Child custody involves both the right of a parent to make decisions for a child and the parent’s duty to care for that child. In a divorce or marital dissolution, issues of child custody and visitation can be very difficult. This is particularly true if one parent seeks sole custody of the child.

Ultimately, a parenting plan must be created. The plan should establish such things as where your child will live, whether you and your former spouse will share custody, and how decisions regarding the child will be made in the future. Important factors to consider when attempting to create a parenting plan are:

• Your child’s current and future needs
• Your and your former spouse’s current economic situation and future earning potential
• Each parent’s ability to care for the child
• The bonds between the child and his or her siblings, where applicable

In an ideal situation, both parents will agree on child custody and visitation matters. In this circumstance, the court will generally adopt the parenting plan agreed upon by the parents. Conversely, when parents are unable to reach agreement, the court will conduct a formal hearing and ultimately make a custody order that both parents must comply with.

The court can also order that one parent pay support to the other for the care and support of the child. Child support can include not only monetary payments, but also medical insurance for the child. In determining the level of support each parent must provide, the court usually considers each parent’s income and the law of the jurisdiction where the children live.

Custody disputes can be very difficult and expensive to resolve. Our firm is experienced in obtaining fair resolutions to child custody and support matters. If you need assistance with child custody, support or visitation issues, or if you need to have a custody order modified, we can help.

E-mail us or call us at 301 986-4555 to set up a consultation to learn more about your child custody and support options.