Obtaining Full Custody of the Children in a  Rockville, MD Divorce

An experienced Rockville lawyer who focuses on your child’s best interests

Most divorcing couples agree to some form of shared custody to maintain close relationships with their children. However, certain circumstances require one parent to retain full custody to protect the safety and well-being of the children. When maintaining sole custody is in your child’s best interests, The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott advocates for you throughout the legal process.

The meaning of full custody

Under most Maryland child custody arrangements, parents share some degree of decision-making responsibilities for their children, regardless of whether they also share physical custody. Full custody grants full residential control and authority to one parent.

Even with full custody by one parent, the non-custodial parent typically receives regular visitation rights. In extreme situations, such as in cases of abuse, visitation may be supervised, limited or even revoked. However, even in these cases, most parents share financial child support responsibilities.

Justifying full custody to the MD family courts

Under rare circumstances, both parents may voluntarily agree to a full custody arrangement. However, according to the Maryland Statutes, neither parent is presumed to have any right to custody that is superior to the right of the other parent.

In most cases, a request for full custody requires filing a contested divorce and arguing the case in court. Although Maryland judges do not follow specific legal guidelines to make this decision, they consider all pertinent factors, including the following:

• The overall safety of the children under each parent’s care
• The character of each parent, including the ability to meet the moral, emotional and material needs of the children
• Family history of abuse, neglect or abandonment by either parent
• The ability of either parent to encourage a relationship with the other parent, if appropriate and safe
• The home environment offered by either parent, including proximity to current schools, friends and family
• The preferences of the children, provided they are old enough and have the capacity to contribute to the decision

Developing a convincing case requires help from lawyers who understand the factors that compel local judges to recognize that full custody is in your child’s best interest. With more than three decades of experience helping Montgomery County clients develop strong cases and guiding them through complex legal proceedings, attorney The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott understands how to support you. When full custody is for your child’s benefit and safety, she advocates on your behalf.

Contact a detail-oriented Rockville MD legal team

If you’re pursuing full custody, you need an attorney who is dedicated to developing a case that to convinces judges how important your custody is to your child’s well-being. To schedule an appointment with The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott, call 301-637-8527 or contact her office online today.