La Plata Child Custody Lawyer

Protecting Your Parental Rights and Your Child’s Best Interests

Few legal issues are more emotionally charged than those involving child custody and visitation. Whether you’re going through a divorce, separating from your child’s other parent, or seeking a modification to an existing custody order, it’s essential to have experienced legal counsel on your side. At Fanning Law, we understand how important your children are to you. We’re here to help you protect your parental rights while promoting a stable, healthy environment for your child.

Attorney William C. Fanning, Jr. has over 30 years of experience representing parents in family law matters throughout Southern Maryland, where our La Plata child custody lawyer provides skilled, compassionate guidance to clients in Charles County and surrounding communities. We’ll work closely with you to develop a custody plan that reflects your child’s needs and your goals as a parent.

Types of Child Custody in Maryland

Maryland law recognizes two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, medical care, religion, and other major issues. Physical custody, in contrast, refers to where the child lives and the day-to-day responsibilities of caregiving.

Each type of custody can be awarded solely to one parent or jointly to both parents. In most cases, Maryland courts encourage joint custody arrangements, but only when they serve the best interests of the child and when both parents can communicate and cooperate effectively.

Visitation (Parenting Time)

When one parent is awarded primary physical custody, the other is usually granted visitation rights—also referred to as parenting time. Visitation schedules can range from alternating weekends to shared custody with nearly equal time, depending on the family’s circumstances and the child’s needs. Courts may also order supervised visitation if there are concerns about a child’s safety or well-being. At Fanning Law, we help parents understand their options, build parenting plans, and advocate for arrangements that support the child’s emotional and physical development.

The “Best Interests of the Child” Standard

In every child custody case, Maryland courts make decisions based on what serves the best interests of the child. This standard takes into account a wide range of factors, including, in priority order:

Capacity of the Parents to Communicate and to Reach Shared Decisions Affecting the Child’s Welfare
Willingness of Parents to Share Custody
Fitness of Parents
Relationship Established Between the Child and Each Parent
Preference of the Child
Potential Disruption of Child’s Social and School Life
Geographic Proximity of Parental Homes
Demands of Parental Employment
Age and Number of Children
Sincerity of Parents’ Request
Financial Status of the Parents
Impact on State or Federal Assistance

Every family is different, and the court will weigh these factors according to the unique facts of your case. Attorney Fanning brings decades of experience handling Maryland custody disputes and knows how to present your case effectively to protect your rights and your child’s welfare.

Creating a Parenting Plan

A parenting plan is a written agreement that outlines how parents will share custody and make decisions for their children. A well-crafted parenting plan helps reduce future conflict and provides structure and clarity for co-parenting.
Your parenting plan may address, for instance:

Residential schedule (weekly and holiday schedules)
Transportation and exchange arrangements
Communication between parents
Decision-making responsibilities, including which parent has the power to break a tie
Dispute resolution procedures

If you and your child’s other parent can agree on a plan, the court will likely approve it as long as it serves the child’s best interests. If you cannot reach an agreement, the judge will issue a custody order after considering the evidence and testimony at trial.

Modifying a Custody or Visitation Order in La Plata

Life changes, and custody arrangements sometimes need to change too. If there’s been a material change in circumstances—such as a parent relocating, changes in the child’s needs, or issues with compliance—a parent can petition the court for a modification.

Attorney Fanning can help you evaluate whether a modification is appropriate and guide you through the legal process of seeking or contesting changes to an existing order. Courts do not take modifications lightly, so it’s important to present a strong, well-supported case.

Enforcing Custody and Visitation Orders

If your co-parent is not following a court-ordered custody or visitation arrangement, you have legal options for enforcement. This might include court intervention to ensure compliance, make-up visitation time, or other remedies. We’ll help you take appropriate action while maintaining focus on your child’s well-being.

What to Expect in a La Plata Child Custody Case

Custody matters can be resolved in several ways, including negotiation or mediation, custody evaluation, or trial:

Negotiation or Mediation – Many parents are able to work out custody arrangements through informal negotiations or with the help of a mediator. Attorney Fanning can represent you during these discussions and ensure your interests are protected.
Custody Evaluation – In some cases, the court may order a custody evaluation by a neutral professional who interviews the family, visits each home, and makes recommendations to the judge.
Trial – If no agreement is reached, your case will go to trial, where a judge will consider testimony, expert reports, and other evidence to make a custody determination.

Through every step of the process, we provide practical advice, emotional support, and strong legal advocacy to help you achieve a positive outcome.

Why Choose Fanning Law

With decades of experience and a deep connection to La Plata and Southern Maryland communities, Attorney William C. Fanning, Jr. is a trusted advocate for parents facing custody and visitation challenges. His knowledge of local courts and judges, along with his commitment to personal service, ensures that you’ll receive the attention and representation you deserve.

At Fanning Law, we take a thoughtful and compassionate approach to child custody. We’ll work with you to develop creative, child-focused solutions that reflect your values and help your child thrive.

Serving Families Across Charles County and Southern Maryland

Our firm represents parents in La Plata, Waldorf, Lexington Park, Glen Burnie, Bowie, Annapolis, and throughout Charles County and Southern Maryland. Whether you’re initiating a custody case, seeking a modification, or dealing with enforcement issues, we’re here to help.

Get the Support You Need to Protect What Matters Most

When your child’s future is at stake, you deserve a legal team that’s on your side. Contact Fanning Law today to get started. Our La Plata child custody lawyer will help you understand your rights, explore your options, and take the steps needed to protect your relationship with your child.