Child Custody

Know Your Child Custody Rights

Divorce impacts all parts of your life, from your assets to your insurance policies. Divorce proceedings can also have a major impact on the children involved. As the divorce becomes finalized, you and your former spouse will need to establish a child custody agreement. While some people easily decide on an arrangement, other couples need an experienced child custody attorney to help mediate the situation. Fortunately, the team at the Law Offices of William Trevillian, P.A. can help you reach an agreement that benefits everyone involved. We’ll sit down with you, learn about your needs and those of your child, and help you come to an agreement. Our attorneys are proud to serve the Severn, MD community and the surrounding areas.
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What Is Child Custody Law?

Generally, child custody laws govern parents’ rights to their children. In the state of Maryland, the law gives both natural parents equal rights to their children without preference for the mother or father. Under the law, if the parents can’t agree on who should have custody, the courts and child custody lawyers may get involved. A court might grant custody to one or both parents depending on the best interests of the child. In some situations, grandparents and other relatives may be able to seek custody.
Legal document related to child custody law in Severn, MD

Types of Child Custody

Child custody arrangements can take several different forms. The court will account for the child’s lifestyle, relationship with parents, and the wishes of both parents before coming to a decision. Depending on what best serves the interests of the child, the court will choose one of these arrangements:

Sole Custody

Sole custody agreements grant complete custody to one parent. This parent has the right to make all major decisions with or without the other parent’s approval. The parent without custody may have visitation rights.

Joint Legal Custody

This arrangement allows both parents equal right to make decisions about their child’s life, including schooling and medical care. However, one parent will retain physical custody of the child while the other maintains visitations rights.

Joint Physical Custody

Joint physical custody agreements state that both parents have the right to spend time with the child. Time may be split equally or unequally between both parents. These arrangements are often flexible to avoid disrupting the child’s lifestyle.

Types of Child Custody Cases We Handle

At the Law Offices of William Trevillian, P.A., we strive to be the family law experts you look to whenever you have a concern about child custody. Our attorneys have decades of combined legal experience, and we can handle an array of cases. If your situation involves one of the following factors, we’re glad to take a look at your case:

  • Child Support
  • Visitation Rights
  • Grandparent’s Rights
  • Unmarried Couples
  • Paternity
  • Changes to Current Child Custody Arrangements

Understanding Child Support and Its Enforcement

As one of Severn’s best lawyers for child custody, we’re committed to helping our clients understand the ins and outs of child support. Child support is a series of court-ordered payments that ensure that minor children are supported by both parents, even if one does not have custody. The noncustodial parent is often required to make these payments, while the custodial parent is responsible for using these funds to pay for the child’s needs, including educational and medical expenses. Willfully failing to make child support payments is illegal, and the custodial parent has the right to appeal to enforcement solutions if the noncustodial parent does not pay.

Get in Touch With Us Today

Deciding on a child custody agreement often brings up lots of emotions and complicated issues. While it is possible to come to an amicable decision, many divorced couples can benefit from an experienced attorney to guide them through the situation. The lawyers at the Law Offices of William Trevillian, P.A. are dedicated to helping Severn, MD residents navigate the challenges of child custody and come to an agreement that works well for everyone involved. We know you want the best for your child, and our team is committed to supporting you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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Call us now at 410-761-2430.