Experienced Carroll County Child Custody & Support Attorney
Local Attorney Offering Compassionate Counsel
| James R. Barrett, Attorney at Law, will provide direction throughout the child custody and support process and will work to protect the child's best interests and your rights. He has the answers you need and the experience you trust. Contact us today for a free initial consultation. |
Child Custody
When discussing child custody it is important to distinguish between two different forms of custody: physical and legal. Physical custody addresses the issue with whom the child will live. Legal custody establishes the authority to make religious, healthcare and educational decisions regarding the child. The goal of the court is to establish physical and legal custody that is in the best interests of the child and we are dedicated to demonstrating to the court how preservation of your parental custodial relationship is in the best interests of your child.
Even after custody has been legally established, situations may arise that warrant modification of the original child custody orders. Usually these situations result from one parent sustaining a serious injury or losing a job, making proper care for the child no longer feasible. In other situations, a parent may wish to relocate and an amended agreement will be required. In some instances, one parent may refuse to abide by the established custody order, giving rise to a need for enforcement or modification of the original order. We will handle all of these matters with sensitivity and dedication.
Stepparent and Grandparent Custody
In addition to defending parental rights in child custody matters, James R. Barrett will represent stepparents or grandparents seeking custody of a minor. Whether this is done for the emotional benefit of a collective unified family, to create inheritance rights for the child or for the protection of the child against an abusive or neglectful environment, put our experience to work for you in this important legal process.
Child Support
Maryland is a guidelines state, meaning that the court will follow the state determined guidelines when establishing child support. The courts consider both parents' income when determining child support. We will work to ensure all relevant income is properly accounted, which may include overtime pay, bonuses or rental income.
Occasionally exceptions or modifications may be made to child support orders. But in all situations, the courts are working on behalf of the child's best interests, and child support orders are established to ensure the child continues to experience the standard of living to which she or he has been accustomed.
Your Ally
James R. Barrett is a trial lawyer experienced in addressing child custody and child support disputes, including modification or enforcement of existing orders. He is capable of representing either side in custody and support matters. You can be confident James R. Barrett will work to protect the child's best interests and your parental rights as he provides direction through the custody and support process.
Contact James R. Barrett, Attorney at Law
For experienced local representation, contact James R. Barrett, Attorney at Law, today. Open during standard business hours, our easily accessible office is conveniently located on Liberty Road (MD 26) in Eldersburg, Maryland. Evening and weekend appointments are available and we accept Visa and MasterCard. Initial consultations are free.
James R. Barrett, Attorney at Law
1643 Liberty Road, Suite 105
Eldersburg, MD 21784
Telephone: 410-549-6633 | Fax: 410-549-6364
E-mail