| The laws for child custody in the state of Maryland | | | | the right of the abusive parent to have visitation with |
| are found in Title 5 and Title 9 of the Family Law | | | | the child. Unless the court decides that there is no |
| section of the Maryland Code. Within these statutes, | | | | likelihood of further abuse, the parent will lose visitation |
| parents can find the necessary guidelines to create | | | | privileges. However, the parent can set up a |
| their parenting plan or custody agreement. The state | | | | supervised visitation situation to continue to see the |
| expects parents to research this information so the | | | | child and the court can choose to approve it. The |
| plan and agreement can be accepted by the court. | | | | arrangement must provide for the safety and well |
| Here are three important laws to think about when | | | | being of the child. A mother or father involved in an |
| creating a parenting plan. | | | | abusive situation must think about visitation and include |
| 1. Neither parent is given a preference for custody. | | | | the proper stipulations and provisions in the custody |
| Title 5-203 clearly states that neither parent is given | | | | agreement to protect the child. |
| preference for custody. This means that custody can | | | | 3. When the child reaches 16, he/she can file a petition |
| be awarded to the father, to the mother, or jointly. This | | | | to change custody. Title 9-103 states that when a child |
| section of law also explains that both parents are | | | | reaches the age of 16, he/she can file a petition for a |
| equally responsible for the child's support, care, welfare, | | | | change of custody. Parents need to realize this as |
| nurture, and education. Parents need to consider this | | | | they set up their plan. They really only have a say until |
| as they create an agreement. The mother and father | | | | the child is 16, and then the child can choose. The |
| should both plan on being involved in the child's life to | | | | mother and father should base the plan on what the |
| continue to care for the child. | | | | child needs, and the plan should adapt as the child |
| 2. When supervised visitation is an option. Title 9-101 | | | | grows older. With this approach, the parents will be |
| sets the standard for the necessity of supervised | | | | ready when the child reaches this stage and hopefully |
| visitation. In cases of abuse, the court will investigate | | | | they can all work together. |