parenting plan lawyer Maryland, MD
You just separated from your spouse and you are trying to figure out how to share time with your children without constant arguments and chaos. You want a schedule that works for your work hours, your children’s school and activities, and allows both parents meaningful time. The other parent has proposed a schedule that seems unfair, or you cannot agree on holidays, summers, or transportation logistics. You are not sure whether you should go to court, try mediation, or just put something in writing. You want a parenting plan that protects your relationship with your children and gives everyone clarity. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps parents across Maryland develop, negotiate, and enforce parenting plans that reflect the best interests of the child and the practical realities of your family’s life. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, and his Of Counsel team concentrate their family law practice on custody, visitation, and parenting time matters in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and throughout the state. Reach our Maryland location at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your parenting plan matter.
Strategy Options for Your Maryland Parenting Plan
The first step in any parenting plan is understanding what the Maryland courts consider when approving a schedule. Maryland law requires judges to decide custody and parenting time based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent’s fitness, the child’s relationship with siblings, the child’s preference if sufficiently mature, and the ability of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work with you to build a plan that shows the court your proposed schedule meets those factors.
A parenting plan can be reached through direct negotiation between parents, through mediation, or by a judge after a contested hearing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience in each approach. They help you decide whether to offer a comprehensive written proposal early in negotiations, suggest a parenting coordinator to resolve day-to-day disputes without returning to court, or prepare for a custody trial when the other parent is unwilling to cooperate. They also draft plans that cover holiday rotations, summer vacation, transportation, and decision-making authority for education and health care, so every foreseeable issue is addressed.
What To Expect When You Work With Our Firm
You begin with a consultation where you describe your family’s situation, your work schedule, and your parenting goals. Mr. Sris or one of his Of Counsel will explain the likely court timeline, the role of parenting classes (often required in Maryland family cases involving minor children), and the possibility of a custody evaluation if the parents’ conflict is high. They will then help you prepare a parenting plan proposal that organizes day-to-day and holiday time in a clear, enforceable format.
If your case goes to court, the judge will review the proposed plan, the evaluator’s report if one was ordered, and testimony from both parents before issuing an order. The process may involve temporary orders pending trial. Throughout, our team keeps you informed, helps you gather the evidence you need, and makes sure the children’s well‑being remains the central focus. Our goal is to secure an order that gives your family stability while protecting your parental rights.
Consequences of Not Having a Legally Enforceable Parenting Plan
Without a court‑approved parenting plan, disagreements over holidays, school breaks, or simple schedule changes can quickly escalate into conflict that disrupts your children’s lives. Maryland courts can modify custody only when there is a material change in circumstances and the change is in the child’s best interests, so waiting until a problem becomes severe may delay a remedy and increase legal costs. A clear, written plan reduces misunderstandings and gives both parents a roadmap they can follow.
In some cases, a parent who repeatedly violates a parenting plan may face contempt proceedings, which can lead to fines, attorney’s fee awards, or even a change in custody. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to minimize the risk of future disputes by crafting detailed plans that anticipate common areas of disagreement and include dispute‑resolution mechanisms. Our approach is practical and forward‑looking, not adversarial for its own sake.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law in Maryland since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who brings trial experience and a thorough understanding of courtroom dynamics to every custody and parenting time matter. Mr. Sris keeps his personal caseload small so he can give each client’s case the attention it deserves. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Mr. Sris’s Of Counsel team includes attorneys with decades of family law litigation experience throughout Maryland. They have handled hundreds of custody and parenting time cases in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and beyond. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved over 4,739 documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a parenting plan in Maryland?
A parenting plan is a written agreement or court order that sets out each parent’s time with the children and how decisions about the children will be made. It includes a regular weekly schedule, holiday and vacation time, transportation arrangements, and a method for resolving future disputes. Maryland courts encourage parents to submit a joint parenting plan, and a judge will incorporate a plan that serves the child’s best interests into the custody order.
Do I need a lawyer to create a parenting plan?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to write a parenting plan, but having an experienced attorney helps make sure the plan is comprehensive, legally enforceable, and tailored to your children’s needs. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with you to anticipate common problems—like summer camp scheduling or relocation—and build provisions that reduce future conflict. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can I modify a parenting plan once it is approved?
Yes, a parenting plan can be modified if there has been a material change in circumstances and the court finds that changing the plan is in the child’s best interests. Examples include a parent relocating, a change in the child’s school or medical needs, or a parent repeatedly failing to follow the existing schedule. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can assess whether your situation qualifies for a modification and, if so, file a motion with the appropriate Circuit Court.
What does the court consider when deciding parenting time?
The court considers the factors listed in Maryland law, which include each parent’s fitness, the child’s relationship with parents and siblings, the child’s preference if age-appropriate, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. The court does not favor either parent based on gender. A parenting plan that demonstrates those factors in a clear, detailed schedule usually receives careful consideration.
How long does it take to get a parenting plan through the court?
The timeline varies by case and by county, but a plan reached by mutual agreement can be approved relatively quickly, while a contested custody trial may take several months. In Montgomery County Circuit Court or Prince George’s County Circuit Court, for example, settlement conferences and parenting classes may be scheduled before a final hearing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to move your case forward efficiently while making sure your rights are fully protected.
What if the other parent refuses to follow the parenting plan?
If the other parent violates the court‑ordered parenting plan, you can ask the court to hold that parent in contempt. Contempt can result in make‑up parenting time, payment of your attorney’s fees, or, in serious cases, a change in custody. For a consultation about enforcing your plan, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Does Maryland require parents to attend parenting classes?
Yes, Maryland courts generally require parents involved in custody or divorce cases with minor children to complete a parenting education seminar before a final custody order is entered. The seminar covers the effects of separation on children and how to reduce conflict. Our team will tell you when and where to register and can help ensure that your compliance is documented in the court file.
Can a parenting plan be created without going to court?
Absolutely. Many parents negotiate a parenting plan with the help of their attorneys or through mediation, then submit it to the court for approval without ever appearing before a judge. This approach often saves time, reduces stress, and gives both parents more control over the final schedule. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel guide you through mediation‑ready proposals and can represent you at mediation if needed.
For a deeper statutory explanation, see our comprehensive analysis of Maryland divorce and custody law.
Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation about your parenting plan matter. Our Maryland location, in Rockville, serves Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and all surrounding communities. We are available by appointment.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.