Child custody is often the most difficult issue to resolve in a divorce. If your job requires you to travel, you may be worried about how it will affect your chances of gaining child custody. If you and your ex-spouse are unable to come to a mutual agreement about custody, your case will be heard in family court. The court will always consider the best interests of the child when deciding.
Custody Factors
In Maryland, the family court will consider factors relevant to the child’s well-being, such as:
- Sibling relationships
- Developmental needs
- Education
- Special needs
- Community life
- Family life
- Consistency
Many factors determine custody, not only parent schedules. The court will not assume that one parent is a better choice than the other, rather it must consider the total circumstances of the situation to determine what will be best for the child. If you travel for work, it may be possible to work out a custody schedule that accommodates your trips. There are many parents working unusual schedules, such as nightshifts, who have custody of their children. It is also possible to have one schedule for when you are traveling and another for when you are home.
Every custody case is unique so if you are worried that your travel for work hurts your custody chances, it will be important to build a strong case based on other factors to support your claim. Working with an experienced family law attorney who knows the courts will help you evaluate what you are up against.
Child Custody Modification
It is important to know that child custody agreements are not permanent arrangements. They can be changed and modified as circumstances evolve. Your job’s travel requirements may change as can your ex-spouse’s work schedule and the custody agreement can be altered to reflect these changes. If your present agreement does not turn out how you wanted or expected, keep in mind that it can be revisited in the future for modification. Most importantly, it is the quality of time spent with your child, not the quantity that you should consider going forward. Try to remain positive and focus on the best interests of your child when working out custody arrangements. Be realistic about how the amount you travel may affect your ability to have your child at home with you.
Baltimore Child Custody Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Provide Experienced Counsel in Child Custody Matters
If you have questions about child custody in Maryland, turn to the skilled and compassionate Baltimore child custody lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. We have the knowledge and experience that can help resolve your family law issues quickly and reasonably. For a free consultation, call us at 443-589-0150 today or contact us online. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.