Bowie Grandparents' Rights Lawyers
Family Law Attorneys Helping With Visitation Rights or Other Issues Affecting Grandparents in Bowie, Maryland
When it comes to children of divorced parents, maintaining relationships with grandparents can be important. As always, safeguarding the children's best interests must be the guiding factor in decision-making. Whether you are a parent or grandparent, you will benefit from seasoned legal counsel.
At the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett, we understand the intense emotions associated with any matter involving children. These emotions often affect your ability to make good decisions. As your advocate, we will work alongside you to find the best solution for your children or grandchildren. Our decades of experience have honed our knowledge and skills, and we will use them to benefit you. Discuss your case with one of our respected attorneys during a complimentary consultation.
Grandparents Seeking Visitation or Custody
If you want to maintain a close relationship with your grandchildren, you may be disappointed with your options. Under Maryland law, you do not automatically get visitation rights because you are a blood relative and a grandparent. Without court intervention, your grandchild's parent will have the right to deny your visitation request.
If you were the main childcare provider for your grandchild before the divorce, we can help you fight for visitation. However, the courts always use the children's best interests as the determining factor. Just because you want to see your grandchildren and maintain a relationship with them does not mean the courts will grant your request. Your legal standing is the same as the children's cousins, aunts, or uncles. We can help you prove that visitation with you is in your grandchildren's best interests.
There are also situations where grandparents may need to file a third-party request for child custody. Grandparents may seek custody of a grandchild in situations involving issues such as:
- Unfit parent(s)
- Child abandonment
- Child abuse or domestic violence
- Incarcerated parent
- Unsafe living conditions
- Substance abuse
If you request custody, the courts will consider many factors, such as your age, your physical and mental condition, your financial resources, where you live and the stability of your living situation, the level of your commitment to undertake this responsibility, and your motivation.
Protecting Your Parental Rights
You might be estranged from your parents. Your former in-laws may not have approved of your marriage or divorce. As a parent, you may have valid reasons for resisting a grandparent's request for visitation. These might include:
- Believing your children would be endangered physically, mentally, or emotionally
- A grandparent's attempts to drive a wedge between you and your children
- A fear that the grandparents could kidnap your children
- Threatening behaviors
- Unsafe cars and driving habits
- Criminal activities
Whatever your reasons for disapproval, you have the right to choose how to raise your children and who they are allowed to spend time with. Unless extenuating circumstances exist, your attorney can present a persuasive argument to the courts to uphold your wishes.
The Advantages of Working With Us
Some attorneys accept as many cases as possible, preventing them from carefully and effectively handling their clients' needs. Others may hide behind legal terms to convey their superiority and make excuses for the lack of results. They may only spend minimal time with their clients, leaving client communications to their staff. When you select us, the opposite is true on all counts.
We choose the cases we take carefully so we can devote the time and effort necessary to provide exceptional service to each client. We always use plain English when we speak with you to be sure you can make informed decisions, and we will spend a significant amount of time getting to know you and familiarizing ourselves with the unique issues you are facing. Most importantly, we refuse to budge when defending your rights and advocating for your best interests.
Call Our Bowie, MD Grandparents' Rights Attorneys
The lawyer you choose to represent you will make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Selecting the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett as your legal counsel is a wise choice. Contact us online or call 301-262-5500 to learn for yourself why families throughout Maryland trust us with their legal matters. Get in touch with us today to schedule your free consultation.