What Are a Father's Rights in Maryland?

Maryland does not favor one parent or the other when it comes to issues involving children and divorce. Still, fathers sometimes feel they are not treated fairly when it comes to court decisions about custody, visitation and child support. These fathers have gone so far as to organize in order to make their voices heard.

  1. Custody

    • Many years ago, courts nearly always decided in favor of the mother when it came to child custody issues in divorce. Maryland Divorce Online states Maryland does not favor either parent in custody decisions. Other people, such as grandparents, may file for custody of a child, but preference is given to the child's mother and father. Shared custody is the most common type awarded now because it gives equal time and equal decision-making power to both mother and father.

    Mediation

    • When parents cannot agree on custody and visitation arrangements, courts in Maryland can order the parties to participate in mediation. According to Peoples-law.com, a mediator is trained in helping people come to an agreement or compromise when they are having a dispute. The legal process stops until mediation is completed. Peoples-law.com says a judge will typically order two mediation sessions but the mediator may ask the judge for more.

    Finding Help

    • If you feel like your rights as a father are not being respected, you could seek help. Maryland has an organization called Fathers United for Equal Rights Foundation. This organization holds meetings where people can discuss legal issues related to fathers and will provide access to attorneys who can answer legal questions. If you do not feel your attorney understands your rights as a father, you can also find an attorney in Maryland who specializes in father's rights.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How Parents Can Run For Local Office
      What began as a typical Tuesday at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, approximately 80 miles west of San Antonio, ended in tragedy. After yet another mass shooting at a school, 19 students and two teachers are dead. Many parents across th
    • How to Teach Children About Bullying
      Its shocking for parents to realize that their child is being bullied. Its just as painful for them to find out that their child is a bully. Most bullying instances take place away from adults so its hard, but important, to try to get clear facts. Wh
    • How to Choose a Jungle Gym
      As of 2012, nearly one-third of American children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Many parents, hearing reports of the potential health ramifications of child and adult obesity, purchase jungle gyms and other playground equipment to give th