FAMILY AND CHILD CUSTODY ATTORNEY IN NORTHERN MARYLAND

In nearly every family law case that our practice handles, the ones involving child custody issues are by far the most difficult to resolve. No matter how prepared parents are to enter a divorce proceeding, when it comes to making important decisions about the welfare of their children, emotions always run high.

Attorney Donna R.F. Beard understands this and has guided parents of minor children through some of the most tumultuous child custody, visitation, and support negotiations. She recognizes that the clients who come to her are doing so because they deeply care about what’s best for their children. From the beginning, she will listen to what you expect from the child custody, visitation, and support arrangements. She will then explain to you what you can legally expect from the Maryland family courts. Together you will map out a solid legal strategy so that you can do what’s in the best interest of your children.

Child Custody – In Maryland, the court may award custody to either parent, or establish a joint custody agreement between both parents. The gender of the parent is not a factor, nor is prior marital status. In all cases, Maryland family courts make determinations based on the best interests of each minor child. Harford County family law attorney Donna Beard can assist you in representing to the court the importance of your presence in your child’s life—or in a case where the other parent is unsuitable, or needs help with parenting, she can help you keep your child safe.

Child Visitation – The Maryland courts proceed from the assumption that it’s usually in the child’s best interest to have a full family life that includes a meaningful relationship and involvement with each parent. No matter what the physical custody arrangement (whether it is sole to one party or shared between both), Attorney Donna Beard can assist the parents of children to determine and document a fair and reasonable visitation schedule that will include not just a daily schedule, but will address holidays, school breaks, and special family events.

Child Support – Both parents are legally responsible for the financial support and well-being of their children, child support is established to assist the custodial parent in meeting the needs of the children. The child support calculation is based on the gross income of each parent, and can take into consideration daycare expenses, health insurance premiums paid by either parent for benefit of each child, and any extraordinary medical expenses incurred for each child, and is reviewed and must be approved by the court.

Harford County family law attorney Donna Beard recognizes that when you have children you don’t expect to wind up in a lawyer’s office. But you might and she understands that parents seeking custody or support are in a tough, emotional situation and deserve to be treated with compassion.

If you’re the parent of a child and you are seeking to establish or or modify custody, visitation, or support, contact a trusted, reliable northern Maryland family law attorney.

To arrange an appointment with Donna Beard, contact her at her Bel Air, MD law office. The number is 410-696-4385.