Germantown, MD Custody Lawyers
Germantown, MD Custody Lawyers
When you have to figure out custody for your children, it’s easy to become stressed and overwhelmed. You likely have questions about how the process works, the implications for your family and future, and whether you will be able to preserve a meaningful relationship with your children. With the help of trusted Germantown custody lawyers, you can resolve your questions, understand your legal options, and move forward with peace of mind.
At Z Family Law, we are dedicated to the needs of your family and, most essentially, the welfare of your child(ren). We develop legal strategies that protect your interests and defend the time you have with your child, ensuring their best interests are preserved throughout the custody process. You know your child better than anyone else, so your voice is important in this arrangement, and we want to make sure it’s heard.
Reach out today to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with our team and learn more about how we can help you defend the future of your family.
Understanding Child Custody Arrangements in Maryland
One of the first things you might wonder about when dealing with child custody in Maryland is how exactly arrangements are constructed. To get started on the right foot, you should understand a few terms and arrangements, including:
- Legal custody: A parent with legal custody has the authority to make important decisions about their child's life, including where they live, which school they attend, and what medical care they receive. One or both parents can have legal custody. For inevitable disagreements, a judge can designate one parent with tie-breaking authority.
- Physical custody: A parent with physical custody is responsible for the child's day-to-day care, either full-time, or for designated periods.
- Sole custody: A parent with sole custody holds both legal and physical custody exclusively, meaning they are the only parent with decision-making authority and primary caregiving responsibility.
- Joint custody: Under joint custody arrangements, both parents share some degree of legal and/or physical custody. One parent may hold a greater share of legal or physical custody depending on the circumstances.
How Our Germantown Custody Lawyers Can Help Protect Your Family
When you work with Z Family Law, you collaborate with legal professionals who want what’s best for your family. Our goal is to help you reduce stress as much as possible, which is why we focus first on custody solutions that don’t require court intervention. If you and your co-parent can agree on the particulars of custody, you can save time, money, and avoid going to court, in addition to helping you maintain a cordial parenting relationship.
On the other hand, litigation is sometimes necessary. If you have to go to court to arrange custody, we will ensure your voice is heard and your children’s best interests are represented.
In some cases, you might be concerned about issues that can be detrimental to your child. For example, if your co-parent is abusive or dealing with debilitating substance issues, it’s essential to address these issues in court. Our Germantown custody lawyers can help you document evidence and present your case for why you should be granted the custody arrangement you know is best.
We also understand that dealing with any legal issue takes up a lot of your time and energy, and might mean that you need additional resources. Our Client Concierge service connects you with trusted vendors to help you with a range of services, including financial management, relocation, home maintenance, and more. Consider us your one-stop shop for conquering your family law needs.
Z Family Law Protects the Needs of Your Family
When you need to arrange child custody, it helps to work with legal counsel dedicated to protecting the best interests of your children and your relationship with them. At Z Family Law, our Germantown custody lawyers have the experience to help you navigate the process and the compassion to help you keep your peace of mind. Reach out to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation and let us get started helping you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to court to arrange child custody?
You and your spouse do not have to go to court for a child custody arrangement if you are able to mutually decide on a parenting plan. A judge will still have to approve your plan, but it is generally preferred that parents make decisions out of court in order to be aligned on the choices that will best serve their kids. We highly recommend working with our attorneys even if you want to keep your divorce out of court, to make sure that you know what you are signing and that it is truly in your best interests!
Does my child get a say in who they want to live with?
If your child is old enough, a judge may take their preference into account, though it will not be the single deciding factor in how custody is ultimately arranged.
What if I need to change the custody arrangement?
If there is a significant change in circumstances, such as if you lost your job, or moved, or remarried (or if the other parent did), then you can seek a modification. However, updating your custody plan can be complicated. Our Columbia custody lawyers can assist you!