Issues Affecting Children

Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Custody & Child Support Lawyer

Children's lives will be strongly affected by the decisions that are made during a separation, divorce, or other types of family law proceedings. At the Law Office of Andrea L. Shapiro, we aim to obtain child custody and child support arrangements that meet the needs and the best interests of the children. If you are a parent going through a paternity, custody, or child support matter, you have serious concerns. We can provide you the legal assistance you and your children deserve during this time.

If you require the assistance of an attorney with a paternity, custody, child support, or other issues affecting your children, we invite you to call the Law Office of Andrea L. Shapiro today, at (240) 339-1741, to schedule a consultation. You can also fill out a contact form and someone from our firm will be in touch with you promptly.

What are the Possible Outcomes in Child Custody?

Child custody arrangements can come in many forms, and include both physical and legal custody. Physical custody refers to where children live; legal custody refers to how decisions are made regarding the children's education, health care, religion, and other important issues. One parent can be awarded sole physical custody, while the other parent has visitation, or both parents may spend equal time with the children, which is shared physical custody. One parent may be awarded sole legal custody, which means that parent has the authority to make all major decisions regarding the children, or the parents may have joint legal custody, which means they make mutual decisions about the care of their children.

How is Child Support Determined?

In Maryland, child support is usually calculated by statutory guidelines. The calculation takes into consideration such factors as each parents' income, time spent with the children, health insurance coverage, any special needs of a child, and other financial information. In some cases, the amount of child support awarded will deviate from the amount suggested by the guidelines.

Can I Make Changes to Custody and Child Support?

The need to make changes to custody or child support can arise due to a material change in circumstances. Requests to modify custody may be based on a parent's failure to care for a child; a child's failing in school; a parent's relocation; or, other significant change. A request to modify child support may be based on a change in a parent's income, a child reaching the age of eighteen, or another significant change.

What Other Issues can Affect Children?

Our firm provides comprehensive help to parents, guardians, and other individuals who have legal concerns regarding the children in their lives. In addition to custody and child support issues, we handle paternity matters, guardianships, stepparent and private placement adoptions, name changes, and third party custody matters.

Attorney Andrea L. Shapiro has served as a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem, and has been trained as a Best Interests Attorney for children. She is well versed in the laws that affect children, and welcomes your inquiries. Contact our firm to schedule your consultation.

Law Office of Andrea L. Shapiro
14760 Main Street
Suite 111
Phone: 240-339-1741
Fax: 240-339-1743

The Law Office of Andrea L. Shapiro is located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and provides representation in all areas of family law, including separation and divorce, custody and child support, to clients throughout Maryland, including those communities such as Upper Marlboro, Annapolis, Bowie, College Park, Columbia, Dunkirk, Fort Washington, Greenbelt, La Plata, Largo, Prince Frederick, Rockville, Silver Spring and Wheaton.

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