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Family

Maryland Custody Lawyer

Custody Battles in Maryland

A Maryland divorce or custody dispute can be one of the most stressful and emotional experiences that a person can go through. What is at stake in your case is often more valuable than any amount of money. No two domestic matters are alike or present the same issues, and the legal system can seem complicated and intimidating. It is important that you have an experienced divorce or custody attorney that will listen and understand your goals and share your passion in fighting for those goals.

At Jezic & Moyse, LLC, our Maryland custody lawyers understand how important your domestic matter is to you and will help navigate you through the difficult legal issues that it presents. Our lawyers pride themselves on passionately advocating on behalf of our clients while being sensitive to their unique concerns.

Whether it is protecting and taking care of those you love, or securing your financial security, we are not satisfied until your legal case is resolved in the most positive way possible.

Understanding Child Custody

Child custody is a crucial aspect of family law that determines the legal and practical relationship between a parent and their child. It covers the rights and responsibilities of making important decisions surrounding the child’s upbringing and well-being. When the court handles custody cases, it’ll address two core components:

Physical Custody

Physical custody refers to the actual physical care and supervision of a child. This decision determines who the child will live with and the care they will receive on a daily basis. It typically involves decisions surrounding the child’s routine and care, such as meals, clothing, bedtime, and everyday activities.

When a parent has primary physical custody, the child lives with that parent most of the time. The other parent usually has visitation rights or access, although the amount will vary from case to case. The parent with primary physical custody is responsible for making regular day-to-day decisions about the child’s care.

Legal Custody

Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the child’s upbringing. When a parent has legal custody, they’ll be responsible for making the decisions that affect the child’s life, including those surrounding education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.

If the parents have joint legal custody, both parents share the responsibility of making those decisions. They must consult with each other before making any major decisions that impact the child’s life.

What Documents Do I Need for a Custody Battle?

If you are in a custody battle, supporting documents will be crucial to the success of your case. Some documents you should consider bringing to your custody attorney are:

  • Phone call logs – It is a good idea to keep a log of the phone calls you have made to your child, and to write down the nature of the calls in your log. This log can be used as evidence supporting the claim that you were in constant contact with a child, or the other parent did not attempt to contact the child (dependent on your circumstances)..
  • Visitation Schedule – This is another document that could be used to support the claims you are trying to make concerning contact with the child. You should record where the visitation took place, and how long the visits were..
  • Custody Evaluations – If the court has ordered any evaluation of the custody of the child, include the evaluation from the evaluator in your documents. .
  • Testimonials from an evaluator can be a huge asset to your custody case.

  • Your child’s healthcare documents – Healthcare documents can be used to prove that the child remains healthy under your care, or that the child is not in good health while under the care of the other parent..
  • Police reports – If the other parent has been arrested while the child was under their care, courts are most likely going to take this as a sign that they are unfit for care. Police reports can be crucial evidence when it comes to supporting this claim..
  • Child support documents – If you or your partner are paying child support, include the payments in your documentation. This evidence can be used to support the claim that you are making an effort to support the child, or the other party is not making an effort.

Consult With Our Skilled Maryland Custody Lawyers Today

If you’re going through a divorce or custody dispute, our experienced Maryland divorce lawyers at Jezic & Moyse are here to help. We understand the tumultuous nature of these disputes and are here to help relieve stress by assisting you with the legal process. Contact us today at (240) 292-7200 or complete our online contact form to learn more about how we can help with your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Custody Cases Take in Maryland?

The timeline for resolving a custody case in Maryland varies based on factors specific to the situation. Some low-conflict cases may be resolved in less than six months, while high-conflict cases may take a year or more. It all depends on how the case plays out and whether or not yours goes to trial.

What Do Judges Look for in Child Custody Cases in Maryland?

In child custody cases, judges examine all characteristics pertinent to the case, including the fitness of the parents, the child’s preference, the potential of maintaining natural family relations, and the character and reputation of both parties. There are many factors that go into a judge’s decision, but these are a few primary factors they consider.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Custody Case?

When navigating the complexities of a Maryland custody case, having help from a lawyer is invaluable. Your lawyer will advocate for your interests, whether you’re seeking custody, visitation rights, or a fair resolution of a custody dispute.

We provide legal guidance, prepare and present evidence, negotiate agreements, and represent you in court proceedings. We are here to help you through every stage, ensuring you understand Maryland’s custody laws and how they will affect your case.

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    How we can help

    Our experienced Maryland family law lawyers At Jezic & Moyse, LLC, will aggressively work to get the results you want with divorce and custody matters.

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