Parents who are navigating the process of a divorce or separation should approach child custody and visitation cases carefully, and always keep in mind what is best for the kids. Preparation will be key in these family law cases, and with the help of a Maryland family law attorney, this is more than possible. Judges handling child custody and visitation cases will generally base their decisions on the child’s best interests. The decision will be made after the judge has heard from both sides, and decides the best possible outcome for the child.
Child Custody & Visitation Cases In Maryland
When it comes to family law matters, child custody and visitation is one of the most common law cases in Maryland. Some of the most important decisions are made, and it will directly impact not only the child but the family as a whole. When going into a case or preparing for one of these cases, gathering all information necessary is vital. Making sure you’re properly prepared will include preparing arguments, possible answers to questions, bringing along important people, and dressing in a formal way.
In the preparation of a child custody and visitation case, it can be very beneficial to work with a Maryland family law attorney. These attorneys are there to fight for your rights and explain any confusing matters along the way.
Resolving Disputes Without Litigation
Settling the question of child custody and visitation is always a challenge. No one welcomes the intrusion of outside parties into something as personal as the relationship between parents and children. Ways to keep the decision out of a judge’s hands include:
- Divorce mediation
- Settlement conferences
- Collaborative law
- Meeting face to face with your spouse with both attorneys present
What Courts Review In Child Support Determinations
Issues that can affect how a judge looks at your child custody and visitation determination include:
- Mental health issues
- Domestic violence
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug abuse
In fact, mental health issues, especially personality disorders, have become a prominent issue in cases that appear before courts in Maryland and throughout the country. You need to be armed with appropriate knowledge and information in both pursuing and defending attacks on the issue of personality disorders.
Modifications And Enforcement
When a child custody and visitation agreement no longer reflects the reality of your circumstances or if the child’s other parent is no longer cooperating, the assistive hand of an attorney can help you pursue a modification or enforcement. The law in Maryland when seeking a modification of custody, visitation, or child support is demanding. The general standard required is: a “material change in circumstances affecting the best interests of the child(ren)”. Not every change is a material change. Experienced attorneys can help you navigate through the changes that have occurred. We help advise you as to what changes are material and what changes may not be considered material by the Maryland courts.
Seek Legal Counsel & Representation With Milstein Siegel
When these decisions do come before a judge, the caring team of Maryland family law attorneys at Milstein Siegel will work to tell the complete history of parenting in your situation. Was one parent more involved in the rearing of the child, for example? One key factor many judges will often look at is the level of respect between the parents to determine which parent can be better trusted to treat the other parent as an involved parent.
We are committed to helping people try to preserve their relationships with their children through the most difficult circumstances. Let us put our decades of experience to work diligently trying to help you secure a fair child custody and visitation agreement.
Prepare With An Experienced Maryland Family Law Attorney
Going into a child custody and visitation case can be nerve-wracking. Preparing beforehand is vital, and can be done even more efficiently with the help of a Maryland family law attorney. At Milstein Siegel, our team of caring Maryland family law attorneys understands that each case is unique. We’re willing and able to help you prepare fully for your child custody and visitation case, and will fight for you to get the best possible outcome.
To get started on your preparation, reach out today. You can contact us by phone at (410) 792-2300 or by requesting a consultation online.
