Why Communication Is Key During Child Custody Discussions In Maryland
In any child custody case, one principle remains paramount: effective communication between parents is essential. In Maryland, as in many jurisdictions, the primary concern in determining custody arrangements is the child’s best interest. This guiding principle shapes all decisions related to custody matters. Clear and constructive communication between parents can significantly influence the outcome of the case, highlighting its critical role in achieving a resolution that best serves the child’s needs.
Why Communication Is Key During Child Custody Discussions
When it comes to the child’s best interests, various factors need to be taken into account, such as whether each parent is likely to continue to take into consideration the child’s relationship with the other parent. Similarly, effective communication reflects your commitment toward enabling a positive relationship between the child and his or her co-parent.
Clear communication also plays a major role in the development of parenting plans. The parenting plan describes how the parents will share the responsibility of and make decisions regarding the child’s welfare. Maryland law encourages parents to work together to develop a plan that serves the best interests of their child’s health, education, and welfare. A well-communicated and mutually agreed-upon plan can frequently avoid litigation and maintain stability for the child.
Legal Consequences Of Poor Communication
Poor communication creates misunderstandings and disputes that make custody issues even more difficult to navigate. If divorcing parents are incapable of effectively communicating with each other, the Maryland courts will consider this an obstacle to co-parenting and may affect the custody arrangement. Good communication, on the other hand, demonstrates to the court that you will co-parent in cooperation, which will assist in resultÂing in a better outcome.
How To Communicate Effectively
Written Communication
When at all possible, use emails and/or texts to create a clear record of what has been discussed and decided upon. Set clear boundaries regarding what is acceptable in communication. Keep discussions about the children’s needs, not personal issues.
Mediate Or Seek Counseling
If talking to the other parent is too hard then consider mediation or counseling. The courts in Maryland will often recommend mediation before disputing parents can go to Court to try and work out an amicable custody arrangement. (MD Rule 9-205).
Maryland Child Custody Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are The Factors Considered By Maryland Courts When Determining Custody?
Maryland courts consider factors such as each parent’s fitness, character and reputation, desires and agreements between the parents, potential for maintaining natural family relations, child’s preference, material opportunities affecting the child’s future life, age, health, and sex of the child, residences of the parents, and opportunity for visitation.
How Can I Better Communicate With My Co-Parent?
Setting a regular and business-like tone may improve communication. One very easy way to manage schedules and share information about your child is through a co-parenting application. Always focus on your child’s needs, not personal issues.
Is Mediation Required In Maryland Child Custody Cases?
While not necessarily “required,” mediation is highly encouraged and frequently ordered by the court when a custody case is contested. It may be a less adversarial and less costly method to achieve an effective parenting plan for all parties concerned.
What Do I Do If My Co-Parent Won’t Effectively Communicate?
If your co-parent will not cooperate, document every attempt to communicate and their responses. This documentation may be important if you go to court. Keep making every effort to effectively communicate in a manner that best supports your child’s interests.
How Do I Prepare For The Child Custody Mediation Session?
In preparing for the mediation, gather all relevant information related to your child’s needs, proposed parenting plans, and communication logs between you and the other parent. It is also useful to consider what compromises you might make. Knowledge of legal rights and obligations, preferably through the support of an attorney, can also be a great grounding for the discussion.
What Happens If We Cannot Agree On A Custody Arrangement In Mediation?
If mediation does not work, the case is most likely to be transferred to a court hearing. A judge presiding over the case will examine all evidence and deliver a custody verdict that best serves the child’s interests. This process is longer and costs more time than an agreement through mediation.
Can Our Child’s Preferences Play Any Role In Custody Decisions?
Yes, the Maryland court can take into consideration the child’s preference if the child is of sufficient age to form a rational judgment. In many cases, the wishes of an older child carry more weight with the judge, but this is just one of several factors the judge will consider.
How Often Can Custody Arrangements Be Modified?
Custody can be modified on the grounds of a substantial change in circumstances that affect a child’s best interest. The change may include the job location of a parent, health issues, and the needs of the child. The modification can either be through agreement by the two parents or a petition to the court by one parent.
Is Joint Custody Always In The Best Interest Of The Child?
Not always, since joint custody, as much as it allows the child to have a close relationship with both parents, sometimes may not be feasible or may not be in the best interest of the child, depending on variables such as the availability of the parents to cooperate and communicate, geographical considerations, and needs and preferences of the child.
How Do I Handle Co-Parenting With A Difficult Ex-Spouse?
Co-parenting with a difficult ex-spouse can be challenging. Setting boundaries and using neutral means of communication like email or co-parenting applications can minimize interactions. It is also worth reminding oneself that all communications must be focused on the child’s needs and that conflict must be avoided in the child’s presence.
What Is A Parenting Coordinator, And How Can They Help?
A parenting coordinator is a professional appointed by the court who helps the parents with disagreements over their parenting plan. As specifically provided by the court, a parenting coordinator is empowered to make decisions on behalf of the parents to limit conflict and avoid further court involvement.
Contact Our Maryland Child Custody Attorney For Superior Representation
Above and beyond anything else, effective communication is key to navigating child custody talks. If it is important for you to co-parent in the best interest of your child, and if seeking assistance through the law is what you want, then Shah & Kishore is here to assist you. Attorney Kishore is dedicated to the needs of your child and provide the support that you need to accomplish what is best as a custody solution.
To receive your free consultation, contact our Maryland child custody attorney at Shah & Kishore by calling (301) 315-0001. We serve clients throughout Rockville and Montgomery County, Maryland. Let us help you build a communication strategy that serves your child’s best interests.