What can potentially be used against you in a custody battle?
Preparing for Your Child Custody Consultation: Essential Items and Information to Bring
Your child custody petition has a lot riding on it. By being prepared for your initial consultation, you can help your child custody attorney help you get your preferred arrangement. Howard County family law judges make decisions on child custody cases based on the best interests of the child, so you and your lawyer must develop a strong case demonstrating why your proposed arrangement is in your child’s best interest.
You can help your Columbia family law attorney help you by being prepared at your initial consultation. Bring the documents we’ve listed below, plus a list of key questions and concerns.
Bring all essential documents and organize them beforehand
Collect all legal paperwork pertaining to the custody matter so your lawyer can get a full picture of the issues and situation. This can include:
- Your child’s birth certificate and any documents related to paternity
- Divorce filing and/or divorce decree
- Temporary orders from the court or a Marital Settlement Agreement.
- Your existing child custody order and any child support orders
- Any pre- or post-nuptial agreements
- Financial documents affirming your income and the money you spend taking care of your child
- Any reports from the Maryland Department of Human Services Child Protective Services (CPS)
- Your child’s medical records, including notes about who takes your child to the doctor and dentist
If you’re concerned about the other parent’s ability to provide a safe, stable home for your child, or if you’re concerned about the other parent drinking, using drugs, or not supervising your child, bring any documentation you have of that, too. This can include texts, screenshots of social media posts that may show them drinking or out partying when they are supposed to be watching your child, or any other evidence you have.
If you’re in doubt, bring it. Experienced attorneys can sort through what you have and determine what they can use to bolster your position.
Understand your rights under Maryland custody laws
Maryland’s primary principle for child custody decisions is the child’s best interest. This encompasses a host of factors, including their physical safety and care, emotional support, and a stable home environment. Judges also consider any history of abuse or neglect on one parent’s part and any history of parental alcohol or drug abuse.
Maryland recognizes both legal and physical custody of children. One parent may have primary physical custody, but both maintain legal custody of the child and the right to make medical care and schooling decisions and otherwise exercise those parental rights. This means that you and the child’s other parent will have to get on the same page regarding your child’s education and medical care decisions.
What’s your ideal child custody schedule?
What do you want your child custody arrangement to look like? You may have talked to your child about who they want to live with, and if they’re over 16, the judge may consider their wishes. Give your attorney your “good, better, best” custody agreement so they can best plan how to help you get it.
There is no “default” custody schedule for joint custody parents; many have a 2-2-5 arrangement (two days with each parent and alternating weekends) or week-on/week-off with each parent.
There’s a good chance that your judge will order both parents to mediation before scheduling a hearing or trial. You have the right to have your lawyer advise you during mediation. Consider your child’s schedule and activities, how close each parent lives to school (and the availability of bus transportation), and any special needs the child has. Can each parent realistically handle the children’s schedules?
Don’t forget about the holidays. Custody battles can be emotional when the thought of missing Christmas or birthdays comes into play. And don’t forget about how your custody agreement will work during school vacations. Consider your options for childcare over summers or long weekends.
Prepare a list of questions
Write down all your questions and concerns beforehand so you don’t forget anything. Don’t worry about sounding dumb or emotional; experienced family law attorneys have heard just about everything when it comes to handling child custody cases.
- How will you approach my case?
- What kind of outcome can I expect?
- What if my child really wants to live with one parent?
- What if my child’s other parent takes my child around people I object to?
- What happens if I want to move away with my child?
Finally, be upfront with your lawyer about anything that might come up in the custody hearing. If they know about it ahead of time, your attorney can mitigate anything damaging and build a strong case supporting you as a good parent.
Support for Your Child Custody Case
Navigating child custody matters can be complex and emotional, but you don’t have to face it alone. Coover Law Firm is here to provide compassionate, expert legal guidance tailored to your family’s unique situation. Contact us today at (410) 553-5042 to schedule a consultation with our skilled child custody lawyers and take the first step toward securing the best outcome for you and your children.
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