Maryland Info
Maryland Divorce
Start Your Divorce
Find Professionals
Maryland Articles
Divorce Facts
Divorce Grounds
Residency
Divorce Laws
Mediation/Counseling
Divorce Process
Legal Separation
Annulments
Property Division
Alimony
Child Custody
Child Support
Divorce Forms
Process Service
Grandparent Rights
Maryland Articles
Agreements
Custody & Visitation
Child Support
Counseling
Divorce/General
Domestic Abuse
Financial Planning
Mediation
Property Division
Spousal Support
Info Categories
Contemplating Divorce
Children & Divorce
Divorce, Dollars & Debt
Divorce Laws
Divorce Process
Divorce Negotiation
More Information
Articles Checklists Research Center Cases of Interest Dictionary Encyclopedia Encyclopedia (pop-up) Blogs
For Professionals
Advertise With Us Free Network Page Join Our Network Submit Articles Sign In Network Sites
|
Can a Third Party Be Granted Child Custody in Maryland?
In a dispute between a parent and a non-parent third party, there is a presumption that the best interest of the child is served by awarding custody to the parent. This presumption can only be rebutted if: (1) the parent is unfit; or (2) exceptional circumstances exist so that custody with the parent would not be in the child's best interest. A third party seeking custody must rebut the parent presumption by a preponderance of the evidence (a more likely than not or more than 50% standard). When a third party is granted custody, it is always subject to modification based on a material change in circumstances. A parent's custodial rights are not terminated by the award of custody to a third party, nor is the parent precluded from seeking custody in the future. The parent may also be granted the right to visit and/or communicate with the child as part of a third party custody award.
Navigate:
Home
States
Maryland Divorce Source
Maryland Divorce Articles, News and Resources
Child Custody & Visitation
Can a Third Party Be Granted Child Custody in Maryland?
Maryland Family Law recognizes eight different grounds for divorce. Adultery, voluntary separation (for at least 12 months), imprisonment (with a sentence of at least three years and at least 12 months already served), and living separate and apart (for at least two years), are among some of the reasons. For the court to grant a divorce based upon any of these grounds, they must be proved in court through evidence and testimony.
|
![]() Find Professionals
Easily Connect With a Lawyer or Mediator
Have Divorce Professionals from Your Area Contact You!
|
Established in 1996
© 1996 - 2021 Divorce Source, Inc. All Rights Reserved.