Prince George's County Child Custody Attorney
From the moment they are born, children are likely the most important aspect of your life. Children can often define who you are and the kind of person you want to be. The thought of losing children in a child custody dispute is almost unbearable for most people. The Law Offices of Darlene Wright Powell, P.A. comprehends the anxiety that many parents endure when involved in child custody and visitation disputes. She uses her years of experience to provide advise and counsel to clients in these matters.
Contact the Bowie, Maryland, law firm to speak with Attorney Powell about your goals for child custody.
Determining Child Custody and Visitation under Maryland Laws
In Maryland, child custody and visitation arrangements are decided based upon what is in the best interest of the children. In many cases, it is in the child's best interest for the parents to have some form of joint custody. However, this can mean very different things. Child custody is divided into legal custody and physical custody.
- Legal custody: Legal custody refers to a parent's right to make significant decisions involving the child. If parents are capable of effectively communicating, it is often in the child's best interest for the parents to have joint legal custody.
- Physical custody: Physical custody is what most people think of when referring to child custody. However, physical custody refers to a parent's right to provide a home for the child and make the routine daily decisions involving the child. Even when there is joint physical custody, one parent typically has primary physical custody.
In determining any issue involving children, the court considers numerous factors to determine the child's best interest. This is also true for determination of visitation. Unless there is a serious reason for a child to refrain from seeing a parent, such as a history of abuse or a chemical dependency problem, it is usually in the child's best interest to have a meaningful relationship with both parents. Therefore, even when one parent is awarded sole custody, or primary physical custody, the other parent will usually have some form of visitation or parenting time.
Attorney Powell is experienced working with clients to negotiate an amicable resolution to child custody and visitation disputes. However, when her clients' interests are best served through trial, she is an experienced litigator who will advocate aggressively for her clients' rights. She also handles issues involving child support and modifications of court orders pertaining to child support, visitation and/or custody.
Contact a Prince George's County Child Custody Lawyer
Attorney Powell welcomes you to contact her regarding any child custody related matter. Free consultations are available to discuss your situation.
Call today for a free no obligation legal consultation.
Evening and weekend consultations available by appointment.
Law Offices of Darlene Wright Powell, P.A.
14300 Gallant Fox Lane, Suite 103
Bowie, Maryland 20715
301-464-6260 (Main office line)
240-334-4360 (24 hour direct line)
1-877-FAX-4DWP / 1-877-329-4397 (Toll-free fax number)
