What kind of custody can the court award?
In Maryland, the court can order physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody is with whom the child primarily resides, and legal custody is who makes decisions affecting the child’s health, wellbeing, and welfare. Physical custody may be sole or joint/shared. Sole physical custody means that the child resides primarily with one parent, and has visitation with the other. Joint or shared physical custody is defined by statute, and means that each parent keeps the child overnight for more than 35% of the year. Legal custody may be sole or joint. Sole legal custody means one parent is responsible for decision-making. Joint legal custody means both parents are responsible for decision-making. If you have children and are thinking about separation or are involved in a divorce, you should speak with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your rights and obligations early in the process so you understand your options and can make fully-informed decisions from the start – to pro
