Your Dedicated Advocate In Child Custody And Child Support Cases
Nothing is more important in life than your child(ren). No relationship can compare to the one between a parent and his or her child, which is what makes child custody and child access negotiations so intimidating.
At Randle & Randle Attorneys At Law, LLC, we will be your zealous advocates throughout the custody process. We recognize how uncertain you may feel in this situation, however, we will assist you in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your case under the current Maryland Law. At the same time, we will use the Maryland discovery process to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing parties’ case. We initially prepare every case as if it will go to a contested hearing but being open to serious settlement discussions. We have the skills and resources to negotiate a settlement arrangement that protects your parental rights and is in the best interests of your child(ren). We have been successful in advocating for our clients for decades.
Understanding Your Custody Options
One of our priorities is to educate our clients about the laws and processes surrounding their issue. When it comes to child custody/child access, there are multiple possibilities, including:
- Joint custody: Joint custody is increasingly common and awards both parents legal and physical custody of their child(ren). In some cases, both parents will have legal custody but only one will be awarded primary physical custody.
- Physical Custody: Refers to where the child spends time with a parent overnight when that parent is responsible for the daily care of the child.
- Legal Custody: Refers to the right and responsibility to make significant, long term decisions regarding the child’s life, including education, non-emergency health care and religion. Issues like “tie-breaking authority” may be awarded by a court where the parties cannot reach an agreement.
- Primary physical custody: When one parent has care of the child the majority of the time, he or she is the child’s primary custodian. The other parent may be awarded visitation/access.
- Visitation/Child Access: This is awarded to the noncustodial parent and on a schedule determined by the parties or the court, he or she may be entitled to visitation/access with the child.
The scenario that makes the most sense for you will depend on numerous factors, including the ability of the parents to communicate about the well-being of the child(ren) and both parents’ ability to care for the children. Above all else, your custody plan must be in the best interests of your child(ren).
Helping Grandparents And Other Third Parties Seek Custody
Not all custody negotiations occur between parents. When a child’s parent is unable or unfit to care for him or her, often a grandparent, an aunt or uncle may step in. If you are seeking custody of your grandchild(ren), niece or nephew, we have the ability to help you understand the process and provide compassionate guidance toward the outcome you desire within the boundaries of Maryland Law.
Negotiating Child Support
Recent Maryland Law has determined that child support is the right of the child and obligation to be paid by the parent. Child support is among the many resources that help ensure a child is well taken care of. Whether you expect to pay support or receive it, our lawyers will guide you through the process, helping you understand your options while vigorously protecting your rights.
Factors Considered By The Court
Child support is awarded based on the Maryland Child Support Guidelines, and some of the factors considered by the court include:
- The combined income of the parents
- The presence of any work-related or other child care costs paid by either parent
- The cost of health insurance for the child
- Whether a child has extraordinary medical expenses or any special needs
- If there are private school tuition costs
We Are Prepared To Help
To arrange a consultation with one of our attorneys, please call our office at 301-446-2170, or get in touch with us online.