Grounds for Full Custody of a Child in Maryland
In Maryland, the court may award full legal and physical custody of a child to one parent if it is in the child’s best interests. The parent who receives full custody is known as the custodial parent and is responsible for making all major decisions regarding the child’s care and upbringing. The parent who does not receive full custody is known as the non-custodial parent and is typically awarded visitation rights.
In Maryland, there are several grounds which can be used to support a full custody award. These grounds include:
- The parent is deemed to be unfit or unable to provide proper care for the child.
- The parent is engaging in illegal activities or has a history of substance abuse.
- The parent has a history of domestic violence or abuse.
- The parent is consistently neglectful or uninvolved in the child’s life.
- The parent is unable to provide a stable home environment.
- The parent does not foster a meaningful relationship between the child and the other parent.
- The parent is unable to provide for the child’s emotional and physical needs.
- The parent is unable to provide for the child’s educational needs.
- The parent is unable to provide for the child’s medical needs.
- The parent has refused to provide for the child’s needs.
- The parent does not respect the child’s rights and privacy.
- The parent has refused to follow court orders or abide by the child’s visitation schedule.
These are the primary grounds that can be used to support a full custody award in Maryland. It is important to note that the court will consider the best interests of the child when making a determination regarding custody. The court may also consider other factors, such as the child’s wishes, the parents’ ability to cooperate and the ability of the parents to provide for the child’s needs.
Interested To Learn More about full Custody in Maryland
Schedule a consultation with a Maryland Child custody lawyer at either our Chevy Chase or Bethesda offices to get answers to questions about your case and to learn more about grounds for getting full Custody in Maryland.
