Custody and Child Support

In the past, we've seen frequent disagreements over the "standard" array of vaccinations that pediatricians typically recommend. One parent may wish his or her child to receive the full array of shots, whereas the other parent may only want certain shots. Whatever the case may be, disagreements over medical treatment are not novel.

Maryland uses the “income shares model,” i.e. that parents contribute a child support amount consistent with the relative percentage of their combined income. In this post, we will build on our previous discussions by examining the calculation method in greater detail, including the factors that go into the calculation.

In this post, we’re going to give a brief overview of visitation in Maryland. We will cover the four types of visitation schedules which can be developed, and the factors involved in shaping each schedule.

Domestic violence is one of the most troubling issues in our society. Whatever the causes, these issues have a special significance in the context of child custody determinations in Maryland. Those who have experienced domestic violence and are involved in a custody dispute need to understand this significance.

In this post, we will discuss the circumstances which warrant a modification of child custody in Maryland. As we will see, this matter is difficult to pin down precisely, because modification is essentially based on a very general principle.

Can I, as the non-custodial parent, obtain an accounting of how child support money is being spent?

This is an overview of how child support is calculated; we will include references to how a person’s income is determined for calculation purposes and also the basic model which Maryland uses to allocate payments.

A parent’s financial responsibility, despite being in crisis, does not simply end, and the process only starts when a modification is filed.

A protective order may affect a custody award. It is relevant to the court in making an initial or temporary custody determination.

Here are some important factors to consider when relocating with an ongoing Maryland or District of Columbia custody matter.

This case involved a somewhat unusual situation in which a wife was denied legal custody due to significant substance abuse issues. Very soon after the birth of their child, the wife began showing signs of mental health issues. During the divorce, a custody battle unfolded.

During all of this uncertainty, many are faced with the unique task of upholding court orders and co-parenting agreements while trying to figure out a new normal.

A Maryland parenting plan is an agreement between the parents, later approved by the court, that provides details about when the child will be with each parent, and how the child will be looked after by both parents.

Maryland has a presumption that living with natural or adoptive parents is best for a minor child’s welfare. The court presumes that parents are in the best position to determine access and visitation with their children.