Custody Services
When you are facing a custody dispute, it’s not just “a case.” It’s your children, your relationship with them, and the shape of your family’s future. You may be wondering where your children will live, how often you’ll see them, and whether the court will truly understand your story.
At Terenzini & Lucero LLC, family law is all we do. Our award-winning attorneys focus exclusively on Maryland family law and bring over 40 years of combined experience to custody and parenting matters. We are here to protect your rights as a parent while keeping your children’s well-being at the heart of every decision.
What You’re Going Through Right Now
Custody battles are some of the most stressful experiences a parent can face.
You might be:
- Afraid of losing time with your children
- Unsure how Maryland courts make custody decisions
- Worried about the other parent’s behavior or living situation
- Dealing with a co-parent who won’t communicate or cooperate
- Trying to protect your kids from adult conflict
Many of our clients come to us in exactly this place – overwhelmed, and exhausted. At Terenzini & Lucero, LLC, we give you clear information and help you make decisions that support both your rights and your children’s long-term stability.
How Terenzini & Lucero LLC Helps in Custody Cases
Child custody issues include who makes decisions, where your children sleep at night, how holidays work, and how you stay connected when the children are not with you.
When you work with Terenzini & Lucero LLC, you can expect:
- Time to tell your story. We start by listening—to your history, your concerns, and what you want most for your children.
- Clear explanations of Maryland law. We walk you through legal and physical custody, parenting time, and how the court evaluates “best interests of the child” so you know what really matters.
- A strategy built around your family. No two families are the same. We tailor your approach to your children’s ages, schedules, needs, and any safety or relocation issues.
- Skilled negotiation and, when needed, strong litigation. Often, we can reach parenting arrangements through negotiation or mediation. When that’s not possible, we are prepared to advocate for you in court.
- Consistent communication. Clients frequently describe feeling informed, prepared, and supported during their custody case.
Our goal is to help you feel more in control of a process that can feel anything but.
Maryland Child Custody and Parenting Issues We Handle
Our practice is dedicated to family law. We handle the full range of custody-related matters, including:
Child Custody
Legal and physical custody, sole vs. joint arrangements, and crafting parenting plans that work in real life
Child Access & Visitation
Schedules for weekdays, weekends, holidays, vacations, and virtual or remote contact
Relocation
Moves within Maryland, out of state, or abroad, and the impact on existing custody orders
Parental Abduction / Wrongful Retention
Emergency issues when a parent refuses to return a child or violates an order
Child Support
Third-Party & Grandparent Custody
Cases involving relatives or other caregivers stepping in to protect a child’s welfare
De Facto Parent and LGBTQQIP2SAA Custody
Protecting the rights of non-biological parents and families in all forms
Paternity
Establishing parentage to secure rights and responsibilities
Custody Appeals & Modifications
Challenging or changing existing orders when circumstances significantly shift
Many cases involve a mix of these issues. We are used to navigating complex family structures, high-conflict situations, and cases with serious safety or mental-health concerns.
Our Approach to Custody:
Our approach is to:
- Encourage cooperative solutions where possible, to reduce conflict and stress on your children
- Build detailed, practical parenting plans that reduce future disputes
- Address safety concerns, substance abuse, or domestic violence issues clearly and appropriately, when they’re present
- Prepare you for mediation, evaluations, and court appearances as may be necessary
For some families, that means working hard toward settlement. For other families, it means fully litigating custody in court. We talk with you about the risks, options, and likely paths in your case, and we will stand beside you whichever path you take.
Serving Rockville, Montgomery County and Families Across Maryland
What to Expect When You Contact Us About Custody
Reaching out to a lawyer about your children can feel intimidating. We work to make that first step supportive and straightforward.
- Confidential conversation. We learn about your family, your current order (if any), and what is happening now.
- Explanation of your options. We discuss Maryland custody law, potential outcomes, and different paths including negotiation, mediation, collaboration, litigation, or modification.
- Strategy tailored to your goals. We help you prioritize safety, stability, and your relationship with your children, then outline concrete next steps.
- Ongoing guidance. As your case moves forward, we keep you informed, prepared, and supported so you do not feel alone in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custody in Maryland
How does Maryland decide who gets custody?
Maryland courts look at many factors, including each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s needs, the stability of each home, co-parenting abilities, and any safety concerns. There is no automatic preference for one parent. The focus is on the child’s best interests.
Will I lose my rights if we agree to joint custody?
Joint legal or physical custody can take many forms. The details of the parenting plan including decision-making authority, time-sharing, and tie-breaking mechanisms matter more than the label. We can help you understand what different arrangements look like in practice.
Can an existing custody order be changed?
Yes. If there has been a material change in circumstances that affects your child’s best interests (such as a move, changes in a parent’s stability or health, or serious conflicts with the current schedule), you may be able to seek a modification. Whether a change is likely depends on the specific facts of your case.
Do I have to go to court?
Many custody cases resolve through negotiation or mediation, sometimes with court approval of an agreed order. However, if agreement isn’t possible or your child’s safety is at risk, a judge may need to decide. We will discuss the role of court, if any, in your particular situation.
Every case is unique. The information above is general and not legal advice; we encourage you to discuss your specific situation with an attorney.