Traditionally, mothers received custody of children when a divorce ensued. While divorce in the early 1900s was not commonly discussed, when it did happen, the children resided with the mother based on the “tender years” doctrine, which was popular at the time. This doctrine stated that during the baby and toddler years, the best place for the child was with the mother, rather than with the father.
This custom was challenged midway through the last century and the viewpoint of the “best interest of the child” was introduced. This gave way to public battles over who thought themselves the best parent, while it invited parents to disparage one another and to promote themselves as the parent entitled to primary custody of the child. Shared parenting became the new buzzword. This concept involved the child moving several times a month between the parents’ homes, rules and routines. This seemed like a good idea in theory, but it is less commonly ordered than one parent having primary custody and the other parent, usually the father, having parenting time.
Opponents of shared parenting legislation contend that the 50/50 split should not be made law. For parents in a contentious relationship, it is forcing an issue that may not work for everyone. Challengers feel it is not always the best idea to have both parents equally sharing in the role of caregiver. Furthermore, it compounds difficulties if the parents do not get along. Domestic violence experts feel that the law will give an abusive parent more power during divorce negotiations, and force the abused spouse to have to interact with the abuser, which is not beneficial to the children.
Towson Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles Negotiate Favorable Child Custody Agreements in Maryland
Towson child custody lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC represent clients in Maryland divorce proceedings including clients seeking a new or modified child custody arrangement. Family law issues are complicated and stressful; our job is to help you sleep at night. Our team of experienced Towson divorce lawyers can advise you on all matters pertaining to divorce, alimony, child support, property division and all other family law issues. Our Hunt Valley divorce law firm serves clients in Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County and Howard County, as well as residents of Towson, Bel Air, Columbia, Westminster and Essex. Call us for a free consultation at 443-589-0150 or use our online contact form.
