
Crofton, MD Child Custody Lawyers
Dedicated Lawyers Serving Your Children's Best Interests in Child Custody Matters in Crofton, Maryland
Parents may decide to separate or divorce for many reasons, and stress and high emotions usually accompany these splits. When you are faced with the fact that your children will sometimes spend time away from you while with the other parent, adjusting to that new reality can be very challenging. Still, you need to make sound decisions that reflect your children's best interests when drafting your child custody arrangements and parenting plan.
No two family situations are alike, and your custody case may involve unique challenges. An experienced lawyer from Henley & Henley, Attorneys at Law knows how to fine-tune custody arrangements that will protect your and your children's best interests. The attorneys at our firm have 50+ years of combined legal experience, which gives us the knowledge and tools we need to help you achieve your goals while ensuring that Maryland courts approve your proposed custody arrangements.
Why a Cookie-Cutter Approach Does Not Work for Crofton, Maryland Child Custody Matters
Child custody arrangements that work perfectly for another family might cause a lot of trouble for yours. For example, the needs of toddlers and teens are not the same. Children with special needs may not thrive in some situations. One parent might work nights or long shifts. Active-duty military service can also present unique challenges that civilians may not face.
When you work with one of our attorneys, we will ask questions about your family and listen closely to everything you tell us. Using that information, we will help you build a tailored solution that works best for your family while meeting the best interests of your children. You will be involved in the decision-making process, and you can rely on us to fully explain the benefits and disadvantages of every option.
Understanding Physical Vs. Legal Custody
As the name implies, physical custody refers to when children are physically under the care and supervision of a parent. That parent has the authority to make everyday decisions, like allowing a child to attend a birthday party or keeping her home from school due to an illness. Physical custody can be shared between parents, whether equally or with one parent having more parenting time than the other. Primary physical custody means the children live with one parent, but visitation will allow them to see the other parent.
Legal custody grants decision-making authority for weightier matters, such as education, spirituality, and medical treatments. With sole legal custody, one parent is solely responsible for these decisions. Joint legal custody allows both parents an equal say, but some custody plans give one parent tie-breaking power.
Child Custody FAQs
Children need to be safe and well cared for, with their parents providing support and guidance while addressing their daily needs. In some cases, separating parents may put their own wishes and interests first, potentially disregarding what is best for their children. Maryland courts must approve your custody arrangements to ensure that your children's best interests are being met. If you and the other parent cannot agree on custody matters, the court will intercede and make decisions for you using your children's best interests as the standard.
Life happens, and major events sometimes require child custody arrangements to be changed. Situations like one parent moving to another state, a dramatic decline in health, or a parent being convicted of a crime can justify a modification to your custody orders. If you believe modifications may be necessary, it is best to discuss your options with an experienced child custody lawyer.
Call Our Crofton, MD Child Custody Lawyers
Experience matters, and Henley & Henley, Attorneys at Law has it. We can help you resolve your child custody issues effectively, providing personal support and seasoned legal guidance at every step. Call 410-280-0530 or arrange for your free consultation by contacting us online today.