4 Myths About Custody and Visitation

4 Myths About Custody and Visitation

Myth 1: Your Child Can Choose Which Parent To Live With

Divorce is difficult for children, and your children may have strong preferences about which parent they would prefer to live with. If your child is old enough, the court may take your child’s preference into account, but the final decision will depend on what the court deems to be in the best interest of the child. Custody disputes can be difficult for families, but your family lawyer in Baltimore can help you work out an arrangement that is best for your child.

Myth 2: If You Have Joint Custody, Neither Parent Pays Child Support

It seems logical to assume that if you and your spouse share equal custody of your child, then neither should have to pay child support. However, the way child support is calculated is a bit more complicated than that. Child support is based on many factors, including your income, your spouse’s income, how many days and nights per week the child spends with each parent, and the costs of the child’s care. It’s important to get help from a family lawyer in Baltimore to make sure your child support arrangement is fair.

Myth 3: Grandparents Have Visitation Rights

Sometimes, divorce affects more than just the immediate family. Grandparent visitation may become an issue in a divorce. This may be because it is not safe or in the child’s best interest to see the grandparent, or it may be because the grandparent has a strained relationship with one or both of the parents. Grandparents do not automatically have visitation rights, but sometimes parents may disagree on whether or not a grandparent should be allowed to see the children. If you have questions or concerns about visitation and custody, call Greenberg Law Offices and speak with a family lawyer.

Myth 4: Visitation is Conditional Upon Paying Child Support

Child support should always be paid on time. If not, the parent who owes child support may face consequences such as garnished wages. Loss of visitation, however, is not a consequence of late or unpaid child support. One parent should not use unpaid child support as a reason to deny the other visitation; the custody and visitation agreement determined by the court should be adhered to, and the issue of child support should be handled through legal channels. If you are owed child support, consult Greenberg Law Offices and talk to a family lawyer in Baltimore.

If you are ready to speak with a family lawyer Baltimore offers, please call Greenberg Law Offices at 410-539-5250.

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