Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
custody
The last court hearing we had the judge awarded my son full legal custody. He told the mother she had to 'get her life together' before she could file for visitation. She has a drug addiction problem.
What can 'get your life together' mean? Is a negative drug test enough to pacify the court? She does not work and does not pay child support. She also has a criminal background and problems with domestic violence.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: custody
It can mean whatever the judge thinks it means given the facts of your specific case. Obviously he/she is referring to the mother's drug problem, and those steps she takes to overcome it are what the judge is looking for.
Re: custody
Obviously the case challenged the judge. I cannot say to what intent the statement was made without knowing many more facts about the parents, the child and the actions before the Court.
Many times a judge will make such a statement to ensure that the parent takes matters seriously. Drug addiction is a serious matter.
Supervised visitation should, at a minimum, be attainable. Her criminal backgound and problems with domestic violence may present issue with further custody but I would need to know the specifics.
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