Towson Divorce Lawyers

We Assist Our Clients with Parenting Plans & Visitation Schedules

For many divorcing couples, child custody and child visitation issues often cause the greatest amount of stress and contention between the parties. Of all legal documents that a divorce generates, the parenting plan (also referred to as the custody decree, custody order, visitation schedule or residential schedule) should never be entered into or modified without the assistance of an experienced family law attorney. Parenting plans specify where and with whom a child will live and can include other important details relating to the well-being of the child.

Drafting of Parenting Plans in Maryland

A consistent custody and visitation schedule can often ease the emotional trauma divorce has on children. When parents work together to create a flexible parenting plan, all involved parties reap the benefits, especially the children.

Maryland courts consider many factors in determining whether a parenting plan is in the “best interest of the child.” Some of those factors include:

Educational and extracurricular schedules of the child.
Work schedules of both parents.
The ability of the parents to maintain a cordial relationship in front of their children.
Travel plans.
Transportation issues.
Child care issues.
Opportunities for the child to spend time with extended families.

Parenting plans should include specifics about physical custody arrangements, visitation schedules, holiday and vacation schedules, how communication between the parties will be handled, transportation issues (how will the child be transferred between parents), decision making authority and advance notification requirements. At Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, our experienced Maryland family lawyers work with divorcing couples in drafting fair and enforceable parenting plans.

Modification of Parenting Plans in Maryland

There are many reasons that it may become necessary to modify a pre-existing parenting plan. One or both parents may petition to modify an existing parenting plan. Maryland courts will allow a modification of parenting plans when there has been a “material change in circumstances” such as:

Remarriage,
Birth of subsequent children,
The relocation of one parent,
Change in the income level of one or both parties, or;
Substantial change in the material needs of the child (including both emotional and physical needs).

Enforcement of the Terms of a Parenting Plan in Maryland

When a parent refuses to abide by the terms of a court ordered or court approved parenting plan, including refusing to allow visitation for the noncustodial parent, court action may be necessary. When one parent does not comply with the terms of a parenting plan, the other parent may not only petition for a modification of the parenting plan, but may also seek other remedies including court ordered counseling and mediation. At Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, our experienced Towson child custody lawyers have handled enforcement of parenting plan matters and can help ensure that all your rights as a parent are protected. Our attorneys are experienced negotiators and mediators who can guide you through the complexities of Maryland laws relating to child custody issues.

Towson Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Assist Couples with Drafting, Modification and Enforcement of Maryland Parenting Plans

For assistance negotiating or modifying the terms of a parenting plan or to file a legal action to enforce the terms of a parenting plan in Maryland, divorcing couples need the assistance of the Towson divorce lawyersat Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC for all of their legal needs. Our office is conveniently located in Hunt Valley, Maryland to serve our family law clients in the greater Baltimore area throughout Baltimore County, Harford County, Carroll County and Howard County, including Towson, Essex, Columbia and Bel Air.

To discuss family law matters including those related to divorce, child support, alimony, prenuptial agreements , same sex marriage and child custody, call to schedule your free confidential consultation today at 443-589-0150 or contact us online.