Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
teenagers do not want to go back
Hello, my ex has custody of my two girls, 13 & 15 yrs old. I live in TX he is Baltimore MD. The girls are visiting me and they do not want to go back but father says they have to. what can I do to keep them here with me until I can go through the courts to modify the custody. They are being hit by belts and verbal abuse. They are scared to go back. I do not have a lot of money to hire a lawyer from MD. Can I keep them here and file paperwork from TX or do I send them back then file? They refuse to go what can I do? Please advise. Thank you so much.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: teenagers do not want to go back
If they are being abused, you need to contact DSS in Baltimore. Also, you may be able to file a report in TX. As for filing, you would need to have the DSS report, but then you could file for an emergency.
I would be happy to discuss your matter further, please contact my office.
Re: teenagers do not want to go back
Since you are in Texas, and the children have made an outcry of abuse, report it to DHS here in Texas, and they will share their report and information with the MD authorities. These MD lawyers have offered their advice and assistance, and you should consult with them prior to sending the children back.
If the case originated in Texas, feel free to email me directly for additional referrals.
Re: teenagers do not want to go back
If the original custody order was issued in MD (or was issued in another state and enrolled in MD), then any action to modify custody would have to be brought there since the father still resides in MD and that is also the children's home state. We handle Maryland custody cases and often represent out of state clients. We can move to modify based on the abuse of the children and in light of their wishes (given their ages, the court will consider - but will not be bound by - their wishes). Please contact us at www.marylandfamilylawyers.com for more information or to arrange a free telephone conference.