Judge with gavel sitting at white wooden table, focus on figure of parents and children

How Maryland Courts Decide Custody: Best Interests of the Child Explained

When parents separate or divorce, few issues carry more emotional weight than child custody. In Maryland, judges don’t automatically favor one parent over the other. Instead, they focus on a single guiding principle: what is in the best interests of the child. But what does that actually mean? How do courts define a child’s best…

Young mother and her daughter girl are looking at the tablet

Virtual Visitation in Maryland: Making Co-Parenting Work in a Digital World

When parents split up, staying connected with your kids can become a lot harder, especially if you live in different places or work unusual hours. That’s where virtual visitation comes in. Whether it’s a quick FaceTime call after school or a Zoom check-in before bed, technology gives parents new ways to stay part of their…

Little girl hugging her father after divorce at home

Understanding Legal vs. Physical Custody in Maryland: What Parents Need to Know

When parents in Maryland separate or divorce, one of the main decisions they face is regarding child custody. For any parent going through this process, it is important to understand the difference between legal and physical custody and how these decisions are determined under Maryland law. While custody disputes can be emotionally challenging, having clear…

Curious little preteen kid girl unwrapping gift box

Holiday and Summer Schedules in Maryland Custody Agreements

Co-parenting isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to dividing time over holidays, school breaks, and summer vacation. These times of year can be emotionally charged for both parents and children. That’s why it’s important to have a clear, well-thought-out custody schedule in place. In Maryland, custody agreements often include detailed provisions for holidays and…

Excited mother give high five

Do Stepparents Have Legal Rights When It Comes To Custody and Visitation in Maryland?

Blending families can be a beautiful experience, but when a divorce, death, or custody dispute arises, stepparents often find themselves in a confusing and emotionally difficult legal position. In Maryland, stepparents play a meaningful role in many children’s lives—sometimes as primary caregivers—yet the law does not automatically grant them the same rights as biological or…

wooden family figures and judge gavel

Custody Arrangements in Maryland:  What To Know  and FAQs

Deciding child custody is often one of the most complicated and emotionally intense parts of a separation or divorce. In Maryland, the legal framework aims to prioritize the child’s best interests while balancing each parent’s rights and responsibilities. Whether you are contemplating divorce or navigating a custody dispute, understanding how custody arrangements work in Maryland…

Judge examines wooden figures of a family in a courtroom

What Factors Do Maryland Courts Consider in Child Custody Decisions?

In Maryland, when parents separate or divorce, one of the most emotionally significant and critical considerations is determining child custody. Understandably, parents want what’s best for their children, but they may not always agree on what that looks like. That’s where the court steps in—to make decisions based on what the law calls the “best…

Divorced parents with their son visiting lawyer

Co-Parenting After Divorce: Tips for Maryland Parents

Divorce often brings significant changes, especially for families with children, which makes co-parenting so important. When co-parenting is handled well, it can really boost a child’s emotional well-being, stability, and sense of security. While no two co-parenting situations are perfect, a thoughtful approach can help create a smoother transition for everyone involved.  Tip 1: Prioritize…