Maryland Child Custody

If parents in Maryland cannot reach a custody decision, then the judge will make a custody decision based on the best interests of the child. Maryland courts will consider sole and joint custody, depending on what is in the best interests of the child.

Both parents are bound by the Maryland court's custody order once it has been signed by the judge and filed with the court clerk. Changing the custody order will require one or both parents to show that there has been a major change in circumstances and that it is to the child's detriment if custody is not changed.

A child custody attorney in Maryland can help negotiate a child custody agreement, explain your legal options, and help to represent you in court.

Maryland Paternity

In Maryland, there are several ways to establish paternity of a child:

  • Marriage
  • Genetic testing
  • Placing the father's name on the birth certificate and having him sign an Affidavit of Parentage
  • Asking a local child support agency for help
  • Court order

Maryland Child Support

Child support in Maryland is calculated based on the number of children; whether custody is shared or if one parent has primary custody; each parent's income; whether either parent is paying child support for other children; whether alimony is being paid or received by either parent; and the cost of expenses for each child, including health insurance and medical, school, and transportation expenses. The court is allowed to deviate from the child support guidelines if the calculation is inappropriate in a particular case.

Maryland child support can also be modified based on a change in circumstances. These would include:

  • A significant change in one parent's income
  • A change in which parent the child spends more time with
  • A change in the child's financial needs (such as extraordinary medical or educational expenses)

Once the divorce has been granted, child support payments that are processed through the Child Support Enforcement Administration can be set up online, making the process more convenient for both parties. If payment of child support becomes a problem, the Child Support Enforcement Administration is responsible for child support enforcement.

Additional Maryland Custody Resources