MARYLAND CHILD CUSTODY LAWS & REGULATIONS UPDATE 2023
A DECADE OF CHANGE: AN OVERVIEW OF MARYLAND’S CHILD CUSTODY LAWS AND REGULATIONS TIMELINE (2013-2023)
Over the past ten years, Maryland’s child custody laws and regulations have evolved to prioritize the best interests of children involved in custody disputes. This article provides an overview of key changes in Maryland’s child custody laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023.
2013: Child’s Best Interests Standard
– Adoption of the child’s best interests standard as the central consideration in custody determinations.
2014: Shared Custody Emphasis
– Emphasis on shared custody arrangements to encourage active involvement of both parents.
2015: Parenting Plans Requirement
– Introduction of mandatory parenting plans outlining custody, visitation, and support arrangements.
2016: Child’s Preferences Consideration
– Consideration of the child’s preferences in custody determinations based on age and maturity.
2017: Grandparent Visitation Recognition
– Recognition of grandparent visitation rights in custody proceedings.
2018: Domestic Violence Protections
– Strengthened provisions to protect children from exposure to domestic violence.
2019: Mediation Promotion
– Emphasis on mediation as a means to amicably resolve custody disputes.
2020: Virtual Visitation Acceptance
– Acknowledgment of virtual visitation as a means for non-custodial parents to maintain contact.
2021: Military Deployment Consideration
– Consideration of the impact of military deployment on custody arrangements.
2022: Child Support Alignment
– Alignment of child custody and child support procedures for consistency.
2023: Relocation Guidelines
– Introduction of guidelines for parents seeking to relocate with their child, emphasizing stability.
Maryland’s continuous efforts to adapt child custody laws reflect the state’s dedication to the well-being of children and families. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for parents and legal professionals navigating custody matters.
Guide to Child Custody Laws in Maryland
Every state has its own child custody laws, and what is established law in one state may not factor into a court’s determination at all in another. Child custody laws in Maryland are unique in several ways, so if you are currently having a custody dispute in the state, you need to understand the specifics of Maryland law. In general, Maryland courts use the same standard as other U.S. family courts: the best interests of the child. This guide will help you understand some of the child custody laws in Maryland and the types of custody available for divorcing parents.
Can My Child Choose?
A child’s wishes are only taken into account in family courts in some states. In Maryland, children who can express a reasonable preference (usually children over 12, although the judge is allowed to adjust this number upward or downward depending on the specific child and circumstances) have their wishes taken into account when a custody determination is being made. However, this is only one factor that the judge will consider, according to child custody laws in Maryland.
If a child is 16 or older, they may petition the court for custody with a particular parent. Child custody laws in Maryland make this option available to any child after their 16th birthday. Courts will often allow a child of this age to simply select which parent they prefer to live with, in recognition of the fact that it can be very difficult to make an older, rebellious teenager comply with a custody order that they do not agree with.
Making a Parenting Plan
Child custody laws in Maryland generally assume that children are best served when their parents can come to an amicable agreement about the division of their parenting responsibilities. Parenting plans are sometimes relatively easy to negotiate if both parents can agree on most aspects of the division, but in some cases, parents may find it difficult to agree.
When this happens, child custody laws in Maryland (Rule 9-205) allow the judge in your child custody case to order you into mediation. Mediation can be ordered if you are just beginning a custody hearing or if you are trying to obtain a change in your custody arrangements. If you are ordered into mediation, a court-appointed neutral third-party mediator will help you and your ex-spouse to work out an agreement that is acceptable to both of you.
Parenting plans must be approved by the court to be valid according to child custody laws in Maryland. The judge will grant approval to all parenting plans as long as the child’s safety does not seem to be at risk.
Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody
There are really two types of custody that can be awarded in a child custody case. Legal custody refers to who gets to make life decisions for a child, including decisions about school, religion, and healthcare. Physical custody refers to where a child lives. Child custody law in Maryland allows judges to award sole or joint custody for either type of custody.
