Upper Marlboro, Maryland Child Custody Attorneys

Dedicated Lawyers Helping You Protect Your Children's Best Interests in Your Upper Marlboro, MD Child Custody Case

As a parent, you may sometimes disagree with your spouse on vital decisions regarding your children. Divorce can turn these disagreements into fights, and your children's future may hang in the balance. Even if your divorce is amicable, it can be difficult to adjust to a situation where your children will be splitting their time between you and your soon-to-be ex, and it may be challenging to focus on what is best for your children. Unmarried parents who are separating can face the same issues.

When you partner with Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett, we will provide support and seasoned legal guidance to assist you in creating a customized child custody plan that considers your children's individual needs. We are very thorough in taking the time to understand and address all the factors involved, and we will explain things to you using straightforward language. With 50+ years of combined experience, we can help you make hard choices with confidence. Call now to request your free consultation.

Your Children's Ages Can Make a Difference in Upper Marlboro, Maryland Child Custody Decisions

When parents go their separate ways, their children's stability and well-being are paramount. A custody arrangement and parenting plan geared toward younger children may not be appropriate for teens. Some lawyers do not consider case-specific details when drafting these plans, resulting in agreements that fail to address important concerns. At Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett, we will examine matters involving your children meticulously and formulate a plan based on your unique circumstances.

If your children are old and mature enough, their wishes should be taken into account. Younger children may fare better if they spend equal time with each parent to nurture their family bonds, but you may have reasons why that structure will not work for your family. For instance, you may object to your spouse having custody of your children if there are concerns about:

• Abandonment or desertion
• Criminal conduct
• Drug or alcohol abuse or related issues
• Mental health issues
• Child abuse, domestic violence, or child endangerment

We will help you protect your children and yourself against all threats. Even though sole custody will usually only be appropriate in a small number of situations, we can advocate for this outcome if it will be necessary to protect your children's health and safety.

Your Parental Rights Are Important

During your relationship, you and your spouse have likely shared the responsibilities of raising your children. Your separation may alter your parental rights and obligations, but you cannot allow your spouse to threaten your relationship with your children. Tell your lawyer if you believe your spouse is attempting to undermine the connection you and your children have.

Maryland recognizes two kinds of child custody. Physical custody refers to when your children are with you in person, with you being responsible for their supervision and daily needs. Legal custody grants you the right to make important decisions for your children, such as those involving religion, education, and healthcare.

One parent may have sole custody, or parents can have joint custody. In most cases, joint custody is preferred, since this will encourage positive family relationships while ensuring that both parents are working together to address children's ongoing needs. Your parenting plan should consider multiple factors, including:

• Work schedules
• Military deployments
• The levels of attachment a child has to each parent
• Living arrangements
• Financial conditions
• Mental or physical limitations

Visitation and child support are also vital components of your child custody case. Although it may seem overwhelming to make such weighty decisions, Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett will share your burden by offering unwavering support, reasoned guidance, and pointed insights.

Contact Our Upper Marlboro Child Custody Lawyers

The choices you make now will affect you and your children for quite some time, so you need to make them wisely. Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett will be by your side helping you focus on what is important when making child custody decisions. Call 301-262-5500 or contact us online to set up a convenient time for your complimentary case review.