Potomac, MD Custody Lawyers
Potomac, MD Custody Lawyers
Divorce is challenging. Arranging child custody can be even harder. It is normal to find yourself juggling both what’s best for your child and the hopes you have for parenting and raising them. It is difficult to imagine losing out on time with them or deviating from the life you have built with them as a parent.
The compassionate Potomac custody lawyers of Z Family Law can help you fight for the arrangement that will best benefit both you and your child. We believe no one knows what’s better for your child(ren) and your family than you. When you work with us, you define your goals; we help you get there.
In addition to assisting you with your legal needs, we can also assist you with the life of single parenthood on which you are embarking. We understand that your divorce and child custody needs affect so much of your life outside of the legal sphere. With the help of our Client Care team, you can come out of the divorce and custody process with confidence. Our concierge-style referral network will connect with you local resources in order to take one more burden off your plate.
Reach out to schedule a free case evaluation and learn how we can help you and your children make moves that will complement the new dynamic of your family.
How Is Child Custody Arranged In Maryland?
When you begin to create a custody arrangement, there are a few terms you should know in order to understand the specifics of how custody is decided. Here are a few common terms that illustrate how custody is broken down:
- Legal custody: A parent with legal custody has the right to decide how the child will be raised, including making decisions such as: where they will go to school, what doctors they will see and what medical care they will receive, and what religious practices they will be raised with (if any). Both parents may share legal custody, or one parent may be awarded legal custody alone. In some cases where the parents share legal custody, the court will grant ‘tie breaking’ authority to one of the parties.
- Physical custody: Physical custody refers to where the child lives and how much time the child spends with each parent.
- Sole custody: If a parent has sole custody of a child, then they alone have physical and legal custody of the child.
- Joint custody: Joint custody is when both parents share legal and physical custody between them. Joint custody can be shared equitably, or one parent might have more of the decision making authority and child access (time with the child) than the other.
Our Potomac custody lawyers can explain all of your legal rights and options so you can make informed, empowered choices.
What Decisions Factor Into Child Custody Arrangements?
When a judge is weighing in on child custody, they will always endeavor to make decisions that are in the best interest of the child. “Best interest” can be subjective, which is why a judge will likely ask a lot of questions to evaluate the child’s potential quality of life.
Some questions might include:
- Who has been the primary caregiver for the child?
- Who has more time to spend with the child?
- Does the child, if they are old enough, have a preference for one parent?
- Which parent can provide more stability for the child?
Generally, a judge will try to ensure that the child has access to both parents. It is typically considered in the best interest of the child that parents share custody to some degree. However, there are some situations in which it might not be advisable for a parent to have access to their child, such as if they are abusive or have a debilitating substance addiction. If there is potential for an arrangement to be harmful to a child, it should always be brought to the attention of the court.
Z Family Law Can Empower You In Your Child Custody Battle
Z Family Law understands that you want to make decisions that are best for your family. When you work with our Potomac custody lawyers, we will give you greater power in the legal realm to fight for the things you need. Reach out to schedule a free initial case assessment, and we will help you build a strategy that will best serve the needs of your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my loved one did not leave a will behind?
Those who die without a will are said to have died “intestate.” In the absence of a will, the estate will be administered according to Maryland intestate succession law.
Who can be executor of the estate?
Typically, the executor (otherwise known as a “personal representative”) of the estate will be named in the will, if one exists. If an executor has not been specifically appointed, anyone over the age of 18 of sound mind can serve as executor in Maryland, with a few exceptions:
- They cannot be a full-time judge, clerk, or register of any U.S. court. The exception is if they are the surviving spouse or within three degrees of kinship from the deceased.
- They have not been convicted of a serious crime, or convicted of murder.
Am I responsible for my loved one’s debts?
No. If your family member dies, their estate is responsible for paying off existing debts.