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Primarily, family courts in Maryland consider the best interests of the child when establishing custody arrangements. To ensure that the arrangements are in the child’s best interest, courts consider several factors such as the health of each parent and their ability to care for the child. Substance abuse may affect a parent’s chances of gaining […]
» Read More...Visitation
Child Support During Summer Vacation
Child support is the amount one parent pays to another to cover a portion of the costs of taking care of the child. Terms of child support are determined by the court during divorce proceedings based on the amount of time the child will be spending with each of their parents. The parent having primary […]
» Read More...Grandparents’ Visitation and Summer Vacation
Grandparents and their grandchildren often develop a special bond that is satisfying to them in ways not possible between a child and their parent. Children who experience this bond often cherish it throughout their lives. In many cases, grandparents are retired and have time on their hands to take care of their grandchildren. When children […]
» Read More...Co-Parenting in the Summer
For divorced parents, co-parenting in the summer months can be a challenge. Planning family vacations, special events, and childcare needs during this busy time of year can lead to stress, especially when blended families try to coordinate schedules. Communication is essential to managing parenting plans for the summer months. Start Planning Early Parents who start […]
» Read More...Adopting Stepchildren
Being a stepparent to a spouse’s child can be one of the most rewarding parts of a person’s life. In many cases, a stepparent develops a bond so strong, they wish to formally adopt that child as their own. Understanding the unique issues involved in stepparent adoptions can help families make an informed decision on […]
» Read More...Interstate Child Custody
Parenting is considered an obligation on both parents for the purpose of protecting and advancing the wellbeing of their children. When children are involved, divorce decrees will usually include a parenting plan that details the conduct and responsibilities of parents. This includes details regarding custody and visitation. There is no guarantee that the parents will […]
» Read More...Understanding De Facto Parental Rights
Families in the United States are unique and diverse. Between blended families, same-sex couples, and single-parent households, the typical family is not quite so typical anymore. In July 2016, the Maryland Court of Appeals recognized individuals who, though they may not be biological or adoptive, still have the same rights and responsibilities as caregivers. De […]
» Read More...Grandparent Visitation During the Holidays
The holidays are a time for family, but if that family involves divorced parents, grandparents may be out of the picture when it comes to where the grandchildren will spend the holidays. When parents go through divorce, child custody arrangements often include visitation times for the non-custodial parent, and the court anticipates that both parents […]
» Read More...Child Custody Between Unmarried Parents
According to current data, nearly 40 percent of children born in the state of Maryland in 2016 were born to unmarried mothers. Separating from a significant other you are not married to comes with unique child custody and visitation issues. Research shows that children benefit greatly with consistent involvement from both parents, married or unmarried, […]
» Read More...Parental Kidnapping
Child custody and visitation agreements are typically the most emotionally charged and stressful negotiations during a divorce settlement. Each parent involved in the divorce process may want legal custody of their child, but the court may grant equal rights to both parents, which gives each parent the right to make decisions for their child. Even […]
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