When a marriage ends, family life necessarily changes. A father remains a father, but he may no longer be a part of the household. What does that mean? When a divorce takes place, what are a father’s rights? When children are involved in a divorce, laws in the State of Maryland focus on what is best for them and do not favor one parent over the other. When deciding what is “best for the child,” both father and mother are considered according to:
“I needed an attorney to help me with my Child Custody/Visitation Modification, after a botched 1st attempt in another county. She jumped right in! I appreciated her keen insight of the local legal system, ability to articulate exactly what needed to be done, and setting expectations for what was to come. Whether it was exactly what I wanted or not, she helped me to have perspective in a way I was too emotional to see on my own. She is honest, compassionate and genuinely wants you to “win” so you can live your best life. Sahmra is an excellent attorney and knows what she is doing. She knows and practices the law wonderfully, but takes it a step further by being a good person first. We reached the finish line, and I have no doubt I would have made it there without her help. I am truly grateful and I enjoyed working with her.”
Maryland courts may also consider joint custody, if both parents can show the ability to come to reasonable decisions concerning the child’s or children’s welfare. This may mean establishing homes with both parents and moving the children at appointed times, or it may involve one home for the children with the parents rotating. In a custody agreement, it is important to make all stipulations as clear as possible to avoid any future disagreements.
If a child is born to unmarried parents in Maryland, the mother has custody rights. A man may petition for custody or visitation rights only after establishing paternity in court. If father and mother can agree on custody and visitations, they may sign a “stipulation order” on the agreement and a “consent” order” that a judge may sign.