Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

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.