Obtaining Full Custody of the Children in a  Bethesda, MD Divorce

An experienced Bethesda lawyer who focuses on your child’s best interests

Most divorcing couples agree to some form of shared custody to maintain close relationships with their children. However, certain circumstances require one parent to retain full custody to protect the safety and well-being of the children. When maintaining sole custody is in your child’s best interests, The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott advocates for you throughout the legal process.

The meaning of full custody

Under most Maryland child custody arrangements, parents share some degree of decision-making responsibilities for their children, regardless of whether they also share physical custody. Full custody grants full residential control and authority to one parent.

Even with full custody by one parent, the non-custodial parent typically receives regular visitation rights. In extreme situations, such as in cases of abuse, visitation may be supervised, limited or even revoked. However, even in these cases, most parents share financial child support responsibilities.

Justifying full custody to the MD family courts

Under rare circumstances, both parents may voluntarily agree to a full custody arrangement. However, according to the Maryland Statutes, neither parent is presumed to have any right to custody that is superior to the right of the other parent.

In most cases, a request for full custody requires filing a contested divorce and arguing the case in court. Although Maryland judges do not follow specific legal guidelines to make this decision, they consider all pertinent factors, including the following:

  • The overall safety of the children under each parent’s care
  • The character of each parent, including the ability to meet the moral, emotional and material needs of the children
  • Family history of abuse, neglect or abandonment by either parent
  • The ability of either parent to encourage a relationship with the other parent, if appropriate and safe
  • The home environment offered by either parent, including proximity to current schools, friends and family
  • The preferences of the children, provided they are old enough and have the capacity to contribute to the decision

Developing a convincing case requires help from lawyers who understand the factors that compel local judges to recognize that full custody is in your child’s best interest. With more than three decades of experience helping Montgomery County clients develop strong cases and guiding them through complex legal proceedings, attorney The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott understands how to support you. When full custody is for your child’s benefit and safety, she advocates on your behalf.

Contact a detail-oriented Bethesda MD legal team

If you’re pursuing full custody, you need an attorney who is dedicated to developing a case that to convinces judges how important your custody is to your child’s well-being. To schedule an appointment with The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott, call 301-637-8527 or contact her office online today.

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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

    ...
    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.

    ...
    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.