Child custody is often one of the most contentious topics of a divorce. Sometimes, a father might have concerns about a child’s safety or their mother’s ability to parent due to underlying issues, which might lead them to want full custody. If you are figuring out how to get full custody of a child as a father, never delay in consulting an Annapolis child custody attorney.
Legal requirements for fathers who are seeking full child custody include establishing paternity of the child and requesting sole custody. This means that you are requesting both legal and physical child custody.
The phrase “the best interests of the child” is a common legal principle that is used by the courts to determine the most safe, comfortable, and healthy arrangement for children, prioritizing their well-being in the event of a divorce. The primary factors that the court considers include:
Showing that you can provide a calm and safe environment for your child will help the courts make their decision, especially if the other parent is unable to provide a stable situation.
The Maryland courts will strive to give both parents access to child custody if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the children. That said, in some cases, the courts may find one parent unfit, and this is when the other parent is often awarded full custody of the children.
When it comes to child custody cases, it is essential to work with an experienced child custody attorney who can advocate for you to receive full custody of your child. They will work with you to collect documentation, testimonials, and more to present to the courts in order to demonstrate that you are the parent who can provide for the best interests of the child after the divorce.
While the courts usually strive to allow both parents to share at least partial custody of the child, there are situations in which it is clear that the father is the only fit adult and should be awarded full custody.
Child custody cases can be one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce. If you believe that you should fight for full custody of your child, it is advisable to work with a skilled child custody lawyer. The Law Office of Patrick Crawford is committed to helping our clients work through difficult child custody cases.
To schedule a free initial consultation and to learn more about your options, contact us online or call today at (410) 216-7905.
Patrick Crawford is an Annapolis Family Lawyer dedicated to helping you through the most complex and emotional family law matters. During his career, Patrick has successfully represented countless people in divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and other family law cases of diverse complexity.
Years of experience: 20+ years.
Maryland Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page has been approved by attorney Patrick Crawford, a legal professional with over 20 years of experience in family law.