Bethesda Child Custody Dispute Lawyer
At the law office of Steven J. Gaba, I provide comprehensive child custody representation. With decades of experience, including nearly 20 years devoted exclusively to family law matters, I understand the intense emotional struggles and disputes associated with custody.
I pursue alternative dispute resolution strategies for child custody and other divorce issues to help reduce the stress and expense associated with drawn-out litigation. As a qualified collaborative law attorney and member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals, I recognize the immediate and long-term benefits that can come from pursuing resolutions.
However, when matters cannot be resolved through collaborative law or mediation, I have the experience and resources necessary to take your case through litigation and to trial. Additionally, I provide custody modification representation for individuals experiencing substantial changes to their circumstances.
Child Custody Basics
As a dedicated Rockville child custody attorney, I understand the different custody arrangements available under Maryland law, including:
- Residential custody and access: Typically, one parent will have primary residential custody, and the other parent will have regular access to the child (formerly known as "visitation rights") and child support obligations. The amount of time spent living with each parent can be negotiated — or a judge will decide.
- Shared residential custody: In this situation, each parent has the children at least 128 overnights per year (35 percent time), and child support is calculated at a lesser rate.
- Legal custody: Even if one parent has residential custody, both parents may retain legal custody (decision-making authority for health, education and religion). It can be parsed in many ways: shared decision-making, sole legal custody or one parent empowered (for example) to make any educational decisions.
I advise clients to pursue fair and workable parenting plans to help ensure the courts approve the plans and all parties find the plans agreeable. I will help you work out the specifics of your plan, including residential schedules and pick-up/drop-off rules, holidays and vacations, extracurricular activities, transport, etc.
Advocacy for Same-Sex Couples
I have extensive experience representing same-sex couples facing child custody issues. Under Maryland law, you have the same legal options as married couples. As with all of my clients, I stress creative solutions over litigation or trial for same-sex families. I understand how litigation can place children in a legal and emotional tug of war. By handling your custody arrangement through collaborative law, you can gain control over the outcome of your case without stepping foot in court.
Contact Me Today
I welcome the opportunity to discuss your unique divorce issues. You can reach me at 301-637-8508 or toll free at 877-439-1829. I also accept e-mail inquiries.
