Bowie Visitation Attorneys

Trusted Child Custody Lawyers Assisting Parents With Visitation Arrangements in Bowie, MD

When making child custody decisions, whether as a divorcing or unmarried parent, you must also set visitation schedules. Your visitation arrangements will be in effect until your child graduates from high school, so it is essential to carefully consider what would be best for your child and your family. Any matter involving your children will likely bring strong emotions to the surface, challenging your ability to make wise plans that reflect your children's best interests. You need a lawyer you can trust to guide and support you through these difficult decisions.

The legal team from the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett is well-versed in assisting clients in family law cases, and we can help develop visitation solutions that meet your family's needs. Serving Maryland families for over 50 years combined, our attorneys have the legal knowledge and skills to ask the right questions and address your unique needs. Because we spend longer with our clients than most lawyers, we can better assist you in addressing the concerns you are facing. Our extraordinary attention to detail makes a meaningful difference. Free case evaluations can be scheduled for your convenience.

Matters Involving Visitation Need Careful Consideration

Visitation after divorce or parental separation allows children to maintain relationships with both parents, and parents can benefit from the time spent with their children. In some standard custody arrangements, children live primarily with one parent, visiting the other at specific times, such as every other weekend, alternating state and federal holidays, and a few weeks during the summer. With shared physical custody, the children spend at least 128 overnight visits with each parent. Your child custody arrangement can be customized to determine the best visitation schedule for our family. As with all family law matters, your visitation schedule should reflect your unique situation.

It is often advisable for children to be with their mother on Mother's Day and her birthday and with their dad on his birthday and Father's Day. Both parents may get time with their children on the child's birthday, or that day can be alternated yearly. Winter school breaks may also be split, alternating which parent gets the children first.

Before devising your children's visitation schedule, your attorney will discuss potential concerns and explore solutions, addressing concerns such as:

• Military deployment: If either or both parents are active armed services members, they can be deployed at any time. Visitation arrangements may need to be flexible to allow for these unpredictable circumstances.
• The need for supervised visitation: Certain situations could put your children at risk of harm, such as a history of domestic violence. Supervised visitation can protect children's safety while allowing them to spend time with the other parent. If this applies to your case, we will help you explore your options and present your position effectively during legal proceedings.
• The location of each parent's residence: When parents live a significant distance apart, frequent visitation may not be possible. Travel expenses and logistics may need to be factored into these visitation schedules, along with an agreement about routine and emergency healthcare when your children are away.
• The method and location of transferring the children from one parent to the other: Your visitation plan should clearly state who is responsible for picking up and dropping off your children when you exchange physical custody. If a neutral or protected space is required, such as a public location where exchanges will be made, these details should be specified.
• Possible extenuating circumstances: Unexpected work trips, illnesses, and similar circumstances are a part of life. If you are scheduled for visitation but are unable to care for your children at that time, the other parent typically gets the first right of refusal. Allowing for flexibility in these situations can reduce tensions and conflict. However, if the other parent frequently disregards the visitation schedule without valid reasons, your attorney may need to take action to help you enforce your parental rights.
• Parental incarceration: If one parent is incarcerated in jail, they may request visitation with their children. Phone or video calls are an option, but you may not wish your children to engage with that parent. Your lawyer can advise you on how to handle this situation.

If circumstances change significantly that impact your visitation schedule, you can request a modification. Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett can prepare and present your petition to the court. Although some parents may take steps to modify their child custody and visitation arrangements without changing them legally, it is best to request formal modifications to help avoid potential disputes.

Call Our Bowie, Maryland Child Visitation Lawyers

Do not trust your children's well-being to just any lawyer. Devise comprehensive, tailored visitation schedules with the assistance of the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett. Discuss your needs with us in a free consultation by contacting us online or calling 301-262-5500.