Child Custody

Rockville Child Custody Attorney

Practical Legal For Custody Help in Montgomery County, MD

Child custody cases present some of the most emotionally challenging issues that parents face. Uncertainty about the outcome and concerns about your child’s future and your relationship can cause significant stress and anxiety.

At Bortmes Legal Services, LLC, we offer comprehensive and compassionate legal support for child custody matters to help you pursue the best possible outcome. Maryland family courts always place the child’s best interests at the forefront. We work to achieve those goals while protecting your parental rights.

Call (301) 771-1606 or contact us online to request a consultation with our Rockville child custody attorney today.

Understanding Child Custody in Maryland

The types of custody in MD include the following.

Legal: Legal custody provides a parent with the right to make major decisions about a child’s life, such as choices involving education, healthcare, religion, and overall well-being. Legal custody may be sole or joint, depending on how well parents cooperate when making important decisions.
Physical: Physical custody refers to where the child lives and the daily care they receive. Physical custody can be sole or shared, with the child either living primarily with one parent or spending significant time with both.

Courts award sole custody when circumstances support that one parent is best positioned to act in the child’s interests. Joint arrangements are encouraged when both parties can cooperate effectively as co-parents. Custody arrangements can be tailored to address your family’s unique dynamics.

Factors Maryland Courts Consider in Child Custody Decisions

Every custody determination in Maryland starts with the question: what serves the child’s best interests? Courts in Rockville and throughout Montgomery County rely on a number of factors to answer this question. These factors guide judges as they evaluate each family’s situation and ultimately decide on the most suitable custodial arrangement.

Common considerations the court reviews include:

The child’s age and developmental needs: Judges consider the physical and emotional needs of each child and how the proposed arrangement would support their well-being.
Each parent’s ability to provide care: This includes stability, mental and physical health, willingness to foster the child’s relationship with the other parent, and the track record of caregiving.
Living arrangements: Judges evaluate the suitability and stability of each household environment and how it fits the child’s daily life.
Parental cooperation: The court reviews how well the parents communicate and cooperate with one another, which affects decisions around joint custody.
History of involvement: Each parent’s involvement in the child’s education, extracurriculars, and medical care helps demonstrate the parent’s commitment.
Child’s preference: When appropriate based on age and maturity, the child’s preference may be considered, but it is not determinative.

Modifying & Enforcing Child Custody Orders in Rockville

Life changes, and so can your custody order. Maryland law allows parents to seek modifications when a substantial change in circumstances affects the child’s welfare or the existing arrangement no longer works. In Rockville, modifications typically go through the Montgomery County Circuit Court, where judges expect parents to give clear reasons and evidence showing why a change would serve the child’s best interests.

Parents often ask about grounds for modification. Common reasons include:

Relocation of one parent: A move that significantly impacts schooling or time with the other parent may merit review.
Changes in the child’s needs or schedule: As children grow, new routines or health concerns might make a prior order impractical.
Concerns about the child’s safety: Claims of abuse, neglect, or unsafe living conditions may support an immediate change.
Parental unavailability or incarceration: Inability to meet obligations can trigger a reassessment of custody terms.

When a parent needs to enforce an existing order, Montgomery County courts can step in if the other party fails to follow court-ordered custody. The court may order remedies such as makeup parenting time or, in some situations, adjust the custody arrangement. If these issues come up, our team helps explain your legal options and how to present your case effectively in the local court.

Continue Reading Read Less

Start the Conversation Today

Reach out for a personalized consultation and take the first step toward a clear path forward with expert legal guidance.

The Child Custody Process in Maryland Courts

You and the other parent may negotiate legal and physical custody arrangements and submit them to the court in a Parenting Plan that details these agreements. Parenting plans encourage parents to work together with the child’s best interests as the primary focus.

The Maryland Judiciary offers resources to help, such as the Maryland Parenting Plan Instructions and the Maryland Parenting Plan Tool, to guide parents through the process of creating a suitable plan.

If you cannot reach a comprehensive agreement with the other parent, you must file a Joint Statement of the Parties Concerning Decision-Making Authority and Parenting Time to explain your disagreements.

Once you file the Joint Statement, the court may:

Order mediation. The court may require parents to participate in mediation to work toward a mutually acceptable plan.
Conduct a hearing. If mediation is unsuccessful or the court determines it is not appropriate, the court will hold a custody hearing for both parents to present evidence and arguments.
Make a custody determination. The judge evaluates the child’s best interests based on factors such as the child’s needs, each parent’s fitness, the child’s relationship with each parent, household stability, and each parent’s willingness to cooperate. The court then finalizes a Parenting Plan as a binding court order.

Navigating Parenting Plans & Co-Parenting Arrangements

Effective parenting plans cover more than just a child's living arrangements—they set out a roadmap for communication, routine care, and decision-making. Montgomery County courts encourage parents to use detailed plans that reflect the realities of daily schedules, holidays, and unexpected changes. When parents agree on clear terms, they reduce the risk of disputes and help their children adjust.

A thorough parenting plan often covers the following:

Communication guidelines: Outlines how parents share information, manage school updates, and collaborate on decisions.
Division of holidays and school breaks: Sets expectations for celebrating special occasions and managing vacation schedules.
Transportation and exchange locations: Provides clear arrangements for transitions between households.
Procedures for future modifications: Includes steps to address changes, vacations, or conflict resolution.

Continue Reading Read Less

Personalized Legal Solutions Rooted in Integrity and Care

Why Choose Bortmes Legal Services, LLC?

Strategic Solutions for Complex Cases
Whether navigating family law disputes or property matters, we offer tailored legal solutions designed to protect your rights and future.
Honest Guidance, Trusted Representation
Integrity is at the core of our practice. We provide straightforward legal advice and dedicated representation you can rely on.
Clear Communication, Strong Advocacy
Legal matters can be overwhelming, but we keep you informed every step of the way while fighting for the outcome you deserve.
Client-Focused, Results-Driven
We take the time to understand your unique situation and craft legal strategies that prioritize your best interests and long-term success.

Real Stories of Resilience and Resolution

Discover How We've Made a Difference in the Lives of Those We Serve

Davida’s expertise, responsiveness, and care make all the difference. Quality legal support at an affordable price—highly recommended!

- Olivia L.
Davida’s professionalism and dedication ensure clients get the results they need. With her expertise, you’re in the best hands—highly recommended!

- Dustin H.
Davida’s expertise, compassion, and guidance made a challenging divorce less stressful. With her by your side, you’ll feel supported every step of the way!

- Maria E.

View All

Contact Our Child Custody Attorney in Rockville

For many parents, the child custody process can feel overwhelming. Bortmes Legal Services, LLC helps reduce this stress by providing comprehensive support and representation at every stage of the process.

We prepare all necessary documentation, assist in negotiating favorable legal and physical custody terms, and present strong arguments in court when needed. Our firm provides strategic and thoughtful guidance to support you each step of the way.

Call (301) 771-1606 or contact us online to request a consultation with our Rockville child custody lawyer today.

Continue Reading Read Less

Your First Step Toward Peace of Mind Begins Here

Fill out the form below or call (301) 771-1606 today to get started!

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Bortmes Legal Services, LLC at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy