There is a perception that men do not fare well in divorce court, and there is some historical truth to the idea. However, laws have adapted to the realities of modern families, and with capable representation, men can expect a fair result in a divorce.
If you are concerned about retaining financial security and maintaining your relationships with your children even when you do not reside with your co-parent, contact the seasoned family law attorneys at Rolle & DeLorenzo. Our Frederick father’s rights lawyers will listen to your concerns and develop a strategy to help you meet your goals.
Child custody issues are often the most emotionally wrenching aspects of divorcing or separating from your co-parent. Our Frederick father’s rights attorneys will explain the custody law, learn about your desired custody arrangements, and work to achieve your objectives.
Maryland Family Law Code § 9-201 requires judges to consider multiple factors when determining whether a custody arrangement promotes the children’s best interests. These focus on qualities like the stability of each parent’s home, the extent of the parent’s involvement with the children, and the child’s preference if they are old enough to state one.
If there is a custody dispute, we can help you prepare a parenting plan tailored to address the factors the judge must consider. We can craft a parental time-sharing agreement that reflects your desire for continuing involvement in your children’s lives and promotes their wellbeing and healthy adjustment.
When parents are unmarried, custody rights reside with the mother by default, even if you have been living with her and the children. You must affirmatively acknowledge your paternity to gain custody rights.
Many unmarried parents sign an Affidavit of Parentage at the hospital when the child is born, which ensures the father’s name appears on the birth certificate. If both parents do not sign the affidavit and a father wants custody rights, he must bring a petition with the court to establish his parentage. The court procedure often requires a DNA test unless the child’s mother acknowledges your claim to paternity.
Establishing paternity bestows the right to seek custody, but does not guarantee you will obtain it. A judge would still examine the relevant factors and determine the custody arrangement that is in the best interest of the child. Our Frederick father’s rights attorneys can work with you to present a persuasive case that granting you parenting time with your children serves their best interests.
Non-custodial fathers often worry about whether the child support obligation will pose an unreasonable financial burden. Child support amounts are based on a formula that strives to allow parents a reasonable standard of living while ensuring the children’s basic needs are met.
The formula considers each parent’s income, the number of children they share, other children a parent supports, and several other factors. The number of overnights the children spend with each parent also impacts the child support amount.
The law permits adjustments for other expenses like the children’s health insurance and childcare costs. If the child support amount after adjustments will interfere with your ability to maintain your household, you still have options. Our father’s rights lawyers in Frederick can petition the court to reduce your obligation to an amount you can afford.
Divorce or separation from a co-parent does not need to erode your role as a father. If you have been an involved parent, our Frederick father’s rights lawyers can help you preserve your relationship with your children. Contact us at Rolle & DeLorenzo to learn how you can preserve your important position in your children’s lives.
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