Child Custody Attorney Helping Families In Maryland And D.C.
When your children’s future is at stake, having a skilled child custody lawyer in Silver Spring can make all the difference. Child custody matters deeply affect parent-child relationships and shape the day-to-day life of your family. At the Law Offices Of Harry A. Suissa, P.C., we focus on protecting your parental rights while keeping your children’s best interests at heart.
For decades, we have helped families throughout Silver Spring, Maryland and Washington, D.C., find clear paths forward with compassion and skilled legal advocacy. Whether dealing with initial custody determinations during divorce or seeking modifications to existing arrangements, we are here to support you.
Understanding Different Types Of Child Custody
Courts in Maryland and D.C. recognize several custody arrangements that can be tailored to your family’s needs.
Physical custody establishes where your child will live and which parent handles daily care responsibilities. Sole physical custody means the child lives primarily with one parent while the other parent typically has visitation rights. Shared physical custody involves the child spending substantial time living with both parents according to an agreed-upon schedule.
Legal custody gives parents authority over major decisions in their child’s life, including education, health care, religious upbringing and extracurricular activities. Joint legal custody allows both parents to share decision-making responsibilities and requires them to communicate and cooperate on important matters. Sole legal custody grants one parent the authority to make these decisions independently. The courts can also establish different combinations of these arrangements.
How Courts Determine Child Custody
When deciding custody arrangements, courts focus primarily on the child’s best interests. Key factors include:
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s work schedule and availability
- The child’s current school and community ties
- Any history of abuse or neglect
- The child’s preferences, depending on age and maturity
The Law Offices Of Harry A. Suissa, P.C., will stand by your side to build the strongest possible case for your desired custody arrangement. As a Spanish-speaking family law attorney, he maintains clear communication throughout your case, regardless of language preferences.
Get Professional Help With Your Custody Case
Do not face custody proceedings alone. With decades of experience serving clients across Maryland and Washington, D.C., the Law Offices Of Harry A. Suissa, P.C., can help protect your parental rights and work toward an arrangement that serves your children’s best interests.
Contact his Silver Spring office at 301-960-5458 or use the online contact form to schedule a consultation.