This article is designed to give you general information on how courts decide custody and visitation rights in Maryland. Parties with legal custody (decision-making authority) make long-term decisions about education, health, religion, care, welfare and other important areas.What is Child Custody? Child custody disputes often arise when two parents who are facing a divorce or separation petition the Court to decide. Commitment Order -- A court order directing that a person be kept in custody, usually in a penal or mental facility. In Maryland, the court may award full legal and physical custody of a child to one parent if it is in the child's best interests. A person with physical custody has the child living primarily with them and they have the right to make decisions as to the child's everyday needs. Joint legal custody is essentially a promise to work together to make those decisions. Follow these steps while filing and serving to avoid mistakes that can stall your case. Information for plaintiffs and defendants, plus the forms you need.
