Important child custody issues are typically determined via divorce mediation or by the judge in your child custody case in Owings Mills , or anywhere in the Baltimore metro region. The parent that has been awarded legal custody of the child makes decisions regarding healthcare and medical procedures. Legal custody is different from physical custody, which determines which parent a child will live with on a day-to-day basis. Legal custody determines which parent will make long-term decisions about a child’s upbringing and welfare, such as medical decisions.

In most cases, the court will award parents joint legal custody of the child. This means that both parents will have to consult with each other about medical decisions and medical care. If they are unable to reach an agreement regarding medical decisions, they may need to attend divorce mediation or a court hearing before a judge.

A judge may aware sole legal custody to one parent, allowing that parent sole control over medical decisions made for the child. This typically only occurs if the other parent is determined to be unfit to make important decisions. This may be due to a physical or mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction, or past abuse.

If you are considering legal separation or divorce in Owings Mills , or anywhere in the Baltimore metro region, you should consult with an experienced divorce lawyer in your area. Divorce laws are complicated, especially if there are child custody issues in consideration, and a divorce lawyer can make the process less stressful and emotional for you. Here are some helpful tips for preparing emotionally for divorce.

Don’t Obsess Over Winning Your Divorce Case

When couples begin divorce proceedings, they are often very concerned with “winning” their divorce case. In general, divorce cases involve issues of child custody, dividing assets and liabilities, and negotiating child support. It is rare that one party will get everything that he or she wants in a divorce order or child custody order. Instead of obsessing over trying to make every aspect of your divorce or child custody case go your way, you should make an attempt at divorce mediation, or discuss the possibility of an uncontested divorce with your partner.

Be Familiar with Child Custody Laws

One of the most stressful and emotional aspects of any divorce is navigating child custody issues. You can minimize your stress by consulting with a family law attorney who is experienced in child custody laws. Your divorce lawyer should carefully explain the state and federal child custody laws so that you know what to expect and won’t experience any surprises. Divorce mediation can be very helpful when dealing with complex child custody issues, and will make it easier for you and your spouse to agree upon child support and visitation. You can also seek support from a professional counselor to deal with stress you might experience.

Begin Preparing for Your Future

You will feel much more in control during your divorce proceedings if you immediately begin preparing for your future. It might be difficult, but you should avoid focusing on past mistakes, and instead construct a viable plan for your future. Make good faith attempts to work with your spouse on reaching mutually beneficial agreements regarding child custody issues and property division rather than contesting everything throughout the divorce proceedings.

Divorce can be just as financially problematic as it is emotionally exhausting. You may wish to visit a family attorney near Pikesville before informing your spouse that you intend on filing for divorce. Your family lawyer can offer invaluable advice on protecting your bottom line during and after your divorce.

Ignoring the Importance of Savings

When a spouse realizes that a legal separation or divorce is the only viable solution to the breakdown of a marriage, he or she may be eager to go through with the proceedings as quickly as possible. However, it’s essential to ensure that day-to-day living expenses will be met before the court issues rulings on financial matters. Once you’ve begun a legal separation or filed for divorce, you’ll need to pay legal fees and court filing fees. You may also need to make new housing arrangements and meet your other daily expenses on your income alone. Your divorce lawyer may advise you to open a savings account under only your name to allow you to support yourself while the case is pending.

Underestimating Your Expenses

You will need to submit to the court documents pertaining to your finances, including a list of your monthly expenses. Evaluating your income and expenses with the finances of your spouse aids the court in making decisions such as spousal support and child support. One common mistake divorcing spouses often make is to underestimate their monthly expenses. Keep track of exactly where your money goes during the month. Take into consideration your future needs and your child’s needs, including major expenses such as healthcare and minor costs such as school supplies.

Failing to Secure Support Payments

If you expect to receive spousal support and/or child support, you might consider asking the court to require your spouse to obtain disability and life insurance policies. This ensures that you’ll continue to receive payments in the event your ex-spouse becomes disabled or dies.

Neglecting to Consider Shared Liability for Debt

Talk to your divorce lawyer about your marital debts. He or she will help you determine which debts you may be held liable for after the divorce. Even if your spouse is responsible for paying off a credit card, the creditor may begin collection proceedings against you if your spouse fails to make payments.

The issue of the fate of a family pet during a divorce is one example of divorce laws failing to keep up with modern times. When you have a divorce attorney serving Carroll County file a petition for divorce on your behalf, the court will view the family pet as property. Beloved animals are certainly much more than mere property; however, ownership of a pet may be determined much like any other asset. This is one reason why your family law attorney may recommend that you invite your spouse to try mediation.

Giving Mediation a Try

Mediation is often helpful for resolving disputes that arise during divorce. During mediation sessions, you might point out that you acquired the pet before getting married, if this is the case. Or, you might discuss how you are better suited to provide the care the animal needs. A successful outcome to mediation may be dependent upon compromise. Try to work out a visitation schedule with your spouse. For example, the pet could live with you for one month, followed by a month with your ex-spouse. If mediation does not result in a mutually agreeable arrangement, you may need to bring the matter before the judge.

Proving the Role of Primary Caregiver

Much like child custody during a divorce, you can support your claim to ownership of the pet by proving that you fulfilled the role of the primary caregiver for the animal. Begin assembling any evidence that can substantiate your claim. When you bring your animal to the veterinarian, you can ask him or her to sign a note stating that you were the one to bring the animal in, rather than your spouse. Purchase pet food and other supplies with a credit card. Save the receipts with your signature to prove that you provided for the animal. You could even ask your neighbors to write an affidavit stating that they have seen you walking your dog.

Determining the Most Suitable Caregiver

Another factor the judge may consider is which spouse is best able to care for the animal going forward. For example, if your spouse must travel frequently for work and you do not, you may be better suited to provide care. The same applies to spouses who work long hours away from home versus spouses who work out of a home office.

After a divorce, either parent may petition for a change of the minor’s last name. Changing the child’s last name will not affect either parent’s legal obligations to the child, such as child custody or support. If you feel that changing your child’s last name is in his or her best interests, talk to an attorney in Owings Mills. The family law attorney can prepare and file a Petition for Name Change. If both parents consent to the name change, the petition is likely to be granted.

Bear in mind that you are legally obligated to advise the other parent of the Petition for Name Change and the other parent has the right to file an objection. If the other parent does not consent to the name change, the court will schedule a hearing to decide the matter. At the hearing, your divorce lawyer must demonstrate that the name change is in the child’s best interests. For example, your attorney might provide evidence of misconduct or abandonment by the other parent.

It’s wise to wait to discuss divorce with your children until you are positive that you will have divorce lawyers in Owings Mills file for divorce on your behalf. When you do discuss the matter, be prepared to be asked plenty of questions. Depending on the age of your children, they may be concerned about where they will live, whether they’ll still see both parents, and whether they can remain in the same school. If the child custody arrangement has not yet been determined, you can simply tell your children that they will still see mommy and daddy regularly.

For more advice on discussing divorce or legal separation, watch this interview with “Supernanny” Jo Frost. She cautions parents to avoid discussing the specific reasons for the divorce and to avoid disparaging the other parent in front of the kids.

Divorce has a reputation for being highly stressful, contentious, and sometimes downright hostile—with good reason. A marriage is an investment in another person that requires hard work and commitment. When it falls apart, there may be plenty of ill will and hurt feelings. But not every divorce has to be characterized by aggression or hostility. With the help of divorce lawyers in Baltimore County or the Owings Mills area, you and your spouse could choose to work collaboratively toward a mutually agreeable settlement. This is particularly important if the marriage produced minor children. Even if a wholly amicable divorce isn’t possible, it’s still wise to try to keep the peace.

Focus on Moving Forward

Marriage often involves making compromises and putting your spouse’s needs before your own. During a divorce or legal separation, it’s time to move forward and focus on your own needs. It’s perfectly alright to mourn for the loss of the marriage, but if you become preoccupied with the past, you may find yourself expressing your resentment to your spouse. Instead, try to look to the future. Make practical plans, such as arranging for housing and possibly counseling sessions with a mental health professional. Take care of your own physical and emotional needs. Plan future projects, such as taking up a new hobby, becoming a volunteer, or going back to school.

Try to Respond, Rather Than React

Keeping the peace during a divorce requires both spouses to refrain from engaging in uncivil behavior. However, even if your spouse treats you in a disrespectful manner, this does not mean that you have to react in a similar fashion. Instead of reacting to unpleasant situations, try to respond. The difference is that when you respond, you set aside strong emotions, consider the situation in a logical manner, and make reasonable decisions.

Consider Entering Into Mediation

Divorce laws in Maryland allow family court judges to require spouses to enter into mediation. However, even if the judge does not order mediation, you may wish to consider it. Mediation is especially ideal in cases involving minor children, since it can help preserve a cooperative relationship. You can speak to your attorney about private mediation options not provided by the court.