Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

im a father taking my childs mother to court for joint custody we both are representing ourselfs she has accuse me of pot use and 1 incendent of domestic abuse to her from two years ago when she hit me in the mouth in a atempt to stop her from doing it again her lip got busted slightly so she put me out and went home and called the police i was never arrested of charged with anything it all happened in another county so they could do nothing i didnt get to explain my side to anyone now it seems to be coming up in court how will this hurt me? how can i be prepared for our next court date? what papers and documents can help me to take to court? she has no proof of the pot use but if im asked i will give a urine test.. would it help to get one before i go court and take the results? or will they ask me to take a court ordered one..shes also requested sole custody.. and child support what does this mean? i have no father rights? can u please help.. i need to be prepared


Asked on 1/24/11, 10:06 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

First of all, if you are serious about trying to get joint custody you need to get legal representation. Your post makes it clear that you don't have any clue as to how to handle yourself in court, which is to be expected in this situation. If you income qualify, your county bar association can put you in touch with attorneys who handle cases on a reduced fee basis or even pro bono, which means without charge. When you go to court the main issue the judge must decide is what is in the best interest of your child. An experienced attorney will prepare by taking pre-hearing discovery, which means submitting written questions, which are called interrogatories, requesting documents, and if appropriate, taking the mother's deposition. That is how you find out what evidence the other side is planning to present and therefore how to contest it. As for child support, each parent has this duty and must pay according to his/her income. Generally speaking, the parent who has all or most of the residential custody is paid support by the other parent.

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Answered on 1/28/11, 6:55 am


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