Annapolis Child Custody Attorneys

Attorneys for Child Custody and Visitation in Annapolis, Maryland

Most parents strive to protect their children from harm and provide for their well-being at all times. As difficult as a divorce or separation can be, issues related to the custody of children can add layers of complexity to these matters. In these situations, your children will likely need to transition between two homes, and other adjustments will need to be made to ensure that they can maintain positive relationships with both parents. Your child custody arrangements must reflect your family dynamics, and a customized plan will protect the best interests of your children while helping you provide for their needs in the years to come.

At Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett, we understand the struggles you are going through. We will help you put aside your emotions and focus on what is best for your children, explaining your options using plain language, not fancy legal terms. We spend more time with our clients than other lawyers, so we understand your unique issues and how to address them. Our thoroughness will benefit you and your children. Complimentary consultations are available, so schedule yours today.

Understanding Parenting Plans and Child Custody in Annapolis, Maryland

As part of your divorce or separation, you must file a parenting plan with the Maryland family courts handling your case. This document addresses various matters, such as:

• Decision-making authority, called legal custody, which may be shared by both parents or granted solely to one parent
• Schedules for physical custody that detail when children will live or spend time with each parent
• How and for what reasons you will communicate with your ex about your children
• Dispute resolution methods

Some attorneys use a template when helping their clients develop child custody arrangements and parenting plans. That technique does not take your family's unique details into account, and it may result in a plan that will not work well for anyone involved. At Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett, we will help you build a strong plan that protects your children's best interests and your parental rights.

Factors That May Affect Child Custody Matters

Each child is unique, so you must carefully consider multiple factors when developing your parenting plan, such as:

• The physical, mental, emotional, and developmental needs of your children
• Each parent's living situation, including potential relocation
• Each parent's financial resources
• Your children's extracurricular activities
• Parental work schedules
• Parental military deployment

Depending on your children's ages and maturity level, you may consider their wishes. While you likely do not want to interact with your spouse more than you must, reaching agreements on matters involving your children will prevent the court from taking those decisions out of your hands. Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett has over 50 years of combined experience helping Annapolis families make hard choices, and we will be by your side at every step.

Issues to Consider in Annapolis Child Custody Decisions

Too many parents use their children as pawns to hurt their spouses. In these cases, the children are the ones who ultimately suffer. Unless you have valid reasons for keeping the other parent away from your children, it is important to encourage a positive relationship. However, there may be valid reasons to seek sole custody or restrictions on the other parent's visitation time, including:

• Criminal activities
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Domestic violence, child abuse, or child endangerment
• Abandonment of children
• Mental or physical health concerns

When you partner with Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett, we will work to protect your children, even from their other parent if necessary. Similarly, if your spouse has unfairly accused you of putting your children's health or safety at risk, we can help you expose the truth.

Consult Our Annapolis, MD Child Custody Attorneys

Few situations are harder than making decisions about child custody during a divorce. You can trust Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett to support and guide you toward making the best possible plans that reflect your family's unique situation. Call us at 410-266-5525 or contact us online to arrange a convenient time for your free case review with one of our dedicated Annapolis family law attorneys.