Maryland has a law called a de facto parent, which gives a non-relative parent the legal ability to request access and custody of a child who is not biologically related to them. The non-biological parent of a same-sex couple who shares a child with their partner and wants to divorce could file for custody and access on the same level as the biological parent, under certain circumstances. In order for custody to be granted to a non-biological parent, both partners must live together in the same household, have individual relationships with the child in question, and it must align with the best interests of the child. Those who qualify for de facto parent status are not considered non-parents or third parties and are granted the same rights as biological parents. A non-biological parent who wishes to share child custody with the biological parent after an LGBT divorce could benefit greatly from the help of a skilled lawyer in Maryland.