what to ask a lawyer about getting 50/50 custody in maryland

by Marvin O'Conner 8 min read

What are the different types of custody in Maryland?

Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 137 previously answered Maryland Child Custody questions. Child Custody. Legal Issue. Administrative. Admiralty And Maritime. Adoptions. Alcoholic Beverages. Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Who will get custody of my child (ren) in Maryland?

There are two types of custody in Maryland: legal custody and physical custody. The parties can jointly hold legal custody, or one party may be given sole legal custody of the child. Legal custody is the right to make major life decisions for a minor child, such as education, major medical treatment, and religious affiliation.

What is sole legal custody in Maryland?

Aug 30, 2010 · In Maryland, there are no presumptions about the best time sharing schedule in a custody case. In a custody case the Judge listens to the evidence and decides both physical and legal custody based upon the “best interests of the minor child” after considering a list of factors including, but not limited to: the fitness of parents, the character and reputation of each parent, …

Where do I file a custody case in Maryland?

Jan 17, 2022 · The sessions are confidential. A mediator's role may be limited to custody. You may also ask to cover other issues such as marital property if you choose. Mediation is not appropriate in cases where there is a genuine issue of physical or sexual abuse of the child or one of the parties. It is also important to get a legal advisor for this process.

Who Will Get Custody of Our child(ren)?

There are no set rules on who will automatically get custody of the children. In Maryland, like many other states, the one ultimate standard in det...

What Is Joint Custody? What Is Sole Custody?

There are two types of custody in Maryland: legal custody and physical custody.The parties can jointly hold legal custody, or one party may be give...

How Is Child Support Determined in Maryland?

Child support is determined by a mathematical calculation set forth by statute. This calculation process is performed by applying the child support...

What Is Retroactive Child Support?

The court may award that child support be paid retroactively for the period from the filing of the pleading that requests child support until the u...

If Both Parents Share Custody Does Anyone Pay Child Support?

It depends. Child support is determined by a mathematical calculation set forth by statue.It uses several factors including, but not limited to, wh...

Can A Parent Refuse to Allow Visitation If Child Support Is Not Paid?

No. Child support payment or lack thereof is completely independent of a parent’s right to see his/her child.

When Can My Child Decide Which Parent to Live with?

Custody is never the child’s sole decision, but the court may consider the child’s wishes if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to form a...

Do Grandparents Have Custody and Visitation Rights?

Under Maryland case law, grandparents have no inherent right to custody of their grandchildren. If petitioning for custody or visitation, a grandpa...

What Is A Parenting Plan, and Do I Need One?

A parenting plan is an agreement reached between the parties as to the custody of and visitation with the minor child(ren). Typically the parenting...

If My Separation Agreement Includes Child Custody and Child Support Can It Be Included in The Divorce Decree?

Yes, but it is important to note that any agreement over the amount of child support that differs from the statutory calculation of child support f...

How many overnight visits do you need to have for custody?

In order for physical custody to be shared, both parties have at least a minimum of 128 overnight visitations (or 35% of the year) and both contribute to the expenses of the child in addition to any award of child support.

What is legal custody?

Legal custody is the right to make major life decisions for a minor child , such as education, major medical treatment, and religious affiliation. If both parents have joint legal custody, they both share that decision making right.

What is a parenting plan?

A parenting plan is an agreement reached between the parties as to the custody of and visitation with the minor child (ren). Typically the parenting plan is developed during mediation, but could be reached at any point in the custody process.

How is child support determined in Maryland?

Child support is determined by a mathematical calculation set forth by statute. This calculation process is performed by applying the child support guidelines. It is mandatory in Maryland that in every case where child support is involved, that legislatively mandated child support guidelines be used.

What is the ultimate decision as to whether or not to deviate from the support amount set forth in the guidelines?

Therefore, the ultimate decision as to whether or not to deviate from the support amount set forth in the guidelines is ultimately the court’s decision. Also, the court will have continuing jurisdiction over child support and a modification of child support based on changed circumstances can be made at any time.

Is custody a sole decision?

Custody is never the child’s sole decision, but the court may consider the child’s wishes if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to form a rational judgment in the matter. The court is not required, however, to speak to the child regarding preference.

Is alimony paid in a separate case?

Alimony paid in a separate case; Child support paid in a separate case; Who has the physical custody of the child (ren); If physical custody is shared, the number of over-nights each parent has; and. The cost of the child (ren)’s health insurance, day care, and/or extra-ordinary medical costs.

What happens if you can't agree on custody?

If the parties cannot agree about who should have custody, the court will grant custody either solely to one of the parents or shared between parents. The law looks at the "best interests" of the child standard when deciding on child custody and visitation. The "best interests" of the child standard looks at certain factors to determine ...

How to formalize custody of a child?

To formalize custody before you begin litigation, you will need to file for temporary court ordered custody. Temporary custody will be based on the "best interests" of the child standard. It is not an "initial" award of custody. Instead it is temporary custody while you wait for the court to hold a hearing.

What is legal and physical custody?

Pendente lite custody - See the information about temporary custody below. Physical custody involves spending time with the child and making decisions about the child's everyday needs, including where the child lives. The court may order legal and physical custody in a number ...

What is joint custody?

Joint Custody - Joint Custody is actually broken down into three categories: Joint Legal, Shared Physical, and Combination. Joint Legal Custody is where the parents work together and share the care and control of the upbringing of the child, even if the child has only one primary residence.

What is de facto custody?

Types of Court Ordered Custody and Definitions. De facto Custody - De facto custody refers to who actually has custody of the child before the court is involved. " De facto " means "in fact.".

What is the best interest of a child?

The "best interests" of the child standard looks at certain factors to determine what is best for the child or children. All court ordered custody has two components, legal and physical. Grandparents and others may seek custody, but the presumption in favor of the natural parents can make it difficult.

Why is religious view important in custody?

Religious Views - These will be important in the court's decision only if you can show that religious views affect the physical or emotional well-being of the child. Disability - A party's disability is only relevant to a custody decision if the disability affects the best interest of the child.

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