{"id":373814,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:26","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-child-custody-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-12T19:25:07","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T00:25:07","slug":"maryland-child-custody-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/maryland-law\/maryland-child-custody-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Child Custody Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Maryland Child Custody Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Parents must agree on child custody when they separate. This includes how they will make major decisions about their child (legal custody) and sharing time with their child (parenting time, timesharing, or physical custody, depending on the state). If parents can’t agree, courts will decide the best plan based on state child custody laws.<\/p>\r\n

All states, except Massachusetts, have adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act<\/a> (UCCJEA). In Maryland, joint custody is an option for separated parents, and the state recognizes grandparents’ visitation rights. Maryland doesn’t consider the wishes of the child in custody matters. But, a child of at least 16 may petition the court for a change of custody.<\/p>\r\n

This article offers a summary of child custody laws in Maryland.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Custody in Maryland<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

In Maryland, custody of a child includes legal custody<\/a> and physical custody<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n