Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

visitation/custody

I have sole legal physical custody of my 2 children, one has special needs and is learning disabled, her father undermines me in front of her all the time, calls me names, which she repeats when she is mad at me, I have a hard time disciplining her, she calls her dad to complain, he accuses me of arguing with her all the time, her psychologist, and a social worker have both said before she has been coached and manipulated, he has visitation every other weekend, he comes over anytime without asking, wants to spend the night but makes me look like I am a b'' because I say no. We are divorced for 9 years, he took her tonight without my permission, said I can't control him, my daughter said it's her life I can't tell her what to do (she is 13) it's a constant battle with him and has a negative affect on her well being, which he blames me for. He is also $30,000 in arrears for CS. I do not have the money for a lawyer, what do you recommend. Contempt, Child mediator or lawyer? My 15 year old wants to be able to stay over his house whenever she wants, he lets her stay out late past 12:00am or lets boys stay over past 1:00 or 2:00 am, he is a recovering crack addict, has lax attitude about, drugs, alco/sex. What do I do?


Asked on 4/09/07, 1:30 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Thomas Brown Law Office of Thomas K. Brown, LLC

Re: visitation/custody

There are many issues here and you probably need to talk to somebody about them. It looks like you're in Carroll County. If you cannot afford a lawyer (after father is 30K$ is arrears, I guess it's no wonder) you might want to contact the Carroll County Circuit Court's Family Law Administration -- http://www.courts.state.md.us/family/carroll.html. They may be able to assist you representing yourself, and it looks like coordinate limited free consultations with local attorneys.

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Answered on 4/09/07, 9:15 am
G. Joseph Holthaus III Law Offices of G. Joseph Holthaus

Contempt, Child mediator or lawyer?

You need a judgment in order to obtain contempt.

A child mediator will work with the dispute between the parents and a guardian ad litem can represent the child's interest.

Any prior orders of the court are important to your question.

You should speak with an attorney when filing legal action.

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Answered on 4/09/07, 9:15 pm


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