As natural parents, you and your partner are viewed by Maryland law as being legally responsible for the well-being of your children. If you are considering separation or divorce with your partner, it is necessary to determine things like where your child will live, who will act as primary caregiver, and so forth. Working with an experienced child custody lawyer in Carroll County can help you achieve the best outcome for your custody case.
Types of Child Custody in MD
With the help of your Carroll County child custody lawyer, you can reach a custody agreement with your partner that is reasonable and fair. The different types of custody include:
Temporary Custody: Referred to by the courts as pendente lite, meaning pending litigation, temporary custody grants one parent custody of the child before litigation has begun. The person who will receive custody of the child is determined by considering what is in the child’s best interests.
Joint Custody: There are three classes of joint custody in Maryland. Joint Legal Custody is where parents share the responsibility of caring for their child. Parents work together and have an equal voice in making decisions for their child. Shared Physical Custody is when the child has two residences and spends at least 35% of their time with each parent. The third option of joint custody is a combination of both Joint Legal and Shared Physical custody.
Sole Custody: This is where one parent is granted full legal custody, full physical custody, or both.
Split Custody: When there are multiple children involved, split custody can be achieved so that one parent has sole custody of some of the children and the other parent has sole custody of the remaining children.
Factors Considered in Awarding Custody
Carroll County courts consider the best interests of the child when determining custody. Some of the things they take into account before making a decision are:
- Who is the primary caregiver?
- What are the physical and psychological capacities of the parties seeking custody?
- Is there a custody agreement already in place?
- Who can best help the child keep family relationships?
- What is the child’s preference?
- What is the child’s age, health, and gender?
- Does either parent have a disability that affects the best interest of the child?
- Which parent has the financial resources to best provide for the child?
Looking for Custody Help in Carroll County?
The family law attorneys at Albers & Associates are here for you. No matter the circumstances surrounding your desire or need for a custody agreement, our expert child custody lawyers will give you the legal guidance you need to ensure the best outcome for you and your child. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.
