Annapolis Child Visitation Lawyer

Defining an Unfit Parent in Maryland

When child custody is decided and visitation is awarded, one parent will be given either supervised or unsupervised visitation. Supervised visitation is generally awarded when a parent is seen as “unfit” because of having a mental illness, health issue, alcohol or drug dependency or criminal history. This type of visitation requires a person appointed by the courts to be present at all times with the child and the “unfit” parent. If a parent complies with the courts and it is later proven that he or she has overcome their situation and is no longer detrimental to the well-being of the child, then a modification of the visitation terms can be requested through the family law courts.

Exploring Types of Child Visitation Arrangements

Unsupervised visitation may be awarded to a non-custodial parent. This type of visitation is the result of not being awarded physical custody or joint physical custody of a child. This would mean that a visitation schedule must be agreed upon by both parents or the family law courts and followed through for the well-being of the child. If one or both parents break a visitation agreement continuously, then a parent can petition the family law courts to modify the existing agreement which could possibly change the existing child custody arrangements. In addition, if sole custody is awarded then depending on the circumstances, either supervised or non-supervised child custody may be awarded to the non-custodial parent.

Some common visitation arrangements with a non-custodial parent include:

• Alternate weekend visitation, including "three-day holidays"
• Mid-week visitation
• Sharing of child during school breaks, fall, winter, spring and summer
• Alternate year visitation for holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter, Thanksgiving and Religious holidays.
• Mother's Day with Mother, Father's Day with Father
• Alternate year visitation on child's birthday
• Open telephone contact
• Exchange of a few days of visitation with other parent throughout the year if mutually agreed upon by both parents. No need for a modification or court order.

Understanding Your Parental Rights in Visitation

In the complex landscape of child visitation and custody, it's essential for parents to understand their rights and responsibilities. At the Law Office of Nicholas T. Exarhakis, we believe that informed clients are empowered clients. Knowing your rights can significantly impact the outcome of your case and the well-being of your child.

Here are some key rights every parent should be aware of:

• The Right to Access Information: Parents have the right to access their child's educational, medical, and psychological records.
• The Right to Participate in Major Decisions: Parents are entitled to be involved in significant decisions regarding their child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
• The Right to Maintain Relationships: Both parents have the right to foster a relationship with their child, which is crucial for the child's emotional development.
• The Right to Seek Modification: If circumstances change, parents have the right to seek modifications to existing visitation arrangements to better suit their current situations.

Understanding these rights can help you navigate the legal system more effectively. Our dedicated team is here to support you in asserting your rights and ensuring that your child's best interests are prioritized. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your unique situation and how we can assist you in achieving a favorable outcome.

How Our Annapolis Child Visitation Lawyer Can Assist You

We can review the circumstances of your case to determine the type of visitation schedule you may be entitled to. An Annapolis child visitation lawyer at our firm can also provide aggressive legal representation in a family law court if you wish to modify the terms of an original agreement, or show proof that a visitation schedule is not being rightfully followed.