Child Custody and Access That Fits Your Family

Every family is different and nobody understands the needs of your family better than you. So why go to court and have someone else tell you what is best for your family?

I am family law attorney Elizabeth J. Case. I regularly speak at parenting classes for divorcing couples and the most important question I have for these parents is: "What kind of parent do you want to be?" The way you answer that question will determine how you move forward in making child custody, visitation, and even child support decisions that truly work for your child.

The collaborative approach to divorce and child custody may help you work together with your former partner to find the creative solutions you need.

It Doesn't Need to be About Winning and Losing

I understand that divorce is an emotionally trying time, but I can help you focus on what truly matters most-your relationship with your child and your child's well being. By shifting the focus from "primary physical custody" and "sole legal custody" to the things that actually make a difference in your child's life, we find solutions and reach agreements that allow you to be the kind of parent you want to be.

Here are a few examples of important issues that parents can consider when they work together using a collaborative approach:

• Extra-curricular activities: Can both parents attend, or only one? Which parent will attend when?
• Holiday scheduling that goes beyond those typically considered in court (after all, if Mom's family visits on Christmas Eve and Dad's family comes on Christmas Day, why should the child spend Christmas Day with Mom and miss seeing his extended family?)
• School decisions, including who will pay for school (in Maryland, the court does not order parents to pay college tuition but a majority of our child custody agreements discuss this important issue)
• Access to grandparents and other members of the extended family who provide love, support, stability, and a sense of belonging to a child

Creative Solutions Even When Decision Making is Difficult

Even if you have trouble getting along with the other parent, I can help you find resources and options that will work for you. Co-parent counseling is available, as well as the services of a parent coordinator. If you need help with decision making, we can draft provisions for mediation into your child custody agreement. Can't agree on treatment of a medical problem? We can specify which medical providers will be consulted and how decisions will be made. You DO have options and I can help you explore those options and craft them into child custody and access agreements that work.

If the collaborative process or mediation are not right for you, there is always the option of going to court and allowing a judge to decide. Sometimes that is necessary and as your divorce lawyer I will advise you when I think that's the most appropriate course of action for you.

Contact

Pursuing collaborative law to settle your divorce is about more than just child support and visitation agreements. It is about working together to find creative solutions for your family. Contact my Columbia law office to learn more about how I can help you.

Elizabeth J. Case, P.A.

10025 Governor Warfield Pkwy, Suite 304
Columbia, MD 21044-3347
Phone: 410-997-6419 ∙ Fax: 410-992-3277
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The law offices of Elizabeth J. Case provides legal representation and support in collaborative divorce and mediation of family law issues to clients in Howard County, Maryland, and the communities of Columbia and Ellicott City.