A Bethesda child custody attorney provides guidance and support to individuals who are establishing or updating custody of their child. This could happen after a divorce or separation or any time when both parents part ways.
Your child custody attorney works closely with you to educate you about your legal rights, offers insight into the steps you can take to protect your child, and offers support in court as needed.
If you are in need of an attorney for child custody matters in Bethesda, Maryland, contact Divorce With a Plan for immediate help.
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What is Child Custody? And What are the Laws Regarding Child Custody in Maryland?
Child custody describes the legal guardianship of a child under the age of 18 or a dependent. It outlines who will control the decisions for the child, including where the child lives, their health care, their education, and other factors.
If you’re seeking a Bethesda child custody attorney, you may be worried about what you’re facing as you and your spouse divorce or separate. It’s important to know that you do have rights and legal support is available to you through our law office.
Maryland child custody laws can seem overwhelming, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The state’s laws do not favor either the mother or father but rather aim to provide fair custody based on what is in the best interests of the child. It is possible to change custody and visitation agreements when there is reason to believe a change could be important for the child’s best interests. The state makes decisions about where a child should live and who should be able to make decisions for that child based on character, reputation, fitness, and material opportunity. It also considers factors such as the child’s preference.
How Will My Child’s Visitation Schedule Be Determined?
Maryland judges make decisions about child custody and visitation based on what the best solution is for the child, not the parents. This is dependent on factors such as the child’s safety, educational needs, the stability of the parent, and other factors. In general, the child’s views are also considered.
How Does the Level of Custody Affect Child Support in Bethesda?
In cases where physical custody of a child is shared among both parents, the court will base child support on the number of overnights each parent has. It is also based on the gross income of each person, any alimony paid, and other costs such as health insurance and daycare.
What Does a 70/30 Split Look Like, and What Are the Benefits?
In a Maryland child custody case, a judge may rule for a 70/30 split. That means that the child spends 70% of their time with one parent and 30% of their time with the other. That often allows for the child to spend two nights a week with one parent and five with the other.
In these situations, there could be benefits, for example, because the child could be at one parent’s home Monday through Friday for stability and structure for school and spend the weekends with the other parent.
Child Custody Checklist
When working with a Bethesda child custody attorney, it’s important to know what your rights are and how you can ensure your child’s needs are met. That’s why we have created a Child Custody Plan Checklist. It’s a type of roadmap designed to make it easier for you to determine how your children will be raised after a divorce or separation occurs.
Without a doubt, you want what’s best for your child. That’s why this roadmap is so important. It can help you to ensure both parents play an active role in the child’s life while also ensuring there’s a clear plan to follow. This way, you both make more of the decisions instead of a judge that doesn’t know your child or their needs.
How a Bethesda Child Custody Attorney from Divorce With a Plan Can Help
Our team is ready to support you. This is a difficult time, but we have helped many families in Bethesda, Maryland, and the surrounding area to get the support they need as they try to determine what happens next. You may be confused, afraid, and concerned about how a divorce could impact your children. That’s normal, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With our extensive experience, you can count on our team to be there to support you every step of the way.
As attorneys, we support you in this process. We provide you with accurate, clear information about your rights and the limitations you have within the law. We’ll talk to you about how you can ensure the best outcome for your case.
Book Your Consultation Now: (240) 269-3592
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to file for child custody in Maryland?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but many parents find that having legal support makes the process clearer and less stressful. A lawyer can help you prepare documents, represent you in court, and work toward an outcome that meets your child’s needs.
What’s the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
Legal custody refers to who has the authority to make major decisions for the child, such as those involving education, healthcare, or religion. Physical custody refers to where the child lives and how time is divided between parents.
Can custody arrangements be changed later?
Yes. If there’s been a significant change in circumstances—like a move, a change in the child’s needs, or concerns about safety—you can ask the court to modify the custody agreement.
What if we agree on custody—do we still need to go to court?
Even if both parents agree, the court must review and approve the plan to make it official. This ensures the agreement is in the child’s best interests and legally enforceable.
How does the court decide what’s in the best interest of the child?
Judges look at many factors, including each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, stability at home, and sometimes the child’s own wishes, depending on their age and maturity.
What if the other parent isn’t following the custody order?
You can take legal steps to enforce the order. The court may intervene if a parent is withholding visitation or not complying with the agreed schedule.
Can grandparents or other relatives get custody or visitation rights?
In certain situations, relatives like grandparents may request custody or visitation. The court will consider whether it serves the child’s best interests and if the parent is unfit or there are other serious concerns.
Contact Divorce With a Plan Today to Get in Touch Regarding Your Case
At Divorce With a Plan, we are dedicated family law attorneys and professionals working to ensure each person receives the legal support they need when going through these difficult times. When you contact our Bethesda child custody attorneys, you will speak with a compassionate professional who wants to help you understand what happens next.
We encourage you to reach out to us today. There’s no better time than right now to learn more about your legal rights. Serving all of Bethesda, MD, and the surrounding area, you can depend on Divorce With a Plan for comprehensive support.
Book Your Consultation Now: (240) 326-7712
