Maryland Custody Law Changes Take Effect October 1, 2025

Starting October 1, 2025, Maryland families navigating child custody disputes will face a dramatically different legal landscape. Thanks to the passage of House Bill 1191 and Senate Bill 548, the state has officially codified its custody laws. This brings long-awaited clarity, consistency, and structure to how courts determine custody arrangements.

At RPM Law, our Maryland child custody attorneys can help you understand these factors and how they could impact your custody case. Here is what you need to know about Maryland’s new custody law and how it may impact your rights and responsibilities.

Codified Custody Factors Replace Case Law Standards

For decades, Maryland courts relied on common law and judicial precedent to decide what was in the “best interest of the child.” Judges referenced prior rulings and applied a flexible, often subjective set of considerations. That changes on October 1.

Under the new law, Maryland has adopted a statutory list of 16 custody factors that judges must evaluate when determining legal and physical custody. Summarized generally, these factors include, but are not limited to:

• The child’s age, developmental stage, and emotional needs
• The child’s preference, if deemed appropriate
• Each parent’s ability to meet the child’s physical and emotional needs
• The stability of each parent’s home environment
• The nature of the child’s relationships with each parent and other household members
• Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
• The ability of parents to communicate and co-parent effectively
• Any history of abuse, neglect, or exposure to domestic violence

While the full 16 factors are much more in-depth, you can see what the court is looking for. Your attorney can help you navigate these factors and apply them to your individual situation. 

Streamlined Custody Modifications

The new law also introduces clearer standards for modifying existing custody or visitation orders. Courts may now alter arrangements if there is a “material change in circumstances” that affects the child’s well-being or a parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs.

Examples of material changes include, but are not limited to:

• A parent’s relocation
• Significant changes in the child’s health or education
• Shifts in a parent’s ability to provide care

Importantly, judges are now required to explain their decisions on the record. This added transparency helps parents understand the rationale behind custody modifications and ensures accountability in the judicial process.

Stronger Protections in Abuse and Neglect Cases

Senate Bill 548 reinforces protections for children in cases involving abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. Courts are prohibited from awarding custody or unsupervised visitation to a parent who has been convicted of serious crimes, including first- or second-degree murder of a family member.

If there is credible evidence of abuse, whether against the child, the other parent, or another household member, the court must prioritize the child’s safety. Supervised visitation may be permitted only if it ensures the child’s physical and emotional well-being.

These provisions reflect Maryland’s commitment to safeguarding children from harmful environments and ensuring that custody decisions serve their best interests.

What Maryland Families Should Expect

The October 1 custody law changes are designed to:

• Promote consistency in custody rulings
• Encourage cooperative parenting and reduce litigation
• Protect children from unsafe or unstable environments
• Help families better prepare for custody hearings

For parents, this means gathering evidence that aligns with the new statutory factors and presenting a clear case for why a proposed arrangement serves the child’s best interests. For attorneys, it means updating legal strategies to reflect the new framework and advising clients accordingly.

Learn More About the New Maryland Custody Law Changes with Experienced Legal Counsel

The legal profession has waited for these changes for a long time. For you, the focus is on your kids and how it may affect your custody case. We take a personalized approach to every situation and want to learn how we can help.

Our team at RPM Law stands ready to help with your child custody needs. Contact us today for a consultation.