Father's rights with respect to custody and visitation with
the children are equal to mother's.  There is no presumption
in favor of the mother, and custody may be awarded to the
father just as it can be awarded to the mother.  

The only question for the court to consider in
deciding who has custody, and what the visitation
schedule is, is what's in the best interest of the child.

Although there is no magic bullet, and often times the
court is faced with two perfectly able parents who
both want custody, there are things that can be done
to increase the father's chances of getting custody, or
of at least an equal or nearly equal visitation
schedule.

Establish and Follow a Schedule:
Often immediately after separation, and for a
significant period of time thereafter, there is no
court order as to visitation.  Establish a fair schedule, and go by
it.  If it is supposed to be your
day, be sure to pick the child up when you are
supposed to, and bring the child back according to
your agreement. The court will often continue an
established schedule unless there is evidence that
it is harmful to the child.

Pay Child Support:
You must show that you are willing to support the
child.  It is not enough to give money now and then,
or to say that you buy things for the child on occasion. You
must pay according to the Maryland Child Support Guidelines.  
 You will have a difficult time trying to convince the court that
you
should have custody, or shared custody, if you have
not lived up to your obligation to support the child.

Be Involved in the Child's Life:
Go to PTA meetings, concerts, ball games, and
other such school activities.  Take the child to and
from extracurricular activities.  Go to dance recitals,
soccer games, whatever it might be.  Do homework
with the child, and be in touch with what the child
is doing in school.  Take the child to the doctor
and dentist.  Know the names of all teachers,
doctors and dentists.

A Word to Mother:
The child or children belong to the father, too, and he
should be involved in the child's life as much as  you
are.  They are also his responsibility.  Make him bear the duties
of raising the children, and allow him
to be an integral part of their lives during this very
difficult time.  
Willis & Henderson, P.A.
Attorneys at Law
3290 North Ridge Road
Suite 210
Ellicott City, MD 21043

410-461-9400
Fathers' Rights
Willis & Henderson, P.A.
Attorneys at Law
3290 North Ridge Road
Suite 210
Ellicott City, MD 21043

410-461-9400
Your rights are equal to hers

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telephone consultation