10500 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 420, Columbia, Maryland 21044-3563
Site Search
Family Law Attorney in MarylandFamily Law Attorney in Maryland
Family Law Attorney in Maryland
Howard County's Divorce Lawyer
Call Us Today!
410-995-1100
  • About Us
    • Profiles
      • Attorney Profiles
      • Staff Profiles
    • Purpose of the Initial Consultation
    • Philosophy & Client Rights
    • Code of Civility
    • Legal Notices
  • Practice Areas
    • Family Law
      • Divorce Law
      • Child Custody
      • Child Support
      • Property Division
      • Paternity
    • Civil Litigation Law
      • Construction Litigation
      • Corporate Collections
    • Real Estate
      • Residential Real Estate
      • Commercial Real Estate
    • Business & Corporate Law
      • Corporations, LLCs & Partnerships
      • Formation of Business
      • Sole Proprietorship
      • Business Dissolution
  • Testimonials
  • Resources
    • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Pay Online
  • Contact Us
Menu back  

Home » Blog » Maryland Criticized for Child Custody Policies

January 12, 2018Child Custody, Family Law, In the News

Maryland Criticized for Child Custody Policies

sepia image of little boy holding a teddy bear

In 2013, lawmakers in Maryland put together a special commission in order to study how the state’s courts come to decisions regarding child custody. Over an 18-month period of time, the commission listened to judges, mental health professionals and family law attorneys. The commission’s final report was issued in 2014. Despite this, state reforms have not been made.

In today’s courtroom, child custody is determined by a judge who considers the best interest of the child. Some people believe that there should be an automatic presumption of shared or joint custody. Maryland has so far rejected this idea. Some believe that a one-size-fits-all approach is not beneficial to the children of divorcing parents.

It’s not to say that the state’s laws don’t need to change. Currently, there is no custody statute in the state that provides guidance to judges. In the report, the commission suggested changing terms like “custody” and “visitation” to less emotional terms like “parenting time” and “decision-making responsibility.” These proposed changes are good ones that have not been made.

Children need to be protected and their best interests do need to be taken into account when making custody decisions, but many feel that Maryland’s approach to child custody is outdated at best.

If you need assistance with a child custody issue in Columbia, MD, reach out to our office. We will help you arrange a consultation and advise you of your legal rights and all of your options. Call today or contact us online at your convenience.

Related posts
moving out of state with child no custody agreement
Can I move out of Maryland with my child if I do not have a custody agreement?
February 7, 2023
business division in divorce
What you need to know about dividing a business in a Maryland divorce
January 26, 2023
spouse refuses to negotiate divorce
What to do if your spouse refuses to negotiate divorce
December 20, 2022
hiding assets during divorce
Ways your spouse may be hiding assets in your divorce
November 16, 2022
co parenting with narcissist
8 Signs You’re Co-Parenting With a Narcissist
September 22, 2022
do prenups hold up in court
3 Situations Where Prenups Don’t Hold Up in Court
August 15, 2022

Footer map

10500 Little Patuxent Parkway, Ste. 420
Columbia, Maryland 21044-3563
  • local: 410-995-1100
  • fax: 410-997-7896

Coover Law Firm, LLC is located in Columbia, MD and serves clients in and around Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County and Frederick County.


Law Firm SEO by EverSpark Interactive
Coover Footer Map