Family law has evolved from the days when courts tended to favor the mother when it came to determining issues of child custody. Today, child custody is something that is typically decided based on the best interests of the child. This means that mothers are not always guaranteed to get their children by default. The courts understand that the father and mother are both important with respect to raising children, and each of their contributions matters. As a result, fathers have rights to their children and can have equal consideration when matters related to children come about.
Fathers in Maryland who have questions about their parental rights can seek the advice of an experienced family law attorney. Our Maryland and D.C. family law attorneys at The Law Office of Thomas Stahl know how difficult it is for fathers to have to be separated from their children. When issues of child custody and visitation arise, fathers do not have to take a backseat to be with their children, and they can obtain agreeable and acceptable arrangement that allows them to have as much time as possible with them.
What Rights Do Fathers Have to Their Children in Maryland
Fathers who are divorced from their children’s mother and who would like to have custody of their children must show that they are capable of taking care of their children. They must prove that they provide their children with a stable and safe environment, that they are involved with their lives, and that they will remain involved and committed to their children’s welfare.
Establishing paternity is one of the first critical steps unmarried fathers must take if they would like custody of their children. Once this is done, a father has every right to pursue a favorable agreement for child custody and visitation. And, even if primary physical custody is given to the mother, a father still must be given consideration for a reasonable and fair visitation arrangement. Similarly, when it comes to decision-making for the children, fathers and mothers together have the right to be involved.
Since the courts want to err always on what is best for the child, the only way that a father will not be given custody or the visitation agreement that he desires is if it can be shown that he is a danger to his children. If a father is abusive or neglectful, then it will be difficult for him to have access to his children.
Father’s also have the right to fair child support determinations and when their situation changes, they may also request a mortification to their support orders.
Likewise, fathers may also seek alimony, or spousal support, if they make far less than their children’s mother or they are the stay-at-home parent and have no income.
Maryland And D.C. Family Law Attorneys
Contact the seasoned and experienced Maryland and D.C. family lawyers at The Law Offices of Thomas Stahl if you are a father who would like more information on how you can preserve your legal rights to your children. We have the skills and expertise you need. We have proven experience with family law for Maryland and the District of Columbia. Schedule a consultation today or call us at (443) 331-2770. We have offices in Columbia, MD, and Washington, DC.