Rockville Child Custody Lawyer

Rockville Child Custody Attorney

The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright

If you need a child custody lawyer Rockville MD trusts then you’ve come to the right place. The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright will fight for your rights, and help steer you through the difficult process of obtaining custody of your child.

Courts often make important decisions in child custody cases on the basis of very questionable testimony, and sometimes make poor decisions. Unfortunately, parent and child must live with those decisions for years. You must present your case in the most positive light possible to the court the first time. You have only one chance to make a positive first impression with the court. In that regard, many parents fail to realize that their behavior in the months leading up to the custody hearing is critical to the success or failure of their case. Daniel J. Wright is an experienced child custody lawyers Rockville MD residents count on who can help you avoid those mistakes, and achieve a positive resolution of your case.

Child custody cases often take six months to a year from the date of filing to the date of a custody decision. During that time, the parties’ behavior is under the microscope, and will be considered by the court. Parties seeking to gain legal custody need to behave maturely, and consider the effects of their decisions on the children. Daniel J. Wright is a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD who can help you make sound decisions for the benefit of your children, while avoiding common pitfalls. For example, it is not a good idea to pass messages to the other parent through the children. It is not a good idea to limit telephone access to the non-custodial parent. It is a good idea to take the high road, to make decisions in the best interests of your children, and not to go ballistic over petty infringements caused by the other parent’s insensitivity.

Courts will respond better to a positive plan showing your efforts to achieve a better life for your children than they will mud slinging and degrading the other parent. A child custody lawyer Rockville MD recommends would give advice that every parent get involved in their child’s school, for example. Every parent should go to back-to-school night and get to know their children’s teachers. Then stay in touch with them. Daniel J. Wright recommends that parents help their children with their homework often. Parents should know how their children are doing in school, how often they have been late or missed classes, and what classes are strong and what classes are weak.

If a parent is being denied visitation, or just wants to have more time with the children than the current schedule provides, then a visit to a child custody lawyer Rockville MD provides, Daniel J. Wright, may help sort out these issues. Mr. Wright has experience modifying custody and visitation, as well as enforcing visitation orders through contempt proceedings. The courts will not intervene if the violations are trivial – one missed visit or a late return. Some parents try to take advantage of that by consistently gaming the system and refusing to allow visits that are provided in a custody order, or refusing to inform the other parent of important developments in the life of the child. If that is your situation, call Daniel Wright, a child custody lawyer Rockville MD relies on.

Answers from a Child Custody Lawyer Rockville MD Turns to for Answers

What happens when there is a child custody dispute between unmarried parents?

When a dispute over child custody arises between unmarried parents, a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD from the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright can be consulted for guidance. To speak with a skilled family lawyer from the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright, call us. We may be able to help you reach a positive solution for a difficult situation.

What happens when there is a child custody dispute between unmarried parents?

Most people will associate child custody matters with a divorce; however, divorcing parents are not the only ones who have to deal with these issues. Unmarried parents and grandparents might also be involved in a dispute regarding visitation rights. In some cases, other relatives may be seeking a relationship with the child, including the right to visitation or custody. Regardless of your role, you may benefit from the guidance provided by a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD from the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright.

Child Custody Matters Between Unmarried Parents

All states have laws regarding child custody. In general, if the parents are not married, and the mother is considered to be of good character, the father will not win full custody. However, with the help of a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD from the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright, he may be able to secure part time custody and/or visitation rights.

When a child custody dispute arises between unmarried parents, legal options are similar, if not the same, for a divorcing couple.

Visitation, child custody, and child support may be resolved through an amicable agreement between the parents or at the discretion of a judge in Family Court. The most notable difference between unmarried and divorcing parents is that the former may not have to deal with the division of financial assets and alimony. If this is the case, the parents can focus more on resolving custody and visitation issues. If custody and visitation issues cannot be resolved between the parents, they may need need to go before a judge who will make the final decisions.

Non-Parental Custody of a Child

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives or close family friends may seek custody of a child. This usually only occurs in certain situations that may involve factors such as:

• The parents are unfit to care for their child.
• It is not in the best interest of the child to live with his or her biological parent(s) for a reason that is recognized by the court. An example might be that the parent must work in a location or environment that is not suitable for the child.
• The biological parent(s) have died, are incarcerated, hospitalized, or physically or mentally incapacitated.

Some states will refer to these situations as obtaining guardianship rather than non-parental custody. Regardless of the term used, there will be a special procedure for determining the role of each parent in the child’s life. Usually, this will include petitioning the court for custody. It may be beneficial to hire a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD from the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright who can guide you through this process.

Visitation Rights of Grandparents

It is possible for grandparents to enforce their rights to visit their grandchildren. Every state has a variation of grandparents’ rights when it comes to the law. If you are being denied your right to see your grandchildren, consider talking with a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD from the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright.

Get Legal Assistance Today

Any dispute involving child custody can be extremely stressful, time consuming, and emotional. With the help of a skilled family lawyer, you can ensure your rights and children are protected. To discover how we can help you with obtaining the custody or visitation terms you desire, call a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD from the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright today.

How Do I Construct a Successful Co-Parenting Agreement

Learning to co-parent your child once you and your child’s other parent are no longer romantically involved is often a uniquely stressful challenge. As you may be aware, judges are bound to make child custody determinations based on the “best interests of the child” standard. Who understands the best interests of your unique child better than you (and possibly your child’s other parent as well)? It is partially because parents are usually the most knowledgeable authorities on their children’s best interests that judges often insist that co-parents construct a co-parenting agreement as part of their child custody determination process. Similarly, parents seeking to avoid “courtroom confrontations” may decide to construct these agreements even if they have not been ordered to do so by a judge.

It is important to understand that once a co-parenting agreement becomes part of a child custody determination or formal arrangement that it will almost certainly be considered legally binding. It is partially for this reason that it is important to consult an experienced Rockville, MD child custody lawyer when drafting your agreement. Failing to receive proper legal guidance now may lead to sincerely negative situations down the road that may otherwise be avoided.

Drafting a Successful Co-Parenting Agreement

When preparing to meet with a Rockville, MD child custody lawyer about creating a successful co-parenting agreement, it may be beneficial to jot down some thoughts regarding terms you believe would most benefit your child’s best interests. For example, what proposed parenting time schedule would best serve your child’s need to bond with both parents? How could you and your co-parent most effectively approach your child’s health-related and educational needs? Does your child need for you and your co-parent to remain flexible about certain issues and to maintain rock solid expectations related to others? The key when preparing for a co-parenting agreement consultation with a Rockville, MD child custody lawyer is to focus on your child’s best interests. As hard as it can be to put your own personal needs second, this particular process will need to focus on your child’s needs first. With that said, if failure to meet one of your most pressing needs will impact your child negatively, that reality should factor into the discussion at hand.

How To Explain Upcoming Custody Changes to Your Child

Getting divorced can be stressful for a lot of reasons. Not only are you separating from someone who was very important to you, but you also need to navigate the rocky aftermath with your children. Many adults struggle with past trauma related to divorced parents, so how you treat your children in the coming months and years will be important to their mental health. While this seems like a lot of pressure, child custody lawyers in Rockville, MD like Daniel J. Wright can help you figure out how to explain upcoming changes to your children. Here are some tips to help you plan the conversation. 

Communicate Clearly

Kids tend to be a lot smarter than adults give them credit for. If you dance around the hard topics or omit too much information, your kids may be able to tell. Trust is key, and this is an opportunity to further build that trust. 

Explain Upcoming Changes

Since the changes will likely already be decided thanks to help from child custody lawyers in Rockville, MD, you can go through the list with your children and help them work through the changes in their schedules. At the same time, you should highlight all of the parts of their lives that won’t be changing. Stability is important, and the consistent parts of their lives can help them stay grounded. 

Avoid Unnecessary Details 

While clear communication is important, it’s also important that they don’t hear the unnecessary details that could harm their mental health or their relationship with their other parent. Explaining why the time was split up the way it was could be seen as belittling your ex-partner’s circumstances. You also shouldn’t bring up child support or other financial matters. If you’re not sure how to approach certain topics, your child custody lawyers in Rockville, MD can help. You don’t need to get into the reasons for the divorce, but don’t forget to assure your children that they are not at fault. Any custody changes you want to pursue in the future should not be discussed, and you certainly shouldn’t make any promises about increased time with them. 

Make Time for Questions

This can be a tense and confusing time, so it’s normal for kids to have questions. This isn’t a time for you to talk at your children, but with them. Their concerns deserve to be heard as well.

HOW TO EXPLAIN UPCOMING CUSTODY CHANGES TO YOUR CHILD

Don’t Shy Away From Help

This is a difficult time for the whole family, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Your children may benefit from speaking to a therapist, and family therapy can be helpful for everyone. There are many resources available just waiting for you to use them.

If you need child custody lawyers, Rockville, MD has many waiting to help you, like Daniel J. Wright. Taking custody of your children is a big step, and you’ll need the right legal team at your side. The right attorney can help you navigate this stressful life event with your best interests in mind.

How To Know When To Fight for Grandparents’ Rights

You probably thought that when your children grew up, you were done raising kids, and child custody would never be an issue for you to resolve. However, now you have grandchildren, and challenging adult situations are making it difficult for you to be in their lives.

Read on to learn whether it’s time to hire a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD to explore your rights as a grandparent. Every state recognizes grandparents’ rights, and Daniel J. Wright may be able to help you.

Your Child Won’t Let You See Their Child

As a grandparent, you may be able to fight for visitation with your grandkids. If your son or daughter (or their co-parent) is restricting your access to their child, or if you aren’t able to see that child at all, you can retain the services of Daniel J. Wright to fight for visitation.

You can also request an investigation of the welfare of your grandchild if you feel that he or she is in harm’s way during the time you aren’t able to see them. If the circumstances warrant it, a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD may even be able to help you gain custody of your grandchild.

Your Grandkids’ Parents Are Dead

In cases where your child and your child’s co-parent have passed away, you are the rightful next of kin to their children, and you can petition for their custody. In some cases, you may be awarded custody as a next of kin, even without a formal custodial hearing in family court.

Grandparents are a logical and reasonable choice to take over guardianship of a child after the parent’s death, and Maryland family law recognizes this factor.

The Child’s Parents Are Unfit 

If you have reason to believe that your grandchild’s parents are unfit, neglectful, or otherwise abusive, you have a responsibility to contact a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD to fight for their well-being.

Your grandparents’ rights allow you to petition for custody if your grandchild’s parents are mentally or physically unable to care for them. You can even petition for custody if the child’s parents live or work in a dangerous environment.

Grandparents play a vital role in the life of a child. Whatever your situation may be, your grandchild is lucky that their grandma or grandpa cares enough about them to look into grandparents’ rights in order to keep their best interests in line. Contact a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD and keep fighting for your rights to be in your grandchild’s life.

How To Prepare for Your Child Custody Hearing

Prepare Your Documents

Each jurisdiction has different rules about what is admissible in court, but most courts will consider your phone conversations, child support payments, visitation schedule and child’s needs. You may also include any police reports. You may also bring information about your children, such as the schools and daycares they attend as well as any extracurricular activities or special needs. Your proximity to and ability to pay for these services may be taken into consideration. Consult with your child custody lawyers in Rockville MD to determine what documents you need to bring.

Learn About Custody Hearings

Custody cases are determined entirely by a judge. No jury is involved in any part of a custody hearing or appeal. Therefore, the custody decision should be quick. Therefore, you should discuss the judge in your case with your child custody attorneys. They can tell you what questions you will be asked and how the judge typically rules in custody cases. As attorney Daniel J. Wright can tell you, most courts weigh the best interests of the child. Some use a better-parent standard if they plan to award sole custody.

The judge will ask about your home environment and ability to care for your children. Depending on your children’s ages, they may be asked who they want to live with. However, this may be hard on your children emotionally.

Most courts today try to award joint custody because these judges understand how important it is that children spend time with both their parents. However, the judge should always rule in the children’s best interest, so if abuse is involved, this will be considered in the custody judgment.

Study Courtroom Etiquette

How you behave and dress in court can have an impact on the judge’s custody decision. For example, if you speak out or argue at inappropriate times, this tendency can have a negative impact on your custody case. Most judges understand that the custody process is emotional, but they need to know that you can act professionally and be courteous in the courtroom and with your children. Judges are human too, and they may make judgments about you before they even learn your children’s names based on your actions and attire.

Therefore, work with your child custody lawyers in Rockville MD to determine the etiquette required in your local courtroom and by your local judges. A reputable attorney, e.g., Daniel J. Wright, may suggest doing some role-playing before you go to court.

Petitioning the Court

When you and your child custody lawyers in Rockville MD petition the court for a change in the child custody arrangement, you must explain why you want the change. You must also show proof or documentation to bolster your reasoning. Generally speaking, the court goes on the assumption that it made the child custody ruling in your case based on the information it had at the time, and that they made the best ruling possible under the circumstances. Therefore, you and your child custody lawyer will likely have to present information and documentation that the circumstances have changed. For example:

1. The circumstances of your child’s situation has changed in some important way.
2. In addition, that change negatively affects the safety and/or health of your child and in some major way.
3. You have proof that this situation has developed since the time the court made the last ruling on your child’s custody arrangement.

Common Reasons for Requesting a Change of a Child Custody Arrangement

Every situation is different, and your unique circumstances may cause you to want to change the child custody arrangement. The below list is not inclusive of every possibility, so it’s important to talk to a child custody lawyer from our firm to see if we may be of assistance. However, here are some of the most common reasons why a parent may wish to petition the court to change the existing child custody arrangement:

• One parent who has some degree of physical custody of the child surrenders physical custody in part or in whole.
• One parent’s financial situation dramatically changes, such as they lose their job or receive a substantial rise in income.
• One parent has turned the child against the other child in dramatic and demonstrable ways.
• One parent moves with the child a substantial distance away and refuses to allow the other parent to visit with the child.
• One parent is drug or alcohol addicted and as a result has created an unsafe environment for the child.
• One parent is or has physically, sexually, or emotionally abused the child, or an associate of the parent is guilty of harming the child in any of these ways. Child custody lawyers in Rockville MD may be able to assist you with establishing proof.

Guidelines for Sharing Custody of Your Children from Child Custody Lawyers Rockville MD Offers

The Rockville, MD child custody lawyers from the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright know that the idea of sharing custody with your ex-spouse might seem daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. While there might be some challenges in the beginning, it is possible to co-parent successfully with your ex. Our child custody lawyers in Rockville, MD from the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright share some tips on how to share custody of your children:

Put Your Children First

In order for joint custody to work, you must always put your children first. Even if you and your ex-spouse get angry with each other, you should still make your kids your top priority. For example, if you get into a heated argument with your ex, make every effort to separate that from your interactions with your kids. Children can pick up on tension and unspoken words so this can be difficult, but our child custody lawyers in Rockville, MD understand its importance.

Stick to a Schedule

When sharing custody of your children, it is important to stick to a regular schedule. Consistency is good for your kids and routines are often calming for them. For example, you could agree to take care of your children on weekdays and have your ex look after them on weekends. Talk to our child custody lawyers in Rockville, MD who can help you and your ex work out an agreement or modify an existing agreement if it’s not working out.

Don’t Talk Badly About Your Ex In Front of Your Kids

One of the biggest mistakes parents make after a divorce is talking negatively about their ex-spouse in front of their children. If you do this, your kids may think they have to choose sides. If you are angry at your ex about something, don’t talk about your feelings in front of your children. If there are issues you’re experiencing such as delinquent child custody payments, contact our child custody lawyers in Rockville, MD.

How Should My Co-Parent and I Deal with School Breaks and Holidays?

There is no single “right way” to co-parent. As a result, there is no single “right way” to navigate school breaks and holidays as a co-parenting team. Some co-parents choose to split the duration of a break between them, while others trade off every other year. Some co-parents prefer to have family traditions progress in a way that a child is always with mom at Thanksgiving and dad on Independence Day. Still other co-parents prefer to keep their plans more relaxed so that whatever their broader family’s needs are at the time can be attended to without a great deal of predetermined structure. Trying to determine how your child’s breaks and holidays should be addressed in your parenting agreement can be overwhelming. Thankfully, speaking with experienced Rockville, MD child custody lawyers can be very helpful.

Considerations: Co-parenting at the Holidays

Whether you are constructing a parenting agreement from scratch or are contemplating a modification to your existing child custody order, your primary concern should be your child’s best interests. Child custody determinations are all made according to the “best interests of the child” standard, so it is important that your approach measures up. If you ever have any questions about what this standard means in practical terms, you can feel free to ask your Rockville, MD child custody lawyers. But to start, you should take some notes on your own regarding what kind of arrangement you believe in your gut would best serve your child’s best interests. That way, you have a starting point to work from and will be more likely to intuit what terms you are and are not willing to negotiate and where you are and are not willing to be flexible.

When thinking about vacation and break arrangements, also be sure to consider your child’s situation from all angles. If you and your co-parent need to work out legally binding details related to transportation, costs, communication, activities, etc. in advance, don’t hesitate to speak with your Rockville, MD child custody lawyers about how to do so in an effective and enforceable way.

How Should My Co-Parent and I Approach Disputes About the Holidays?

Holidays, special occasions, and breaks from school are usually highly anticipated periods of time for kids. However, they can be uniquely stressful periods of time for parents. Depending on a child’s age, family situation, and unique needs, a host of preparations and accommodations may need to be made in advance of any vacation or special occasion. This reality may be further complicated when a child’s parents no longer live together. Disputes about these periods of time may inflame already tense exchange between co-parents.

Avoiding Disputes When Possible

Ideally, co-parents may avoid disputes by being as proactive as possible. When constructing a child custody agreement and/or parenting plan, they can outline their expectations, priorities, and responsibilities related to special occasions. Details related to travel, religious observances, visiting with extended family, child care, financial issues, gift giving, and dates each parent will get to spend with the child may all be addressed in advance.

Similarly, if parents have not outlined details related to special occasions in their custody agreement and/or parenting plan, they may work with family law attorneys in order to outline these expectations in a binding way at virtually any time. Some co-parents benefit from mediation while others can simply work with their attorneys to negotiate and finalize terms. Knowing what to expect in advance can help to ensure that predictable disputes are generally avoided.

When Disputes Happen Anyway

Sometimes, disputes occur despite efforts to prevent them. There are various ways to deal with disputes when they occur. When possible and appropriate, it is generally a good idea to remain flexible. Few disputes are worth upsetting yourself and your child for any length of time. With that said, there are instances in which it makes sense to take action. If your co-parent is violating the terms of your custody or parenting agreement, it may benefit you to speak with your attorney. If your child’s needs or family situation has changed, it may make sense to seek a modification to existing orders. Exploring your options with our Maryland child custody lawyers when problems begin to impact your child’s best interests is generally a good idea.

Legal Support Is Available

If you have questions about child custody, parenting time, custody modifications, enforcement, or dispute resolution, please consider scheduling a consultation with our office. Once a lawyer better understands your family’s unique situation, he or she will be able to guide you through any legal options you may have available to you. Many legal tools are low-key and will likely help you avoid a courtroom battle with your child’s other parent, if that is a goal you would like to pursue.

Disputes about custody, parenting time, and parenting styles at the holidays are very common among co-parents. Thankfully, you do not need to navigate potential solutions to these challenges alone. 

Child Custody Support Is Available

If you have questions about child custody matters generally, child custody order modifications specifically and/or holiday and vacation considerations, please schedule a consultation with the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright today. Speaking with experienced Rockville, Maryland child custody lawyers will not commit you to drafting a parenting agreement a certain way, modifying existing orders, or otherwise taking binding legal action. Our team is simply here to help you make an informed decision that will ultimately advance your child’s best interests. Once your questions are answered, we will certainly be happy to help you explore your legal options and provide support if you choose to move forward with any of them. Co-parenting is hard work. Our firm is here to help with the legal side of things so that you can focus on being the best parent possible.

How Does the Court Decide Who Gets Custody

If you are fighting for custody of your children, you may wonder how a judge decides which parent to award custody to. Here are several factors a judge may look at to determine custody of children:

• Age of the children: As child custody lawyers in Rockville, MD can attest, the judge looks at the age of children before deciding on custody arrangements. If the children are very young, the judge will likely award custody to the mother. If the children are older than 12, the judge may ask them who they prefer to live with.
• Each parent’s relationship with the children: A judge may also take into account each parent’s relationship with the children before the divorce, as child custody lawyers Rockville, MD locals respect can confirm. If a parent didn’t spend much time with the children while married and now wants to have a better relationship with them, the judge may believe the custody request is made to get back at the other parent.
• Each parent’s financial situation: Child custody lawyers Rockville, MD residents count on have also seen judges consider each parent’s finances before making a custody decision. If one parent, for example, doesn’t have a job and is struggling to pay bills, the judge may not think that’s the best environment for children and award custody to the other parent.
• Mental and physical health of each parent: During a custody battle, a judge will likely consider each parent’s mental and physical health. If a parent has a mental or physical condition that prevents him or her from properly caring for children, the judge will likely award custody to the other parent.
• Abuse or neglect: If there is evidence that a parent has abused or neglected his or her children, the judge won’t award custody to him or her, as Rockville child custody lawyers can verify. In fact, the judge may limit the parent’s contact with the children.

Establishing Parental Rights

When parents are married, determining parental rights is generally straightforward. However, when the parents are unmarried, determining parental rights can be more difficult. Before establishing these rights, as well as rights to child custody, fathers must prove they are the parent. In most states, a paternity test, or acknowledgment of paternity, will need to be submitted in order to acknowledge the child’s legal parent. The mother will also need to sign the acknowledgment. If she fails to do so, the father can file a petition with the court. In this case, the court might order genetic testing to confirm the paternity. Some of Rockville, Maryland’s best child custody lawyers can assist with this process.

As soon as a father has established his parental rights, he can pursue custody of the child in the same way as a mother would. In other words, the father and mother would have equal rights to the custody of their children.

Determining Custody 

As someone considered to be the best child custody lawyer in Rockville, MD might tell you, the custody of a child is determined on a case by case basis. This means there are no standard guidelines for unmarried, separated couples, with children. The court does encourage parents to establish a parenting plan through mediation or out of court. If they cannot reach an agreement, the case will be brought before a judge where he or she will make a decision based upon the child’s’ best interest. Factors that a judge might consider include:

• The child’s relationship with both parents
• Each parent’s ability to take care of the child
• Each parent’s household, job, community, and so forth
• Whether or not one parent has a history of domestic violence, criminal activity, or mental illness
• The child’s wishes (if he or she is deemed mature enough to give an opinion)

Your Custody Options

A judge could grant each parent joint or shared custody or one parent might be given sole custody of the child. In joint custody arrangements, the parents will share equal or nearly equal time with the child. If one parent has sole custody, the other parent will have scheduled visits. In cases that involve abuse, the accused parent might only be given supervised visitation.
Turn to a Child Custody Lawyer

If you and your partner are no longer together, and one or both of you would like to arrange parenting time, a child custody lawyer can help. If you are wondering who the best child custody lawyer in Rockville, MD is, call Daniel J. Wright today.

Determining Custody Determined

As someone considered to be the best child custody lawyer in Rockville, MD might tell you, the custody of a child is determined on a case by case basis. This means there are no standard guidelines for unmarried, separated couples, with children. The court does encourage parents to establish a parenting plan through mediation or out of court. If they cannot reach an agreement, the case will be brought before a judge where he or she will make a decision based upon the child’s’ best interest. Factors that a judge might consider include:

• The child’s relationship with both parents
• Each parent’s ability to take care of the child
• Each parent’s household, job, community, and so forth
• Whether or not one parent has a history of domestic violence, criminal activity, or mental illness
• The child’s wishes (if he or she is deemed mature enough to give an opinion)

Child Custody Issues

Child custody is often complex, but sometimes a case will become even more challenging than expected. Working with a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD from the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright means teaming up with someone well versed in a broad range of issues, and ready to handle your situation. Rest assured, you are not alone in this fight. We have experience in a number of elements of child custody cases, including:

•      Supervised visitations
•      Moving across the state, to another state, or a new country
•      Modification of arrangements
•      Enforcement of child custody
•      Father’s rights to child custody
•      Grandparents’ rights

All of the aforementioned situations can be alarming and stressful, and provoke a number questions that you will want resolved as quickly as possible. This is where having a strong Rockville child custody lawyer on your side can make a major difference. Regardless of what you’re dealing with, we will be prepared to guide you through the legal process as efficiently as possible while safeguarding your interests each and every step of the way.

Child Custody in Maryland

When speaking with a Rockville child custody lawyer, you’ll find that, in Maryland, there are two types of child custody. These include:

• Legal Custody. This refers to which parent has the right and responsibility for making important decisions about their children’s health, wellbeing, education, religion, and upbringing. It is possible for these decisions to be made jointly, in equal measure by each parent, or solely by the more reliable parent.
• Physical Custody. This refers to which parent the children will live with, or whether or not there will be joint custody, which means the children would live with both parents for equal periods of time.

Tips for Unmarried Parents To Avoid Difficult Custody Situations

Occasionally, unmarried parents may find themselves in custody disputes that require intervention from a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD. That said, an unmarried couple who shares a child or children can take steps to promote a thriving situation for the child and for themselves. You may wish to reach out to the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright to discuss your rights, your options and your responsibilities when it comes to co-parenting. There are also helpful strategies that unmarried parents should take into consideration when trying to minimize conflict.   

Consider Extended Family  

In addition to their mother and father, children value relationships with their extended relatives and should be allowed to form healthy bonds with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Unmarried parents should take into consideration ways to incorporate these relatives into an agreed-upon visitation cycle for the sake of the children’s development. When children see all of the adults in their lives working together, a lasting, positive impact is made. If you are an unmarried mother or father needing assistance with making custody arrangements that are in the best interests of your child, contact the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright.  

Consider the Other Parent’s Role 

Despite the reason a couple may remain unmarried, sharing a child together requires sincere commitment from both parents. Most of the time it is the mother who has primary custody of the children, while the father should seek advice from a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD to secure his rights to visitation. It is important for the parent with full, permanent custody of the children to communicate regularly with the other parent to provide the healthiest situation for the children involved. Unmarried parents who are sharing custody can co-parent successfully and in the best interests of their shared children with proper guidance from the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright.

Consider Creative Ways To Include Visitation Opportunities 

If a child is involved in activities outside of school, both parents should play an active role in supporting these activities. If unmarried parents put in the effort to work out a schedule that accommodates natural, everyday needs, then all parties benefit. For example, unmarried parents can establish an agreement regarding arrangements for school pick-up and drop-off or delivery to and from sports activities. A child custody lawyer in Rockville MD may be able to assist with making arrangements that are suitable to your unique circumstance. 

Ultimately, unmarried parents have an obligation to maintain clear and open communication with one another for the best interests of the children they share. If parents can communicate with one another responsibly, many issues can be avoided and the child will be better able to form healthy, meaningful relationships with parents and family members. When circumstances arise that make communication difficult between unmarried parents, however, you should contact a child custody lawyer in Rockville MD. Reach out to the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright to help with any issues you’re having with communication or visitation rights between unmarried parents. 

Things To Consider When Going Through Child Custody Proceedings While Leaving the Rest to Daniel J. Wright

The end of a relationship can be complicated and troublesome. When children are involved, it is significantly more problematic and strenuous. A child custody lawyer in Rockville MD has the legal knowledge to help you navigate the process. Daniel J. Wright can help you through each step. Therefore, hopefully, some of the stress and worry you might be experiencing can be relieved, and you can focus on your child’s experience. 

Acknowledge Your Stress Might Be Your Child’s Burden 

Unfortunately, children sense the stress their parents are feeling. They can unknowingly take that burden on themselves. Considering this, it is of utmost importance for you to take care of yourself during this period in your life.

You have probably heard that on a flight, the airline attendants advise you to put on your oxygen mask first before helping someone else. If you fail to help yourself first, you will not be capable of helping others on the flight.

Likewise, during a divorce, get help for yourself first. Take time doing something for yourself that might help you relax. Seek professional help to assist with your stress first so that you can be clearheaded and healthy to find ways to help your children release any burdens that they have unintentionally acquired. A child custody lawyer in Rockville MD can provide the legal help you need so that you can focus on yourself and then be there in full your child.   

Recognize Your Child’s Emotions

This period in your life is probably a very stressful time for you. Consider how stressful and upsetting it is for your child as well. Children can suffer lasting effects due to the separation of their parents. If not handled properly, it could be detrimental and negatively affect their future. It is crucial to listen to your child during this time. You can also watch for behavior changes. Doing so will help you anticipate any potential issues and intervene as soon as possible.   

Redefine Your Relationship With Your Co-Parent

Although your relationship has ended, you and your ex-spouse have a child together, and you will probably have some form of relationship with that person for many years to come. You must define this new relationship and make it one that will be beneficial to your child. Creating a different, healthy relationship will likely help the child have a much better perspective during this process.    

Consider focusing on your family and leave the legalities to Daniel J. Wright. 

Rockville Child Custody Statistics

According to national data, approximately 50 percent of children in the US experience the divorce of their parents. Generally, these children will live through some kind of child custody action between their parents.

It is estimated that approximately 10 percent of all custody cases are decided through mediation. Just under 5 percent actually end up in a trial before a judge.

No matter what kind of custody case you are facing, make sure you have a skilled child custody lawyer representing you. Call our office to learn more.

Child Custody Law FAQs

What Experience Do You Have With Cases Like Mine?

Before you choose your attorney, you should ask your prospective child custody lawyers in Rockville MD about their experience. Each child custody case is different. They have different nuances and characteristics that need to be properly presented to the judge or opposing party’s lawyers so that you receive the custody agreement you desire. Choose firms that have experience with your type of case, whether it is contested or uncontested, and whose practice is primarily made up of child custody cases, e.g., Daniel J. Wright.

What Laws Do I Need To Be Aware Of?

Because every state has different custody laws, you need to know what your state’s laws are specifically. It is especially important that you know about these laws before you ever step into a courtroom. You and your child custody lawyers in Rockville MD should use these laws during the discovery, negotiation and trial periods. Therefore, you need to know what they are, what they mean and how they can be used to support your case in court.

Do Mother’s Get Preferential Treatment?

While some states have adopted laws that treat both parents equally, many still prefer to give custody to mothers. However, if you are a father, you still have rights that can be enforced through the courts. In addition, if you can prove incompetence as a father, you may still be granted custody in states that typically give the mother custody. If you are a mother, you still need to build a strong case, even in states where you will receive preferential treatment. Reputable child custody lawyers in Rockville MD, such as Daniel J. Wright, can help you build your case.

How Is Visitation Set?

Ideally, you can work with your former spouse to create a visitation schedule. However, if you cannot agree, you may be subject to mediation, where you and your lawyers meet and make your cases before a mediator who will determine your schedule. Whether you go the mediation route or you and your former spouse make a schedule, you need to file paperwork with the court and a judge needs to approve your visitation agreement. In addition, if things change and you need to adapt your visitation schedule, you need to file a notification with the court.

What Do I Need To Know About Child Support?

Child support includes financial assistance so that your child has plenty of food and other necessities. It also covers your child’s shelter or home. If you or your former spouse have full custody, child support will be ordered for the non-custodial parent. The amount of child support that the court can order is based on the income of this parent. Even if you amicably agree on a child support amount, you should file paperwork with the court to prevent future issues.

The Law Office of Daniel J. Wright, Rockville Child Custody Lawyers

20 Courthouse Sq UNIT 212, Rockville, MD 20850

Contact Daniel J. Wright Today

If you want custody of your children, your next step is to set up a consultation with child custody lawyers Rockville, MD locals depend on. They may help you get your case moving in the right direction and protect your best interests.

During the initial consultation, don’t hesitate to ask questions about a child custody lawyer’s skills and experience. For example, you may want to find out how many child custody cases a lawyer handles every year or where he attended law school.

If you are looking for child custody lawyers Rockville, MD offers, contact the Law Office of Daniel J. Wright.

Client Review

“I retained mr Wright and I must say he took all my calls, gave me details about everything , provided me moral support and came to the courthouse from Rockville to Towson . He’s full of knowledge and very seasoned .”
A Malik