Let’s talk frankly here: as I’ve mentioned before, Judges are human and each has their own life history and experiences that might influence the factors they must consider when determining what custody arrangement is in a child’s best interest. The court cannot give someone custody based on the fact that that person is a mother…
Read MoreI have written several blogs about custody in Maryland. This blog post is focused on the fact that Maryland currently does not have a presumption that joint custody is in a child’s best interest and both parties have to prove to the court why he or she is requesting a specific custody arrangement and why that…
Read MoreSometimes parents are unable to agree upon where their children should primarily reside (or which parent their children should live with) when they have separated or have filed for divorce. When there is no agreement and the issue of custody/parenting time cannot be settled, litigation ensues. Custody litigation is an emotional process for all involved.…
Read MoreIt’s not uncommon for a parent to move out of state when a relationship has ended. In Maryland, if the parties cannot reach a custody agreement (sometimes called a parenting plan, which should be then incorporated into a consent order with the court) the court will decide what custody arrangement is in the child’s best…
Read MoreIn the Court of Appeals decision on July 11, 2016, in Santo v. Santo, the court increased a Judge’s ability to determine what legal custody arrangement is in the child’s best interest and even if the parties lack the capacity to communicate or cooperate well, a court can still order joint legal custody and are legally authorized…
Read MoreAll child custody matters are difficult. Especially if custody is contested and even more so if it involves a parent relocating far away from the other parent (for whatever reason). Without the appropriate advice and recommendations, one “wrong” decision will not only cost you thousands and thousands of dollars in legal fees (not only your…
Read MoreTwo things I see most often from my clients in custody related matters: 1. focusing on what’s happening RIGHT NOW and 2. dwelling on the negative actions by the other parent. If you’ve been in a custody battle, perhaps you have said one of these complaints: “the kids didn’t call before bedtime when they are…
Read MoreYou might have heard about the Judge in Michigan who put three children in juvenile detention for refusing to visit with their father. Well now the same Judge has ordered the children to attend reunification therapy with their father. What is reunification therapy? When children grow up in an atmosphere of parental alienation, their primary…
Read MoreWhen you file for custody, the court will order mediation (unless there is an allegation of abuse between the parties), and require each party to attend a parenting course. Some jurisdictions complete this requirement online, others in person. In addition, other services can be requested and potentially ordered by the court in custody matters including:…
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