Child Custody

In Maryland, as in most other states, determining child custody is based on the best interests of the child.

Child custody is divided into two areas:

1. Legal custody
2. Physical custody

Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to long-term parenting decisions regarding the child's health care, education, religious upbringing, social surroundings and other major arrangements that affect the child's life and welfare.

Physical Custody
Physical custody refers to the daily living arrangements of providing a home and everyday care including feeding, proper hygiene, clothing and other daily requirements. The parent that the child is with has the right and obligation to provide for the child's physical needs. For example, the parent in charge of the child during visitation also assumes physical custody responsibilities.

When one parent has all the responsibility for legal and physical custody of the child, this is termed "sole custody". When responsibilities are shared, it is termed "joint custody." There may be combinations of both joint and sole custody, such as one parent has sole legal custody and both parents share joint physical custody. Parents may also have joint legal and joint physical custody.

At Schlaich & Thompson, we help you understand the laws surrounding child custody, assist in working out parenting plans and represent your child custody interests through negotiated settlement or if necessary, litigation.

To arrange a consultation to discuss your child custody concerns, please call our office at 410-838-0004.