and foremost, it’s important to understand some of the legal terms describing custody,, including:
- Legal custody: Parents who have legal custody of their children reserve the right to make decisions on how their kids will live their lives and spend their time. For example, if you have legal custody of your child, you get to decide things like where they will go to school, when they will visit the doctor, and what religion they will practice. One or both parents can retain legal custody of a child. If both parents share legal custody of their child, the court will often give one parent “tie breaking” authority to avoid stalemates.
- Physical custody: Physical custody is when a parent lives with or spends time with their child. Both parents can have physical custody of their child at different times, and physical custody can also refer to the amount of time you spend with your child.
- Sole custody: When a parent has sole custody of their child, they are the only one with physical and legal custody of the child.
- Joint custody: When parents share joint custody, they each have some level of legal and physical custody of the child. Joint custody can be arranged equally so each parent has 50/50 time with the child or one parent might have more time with the child than the other.
How Our Columbia Custody Lawyers Can Help You
When judges make decisions in custody cases, they evaluate what would serve the best interest of the child. This is paramount in custody decisions. The general belief of the court holds that it is in the best interest of the child to have both parents in their lives, unless the parent is abusive or suffers from a debilitating drug addiction or would otherwise prove harmful for the child. In order to determine what is best for the child, the court might ask questions such as which parent is able to provide the most stability, and who has stepped up to the role of primary caretaker.
Z Family Law can help you make your voice be heard and create a case for how your preferred custody arrangement serves the best interest of your child. You know your child better than anyone else, so your input is essential!
Need Legal Guidance? Call Z Family Law
When you are fighting a custody battle, you want to help your child thrive, which is where Z Family Law comes in. We have the legal knowledge to empower you and your child throughout the process and help you protect their future. We can also assist you with child support issues and more! Reach out today for a free case evaluation, and we will help you get started examining your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to court to arrange child custody?
You and your spouse do not have to go to court for a child custody arrangement if you are able to mutually decide on a parenting plan. A judge will still have to approve your plan, but it is generally preferred that parents make decisions out of court in order to be aligned on the choices that will best serve their kids. We highly recommend working with our attorneys even if you want to keep your divorce out of court, to make sure that you know what you are signing and that it is truly in your best interests!
Does my child get a say in who they want to live with?
If your child is old enough, a judge may take their preference into account, though it will not be the single deciding factor in how custody is ultimately arranged.
What if I need to change the custody arrangement?
If there is a significant change in circumstances, such as if you lost your job, or moved, or remarried (or if the other parent did), then you can seek a modification. However, updating your custody plan can be complicated. Our Columbia custody lawyers can assist you!