Source: https://www.jgllaw.com/blog/child-custody-divorce
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 06:28:54+00:00

Document:
A Maryland family court making child custody decisions makes two mutually exclusive determinations: 1) legal custody (a determination of which parent may make decisions regarding the health, education, religion and welfare of the child); and 2) physical custody (who the child will reside with).
The trial judge has the authority to determine custody, regardless of whether “joint custody has existed in the past, or award custody to one of the parents, or to a third person, depending upon what is in the best interests of the child.” Taylor v. Taylor, 306 Md. 290, 301, 508 A.2d 964 (1986).
Legal custody carries with it the right and obligation to make long-range decisions involving education, religious training, discipline, medical care, and other matters of major significance concerning the child's life and welfare.
[r]arely, if ever, should joint legal custody be awarded in the absence of a record of mature conduct on the part of the parents evidencing an ability to effectively communicate with each other concerning the best interest of the child, and then only when it is possible to make a finding of a strong potential for such conduct in the future.
Taylor, 306 Md. at 304, 508 A.2d 964.
While most matters reviewed and adjudicated in a divorce proceeding are reviewed as a matter of equity, child custody is based on the “best interests” of the minor child and not a consideration of the parent’s rights. See Md. Ann. Code, Family Law Article § 1-201(a); Montgomery County Dep't of Social Services v. Sanders, 38 Md. App. 406, 381 A.2d 1154 (1978); Wagner v. Wagner, 109 Md. App. 1, 37, 41, 674 A.2d 1 (1996). In other words, while a parent may say, “I have a right to see my child” (an equity argument), that is not consistent with child custody law in Maryland.
One judge has stated that “[t]he bottom line in any custody dispute is: what is in the ‘best interests' of the children?; and a judge agonizes more about reaching the right result in a contested custody issue than about any other type of decision he renders. The agony is complicated even more when both parties are dedicated and devoted… .” Leary v. Leary, 97 Md. App. 26, 37, 627 A.2d 30, 35 (1993) (internal citation omitted). In any divorce or custody action where the custody of a child or children is being disputed, the court has a myriad of factors that it must consider in determining child custody.
Who makes and takes child to dental and medical appointments?
Is the child fearful of the parent?
Has the child been pressured into a "preference"?
Will the child be involved in school activities where he or she will be living?
Is the child involved in clubs, e.g. Boy Scouts?
Is the location of the home suitable for children?
What is the location of school child will attend?
Does the school provide special programs?
Are there concerns for safety of the child in the neighborhood or at school?
Responsibility - who made decisions in marriage?
Where are grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins geographically?
Which parent is more likely to allow child continued contact with the other parent?
Has a party interfered with visitation with the child in the past?
Is there a history of visitation disputes?
Have there been any issues with telephonic visitation or access?
How long has this arrangement been in place?
How was the living arrangement created, e.g., agreement between the parties, Court Order, desertion by one party, etc.
Is the parent involved in the lives of the children?
Does the parent assist in making decisions (before separation and after)?
Does the parent keep the other informed on activities, failures, achievements?
Which parent can meet special financial needs?
Has other parent been providing support?
Has litigation been necessary to obtain support?
Arrearages incurred due to withholding or non-payment of support?
Did a parent leave the home without the children?
How often does the parent visit/contact children?
To whom is the child most "bonded" psychologically?
In order to fully prepare and present a credible case for custody, you should fully discuss and prepare to testify as to the applicable factors.
 A “system of law originating in the English chancery and comprising a settled and formal body of legal and procedural rules and doctrines that supplement, aid, or override common and statute law and are designed to protect rights and enforce duties fixed by substantive law.” Merriam Webster Dictionary, Equity.
 See Taylor v. Taylor, 306 Md. 290, 508 A.2d 964 (1986) and Montgomery County Dep't of Social Services v. Sanders, 38 Md. App. 406, 381 A.2d 1154 (1978).
Darin L. Rumer is a senior counsel in Joseph, Greenwald & Laake’s Family Law practice group. Mr. Rumer has successfully tried multiple divorce, custody and child support cases throughout the state of Maryland and routinely provides counsel to clients as they navigate a difficult and stressful time in their lives. Mr. Rumer’s calm demeanor and ability to diffuse tense situations has earned him accolades from mediators, judges, clients and opposing parties. A dedicated advocate, Mr. Rumer is willing to go to the mat, but he also understands that a negotiated resolution is in many clients’ best interest. Mr. Rumer routinely advises and represents clients in family law matters including child custody and divorce litigation, separation agreements, child support and alimony issues, property distribution issues, domestic violence, and other areas of family law.

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