Ellicott City Child Custody Lawyer

Ellicott City Child Custody Attorney

In a divorce, one of the most emotionally challenging aspects a couple can face is the aspect of child custody. As a parent, you want to ensure you are doing whatever is right for your child, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that these circumstances can be emotionally tense and wrought with tension. In these cases, you deserve the compassionate care and representation of an Ellicott City child custody lawyer.

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, our attorneys understand how difficult these times can be and how stressed and uncertain you may feel over your future and the future of your child. Whether child custody is determined through mediation or through the courts, you deserve to understand your rights as a parent and the rights of your child. A family law attorney from the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, can educate you on your legal options and rights.

Common Types of Child Custody in Maryland

In Maryland, there are two main types of custody that a divorcing couple might seek. Each of these types has various options available to parents that can fit whatever unique needs or situations they might be experiencing. In Maryland, the two main types of child custody decrees include:

• Legal custody. This type of custody allows the parent to make any long-term or significant decisions regarding their child’s education, health, religious upbringing, and other matters of critical or substantial effect.
• Physical custody. This type of custody speaks to the right of the parent to spend time with their children and make the decisions regarding their child that play into daily life.

Additionally, in Maryland, depending on the exact circumstances of the parenting of ex-spouses and their children, there may be other custody options available. These can include:

• Split custody. This type of custody exists when families share multiple children, and each parent receives sole custody of different children.
• Sole custody. This type of custody exists when one parent holds both legal and physical custody of the children.
• Joint legal custody. This type of custody exists when the child resides with one parent, but the important decisions regarding the child are made by both parents.
• Shared physical custody. This type of custody exists when the child’s time is divided between both parents, though this custody may not be a complete 50/50 split.

How Our Team Can Help

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we understand that custody arrangements can bring out some of the largest challenges when couples are seeking a divorce. As a parent, you want to act in the interests of your child, but emotions can run rampant, and difficult battles regarding this custody can ensue. Our attorneys are passionate about educating you on your rights along with the rights of your child. We are here to assist you every step of the way.

Factors Influencing the Court’s Decisions on Child Custody

There are several factors that can influence the court’s decision regarding child custody should your case go to trial before a judge. These factors can include the following:

• The age and gender of the children involved
• The physical and mental well-being of each parent
• The reputation and character of each parent
• The ability of each parent to provide for their children’s needs
• The preference of the child
• The place of residence for each parent
• The basic needs of the children and the ability of the parent to meet these needs
• The social network and daily life of each parent
• If the child has any special needs
• The proximity of each parent to the child’s school and social life
• The emotional support system available to the children

An attorney from the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, can review the details of your child custody case and help determine the correct course of action to take and what might be in the interests of your child.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in Maryland?

A: Offering an exact estimate as to how much it might cost to retain the services of a child custody lawyer in Maryland is difficult. This is because there can be many factors involved that can impact the costs you could incur. This can include the complexity of the case, the duration of the case, and your attorney’s education and location.

Q: What Behaviors Should I Avoid During a Child Custody Battle?

A: There are several behaviors to avoid during a child custody battle as they could hurt or negatively impact your chances at the custody you wish to be granted. These behaviors can include speaking negatively about your co-parent to your children, fighting with your co-parent in front of your children, disregarding certain court orders, and lying to the other parent about your children.

Q: How Long Does a Child Custody Case Take in Maryland?

A: In Maryland, estimating as to how long it might take for a settlement to be reached in a child custody case is not easy. There can be several factors involved that can influence amount of time the case may take. These factors included the complexity of the case, the availability of the courts, and the cooperation of the opposing side and their legal team.

Q: How Is Physical Custody Determined in Maryland?

A: Physical custody in Maryland can be determined based on certain factors or abilities of each parent. These can include the ability of each parent to make meals for their children, plan activities for their children, oversee their child’s interactions with friends, and review and assist their children with homework. Any custody questions should be directed to your family law attorney.

Ellicott City Child Custody Lawyer

When experiencing a divorce in Maryland and are seeking to obtain a form of custody over your children, you need the legal assistance and representation of a child custody lawyer in Ellicott City. At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, our attorneys can come alongside you during this difficult time and support both you and your children as a determination on child custody is made.

We can represent your interests and those of your child in any mediation or litigation situation. Our attorneys are highly skilled and experienced in these legal proceedings and can offer you the confidence necessary to know your rights are being fought for and protected. Contact our offices today for a free consultation, and allow us to help you and your family through this challenging time.