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Do the Maryland courts ever award one parent sole custody?

On Behalf of | Jul 24, 2021 | Child Custody |

Juggling parenting schedules, finding a neutral location for exchanges and negotiating shared holidays can be very stressful after a divorce. If you are like many people, you probably would prefer to avoid constantly seeing your ex after the end of your marriage.

Still, if you have kids, the chances are good that the Maryland courts will expect you and your ex to share custody. Is it ever possible for you to ask the courts for sole custody in a Maryland divorce?

The custody solutions should focus on what the children need

If you and your co-parent don’t agree about custody, then the judge presiding over your divorce will make a lot of the decisions that help establish your parenting plan. In rare cases, judges will consider giving one parent sole custody of the children in the family.

However, the parent asking for sole custody will have to demonstrate that such a solution will be in the best interests of the children. Most of the time, judges want parents to share time with the kids.

However, if you can show that your spouse is dangerous or unstable, a judge might give you sole custody or limit their access to the kids. Judges may award one parent sole custody if there are credible accusations of:

  • Neglect
  • Abuse
  • Addiction
  •  Irresponsible or dangerous behavior
  • Unstable living circumstances
  • Physical or mental health conditions that affect parenting

Simply making an accusation will not be enough. You will need arrest records, medical documentation and/or witness testimony to help prove your claim. The more you understand about custody in Maryland, the easier it will be for you to protect your children during a divorce.

Terenzini & Lucero, LLC.

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