Experienced Child Custody & Visitation Attorneys Serving the Columbia, MD and DC Areas
Divorce can be overwhelming for parents. You may feel the issue of custody and visitation threatens your parental rights. This is common and can be emotionally charged if you and your spouse disagree on custody arrangements.
At Law Offices of Thomas Stahl, we understand the challenges you face and the worries they can create. Our compassionate family lawyers are here to guide you through this difficult process, working diligently to minimize emotional trauma for you and your child(ren). We serve divorcing and unmarried parents in resolving this issue, drawing on our 30 years of combined experience.
Book a confidential consultation with a Columbia, MD & DC child custody and visitation attorney at Law Offices of Thomas Stahl. Call (443) 331-2770 or email us on our contact form to get started.
Understanding Custody & Visitation in Columbia & DC
Before pursuing custody or visitation rights, consult with an experienced attorney. It is crucial to understand the two primary types of custody:
Physical custody: Determines where your child resides and who makes day-to-day decisions.
Legal custody: Grants authority over long-term decisions, such as education and healthcare.
Additionally, different degrees of custody exist:
Joint custody: Both parents share decision-making equally.
Shared custody: Responsibility for multiple children is divided.
Sole custody: One parent has complete responsibility.
Navigating these complexities requires skilled legal guidance.
Common Visitation Arrangements
Creating a visitation schedule can be challenging. Whether you agree mutually or a court order is necessary, common arrangements include:
Fixed schedule: Specific days and times for visitation, ideal for minimal parental contact.
Reasonable schedule: Flexible arrangement allowing parents to adapt to changing needs.
Supervised visitation: A third party supervises visits due to concerns about the child’s safety.
No visitation: Granted in extreme cases where visitation is deemed harmful to the child.
What Makes a Parent Unfit in Maryland?
In Maryland, courts assess a parent's fitness based on their ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for their child. When a parent's behavior or circumstances threaten the child's emotional, psychological, or physical wellbeing, they are considered "unfit." Below are key factors courts consider when determining parental unfitness:
History of Abuse or Neglect
Evidence of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse toward the child or others in the household.
Failure to provide basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, or medical care.
Exposure of the child to harmful environments, including domestic violence.
Substance Abuse
A pattern of drug or alcohol addiction that interferes with the parent’s ability to care for the child.
Arrests or criminal charges related to substance use.
Evidence of intoxication or substance misuse while responsible for the child.
Mental Health Issues
A mental health condition that impairs the parent's capacity to provide proper care or supervision.
Lack of treatment or refusal to manage the condition effectively.
Parental Alienation
Attempts to turn the child against the other parent, interfering with the child's emotional well-being and relationship with both parents.
Unstable Living Conditions
Frequent relocations, homelessness, or unsafe living environments that disrupt the child’s stability.
Criminal Behavior
Involvement in illegal activities that jeopardize the child’s safety or future.
Each case is unique, and the court’s ultimate goal is to protect the child’s best interests. If you're facing a custody dispute in Maryland, a skilled family law attorney can help you present a strong case and navigate the legal process effectively.
The court’s primary concern is your child’s well-being. Thus, custody arrangements must be in the child’s best interests. As parents, you and your spouse or co-parent can create your own custody arrangements outside of court, which can be more amicable and tailored to your family's unique needs.
Open dialogue is essential, with both parties working collaboratively to establish an arrangement that prioritizes the child's well-being and stability. The process often involves identifying key factors such as the child's schooling, extracurricular activities, holiday schedules, and the division of responsibilities.
The agreement should be crafted with mutual respect, clearly focusing on what best serves the child. A family lawyer or a mediator can assist in this process to facilitate discussions and enable both parties to feel heard and understood.
Court Evaluation for Best Interests
When parents submit their agreed-upon custody arrangement to the court, the judge evaluates it to determine whether it serves the child's best interests.
This assessment involves analyzing several factors, including but not limited to:
Each parent’s ability to care for the child
The child’s emotional ties to each parent
The stability of each parent’s home environment
The child’s age and needs
The court's priority is to ensure the arrangement fosters the child's security, happiness, and development while maintaining a strong relationship with both parents whenever possible.
We encourage proactive legal planning during major life changes to ensure your family's rights are protected.
Trustworthy Advocacy
We are committed to doing things the right way, without shortcuts. Our meticulous approach earns the trust of both our clients and the courts, ensuring that your case is presented with precision and integrity.
Compassionate Family Law Representation
We provide compassionate legal advocacy for families and couples, guiding you through life's toughest transitions with care and expertise.
Here for You Every Step of the Way
We stand by your side throughout the entire legal process, providing trusted support from start to finish.
What If Parents Cannot Agree?
If parents cannot reach a custody agreement on their own, the court will intervene to determine the outcome. In these cases, courts will consider evidence and testimonies from both parties to decide an arrangement that best aligns with the child's best interests.
Professionals such as child psychologists or social workers may also provide insights during court deliberations. The resulting court order is legally binding, and while it may not reflect both parties' desires, it's designed to give a fair and child-focused resolution that upholds the child’s welfare as the primary concern.
Rely on Law Offices of Thomas Stahl for Competent & Caring Representation
Our firm has a proven record of successful child custody and visitation cases. Lead Attorney Thomas Stahl and his team have helped countless families achieve favorable outcomes in this critical matter.
Tom is a fierce, compassionate advocate for his clients with a tremendous amount of experience. I would strongly recommend his services to anyone looking for a divorce/family attorney.
Andrew A.
“I would highly recommend Tom for your divorce family case.”
“Tom always made me feel protected and assuring that things would be ok even when it felt things were at the bottom for me. I have Tom to thank for bringing justice to my custody battle.”
David S.
“I have no doubt I am in good hands.”
“Nothing but five stars to express my gratitude for the assistance this group of lawyers had been providing me for the past two years. The staff has a strong sense of legal experience. Always professional and clearly experts at their craft.”
