Divorce can be a complicated process, especially when children are involved. Even when both parents start the process with the best intentions, one wrong move can jeopardize the other’s parental rights. The first step toward resolving these issues is understanding your rights and how to protect them.
Maryland courts determine which parents get custody, the visitation arrangements for minor children, and the amount spouses must pay for child support. These decisions are all made in the best interests of the children.
When parents do not live under the same roof, both are equally responsible for their children’s health and well-being. One can have physical custody, meaning the children will live with them. That parent manages the children’s daily care. Legal custody gives a parent the right to make decisions about the children’s health, education, and other vital issues. Parents can have sole or joint control of either, and in the best-case scenarios, both agree on these decisions.
Maryland divorce laws also apply to non-biological parents. The legal term for this is “de facto” parent, and it applies to adopted children, same-sex couples with children, grandparents, and unmarried couples where one is the biological parent. No matter how the parents share the children, custody arrangements should be in writing and filed during the divorce proceedings or separately when the couple is unmarried. When a parent does not comply, the other’s rights could be violated.
How Should I Communicate With My Ex-Spouse About My Parental Rights?
Although divorces can be contentious, setting a standard at the beginning for open, honest communication can pave the way for an acceptable parenting agreement. At the outset, both parents can decide how and when to tell the children about the impending divorce and tell them what to expect. The children’s ages must be considered. A visitation schedule can also be written up as long as both parents know it will need to be flexible as their situations change.
Once the divorce agreement and child custody plan are in place, there could be problems immediately or later. One parent might want to move out of state with the children; other examples include not permitting approved visitations or refusing to pay agreed-upon child support. These disagreements can sometimes be resolved when parents negotiate and use mediators, but that is not always possible. If a former spouse fails to recognize the other spouse’s parental rights when the agreement is being put together or does not comply with the finalized divorce agreement, an experienced divorce lawyer can provide legal help.
Contact a Baltimore County Divorce Lawyer at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC if Your Parental Rights Have Been Violated
You have parental rights worth protecting. If you need help with your divorce, speak with a knowledgeable Baltimore County divorce lawyer at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 443-589-0150. Located in Towson and Hunt Valley, Maryland, we serve clients in 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.
