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Child Custody Attorney Bethesda, Maryland

Counseling parents on legal custody and physical custody in Bethesda, MD

When it comes to their children, the uncertainty that divorcing parents face can be especially stressful. The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott works to identify your parenting goals and implement creative solutions that preserve your right to a close, nurturing relationship with your children. Her clear understanding of Maryland child custody law is key in establishing a parenting plan that balances the rights of both parents with the best interests of their children.

Legal custody refers to the process of decision making. In joint legal custody, both parents are involved in the decisions related to their children. In sole legal custody, one parent makes the decisions for the children, often in consultation with the other parent.

Physical custody refers to the residence of the children. In shared physical custody, the children are living with both parents with a time-sharing ratio between 65/35 to 50/50. When a parent has primary physical custody, the children reside primarily with that parent.

Hybrid custody arrangements include:

  • Joint legal custody with primary physical custody allows both parents to make major decisions on their children’s health, education and religion, but day-to-day decisions, such as types of activities, are made by the primary residential custodian.
  • Joint legal custody with tie-breaking authority gives both parents the power to make decisions, but one parent has the final decision-making authority on issues where they cannot agree. Often a system is set up for the parents to meet with a mediator or parent coordinator before the final decision can be exercised.

Selecting your most appropriate child custody schedule

The best child custody arrangement is the one that best serves your lifestyle, your commitment to parenting and the best interests of your children. Parents who have primarily been breadwinners may find it unnatural or impractical to become custodial parents and may be better suited to a joint legal custody-visitation arrangement. Others may be willing and able to modify their work schedules to assume custodial duties. Ms. Talbott assists clients in taking inventory of their past practices and current commitments to design an appropriate custody arrangement that addresses all foreseeable parenting issues. Of course, a change in a parent’s work schedule has to be balanced with commitments to child support. Ms. Talbott is also a skilled child support attorney.

Contact a reliable Bethesda child custody attorney

To discuss your concerns over access to your children after divorce, call The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott in Bethesda at 301-637-8527 or contact the firm online.

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Testimonials

  • Card: Because of good-hearted people like you, this world is a nicer place. I hope all of the good you do comes back to you. Thank you so much. Excellent work!

    - Violet.
  • Stacy: Thank you for all you did to defend me. My child is protected now thanks to your hard work.

    - Candice B.
  • Stacy: I can’t thank you enough for everything you have done. It has been such a stressful and emotional time for me but you made it simple and as pain free as possible. I can’t even express to you how much it means to me. All of the time and money, there are not works that can tell you how thankful I am. You are such a kind, compassionate, generous person. I do believe in good karma and that no good deed goes unnoticed! Thanks

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    Show More - Jennifer
  • My ex-husband (bipolar I + severe alcoholic) left Maryland for 2 years and abruptly returned, demanding to resume visitation with my son. To protect my son, I sought a child custody attorney and was referred to Stacy Talbott. She did a fantastic job of opposing my ex-husband’s outlandish case, while also controlling costs. My ex-husband’s attorneys dropped their fallacious suit against me and we settled out of court, with virtually all of my originally desired protective provisions in place.

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    Show More - Anonymous
  • Thanks to Mrs. Talbott and Mrs. Michelle, they helped me during one of the most difficult times in my life. I’m happy that God chose the right lawyer for me as I had absolutely no idea how to find one by myself. Despite the fact that the separation/divorce was painful, interacting with the two of them helped me stay positive. I recommend Mrs. Talbott for anyone that I care for.

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    Show More - Anonymous
  • Just wanted to let you both know just how thankful I am for all you are doing. I am very pleased! Have a great weekend.

    - Frank G.