[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]As a mother, it can be tough to understand your maternal custody rights in the state of Maryland. At the Law Offices of Corrie Boulay our primary focus is helping you and your children through an already painful and unsettling time. 

If you were married when you gave birth to the child, your spouse at the time is assumed to be the biological father of the child. In this case, both you and the father are “joint natural guardians” of the child. But, if you gave birth outside of a marriage, you are still considered the “natural guardian” of the child, while the biological father has to establish his paternity. As a “joint natural guardian” you equally share in the rights and responsibilities of parenthood, but as a single “natural guardian” you alone have the rights and responsibilities of parenthood, until paternity is established. Paternity can be established by the presumed biological father signing an “Affidavit of Paternity” voluntarily or by DNA testing ordered by the Court. 

It is important for mothers to know that despite their legal status as “natural guardian” whether or not they are married, they are not guaranteed “maternal preference.” In the past, the Courts recognized maternal custody rights as superior to paternal rights. This is no longer the case, however, as Courts have abolished “maternal preference” and now see no parent’s rights as superior to the other. 

Now, whether or not you have “joint natural guardianship” or sole “natural guardianship, the Court’s decision in any custody case is always based on and weighed with the “child’s best interest” in mind. The Court does hope to protect the rights and privileges of parents involved, but all decisions must be in the “child’s best interest”. 

In the scenario in which you are married or where paternity has been established, you and the father of the child have equal claim to the physical and legal custody of the minor child. This right, as “joint natural guardians”, includes “decision making power”, access to child’s records, traveling out-of-state with the minor child, and aid from the Court should either party attempt to deny the other visitation or access. These rights as legal guardians are always subject to the “child’s best interest”. So, your ability to exercise these maternal custody rights is dependent on the Court finding that it is in the “best interest of the child” for you to do so. 

If you are the sole “natural guardian” of the child from abandonment, death, or inability of the father, you alone have parental claim to the physical and legal custody of the minor child. However, your claim is still subject to the “child’s best interest” and can be challenged by other invested parties (such as grandparents, aunts, etc.). Still, in the absence of extenuating circumstances, the Court is likely to rule with the natural parents. So, provided you can be proven to be in the “best interest of the child”, your claim as a mother and natural guardian is valid. 

We hope this information will help you and your child/children through this difficult time. We understand how painful custody cases can be, and we want you to know that we are here for any legal assistance you may need at (410) 268-2488. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1596550774746{padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_custom_heading text=”What Our Clients Are Saying About Us” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]

Great Attorney, Highly recommend to anyone.
Joshua Ruby
Judy Beck
Alicia Smollon is a wonderful attorney! She handles herself exceptionally well with the proper tone when needed; calm, aggressive, and assertive when... the situation calls for it. She is easy to speak to and understanding to the uniqueness of each situation. I would absolutely use her again as my attorney!The stuff you want to know about Alicia: timely, fair billing, open communication, and delivers on-time with exceptional work products.read more
Brittany Clack
Simply put... Corrie Boulay is amazing! She is very well-skilled in her craft and I am more than happy with the outcome of my recent case. She... handled the entire process with honesty, professionalism and grace. I am so thankful for Corrie and highly recommend her services to anyone dealing with a Family Law matter!read more
Marlynda
Corrie Boulay has over two decades of experience in family law, which served me extremely well as I went through my divorce. Her knowledge of the... law, professionalism, diligence, and attention to detail ensured that my interests were well-represented and led to a very favorable outcome. Corrie and her team were very responsive and great to work with! I highly recommend her services to anyone with a family law matter!read more
Thomas Cagle
Ms. Alicia Smollon is very professional. Alicia worked on my complicated divorce/child custody case. She was very dedicated and provided me with... timely communication. Alicia always answered all my questions and fought hard for me outside and inside the courtroom. Alicia is very organized and very knowledgeable in regards to divorce and child custody proceedings. I felt very confident and informed in making the best decisions for myself and my child through her guidance and she truly supported me throughout the entire process. I would definitely use her services if needed in the future.read more
Valerie Nowak
Mrs. Alicia Smollon is the most expensive friend i've ever had, and she is worth every penny! I couldnt imagine having gone through this experience... with any other lawyer. She fights for you while also caring for you as a person, not just a client. I will be recommending her to everyone i know.read more
Catherine Oltman
I worked with Alicia Smollon. She was fantastic to work with and always responded quickly. I am very pleased with my outcome during a difficult... situation.read more
Mandy Mascetti
I worked with Alicia and she was always quick, attentive and clear in her communication. I have also consulted with her on going and she continues... to provide the same service for additional family matters.read more
Sarah Hanford
My experience with the Law Offices of Corrie Boulay was excellent. I am a non-US citizen faced with an extremely complex case in Maryland Courts. Ms.... Corrie Boulay and Ms. Alicia Smollon and their team delivered fantastic service for me with excellent outcomes on two different occasions.They were very compassionate, responsive to my case and their fees were very reasonable. First-class Law Firm, excellent, skilled and compassionate lawyering.I was very lucky to have them representing me.Dr. J.ACanadaread more
Nii Oryee
Mary Helton
Alicia was a delight to work with and helped us through every step of the adoption process. Would highly recommend!
Deborah Marshall
If it wasn’t bad enough to have to hire a divorce lawyer, the Law Offices of Corrie A. Boulay, LLC, came to my rescue. I was, and still am, very... impressed with my attorney, Alicia Smollon. Her skills and knowledge regarding the handling of my divorce was extraordinaire. She’s attentive, professional and has a way of making you feel more at ease when discussing sensitive issues. She has been responsive to my emails, as well as all my concerns.read more
Pat Mitchell
Alicia Smollon did a great job helping us with adoption finalization. She was sensitive to our need to complete the process within a certain... timeline, and everything went smoothly.read more
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Samuel Payne
love themThey are very family friendly and will do everything to ensure you are treated fairly and respectfully.
Erica Dellinger
I have been using Corrie and Alicia for close to 15 years and have recommended them to family and friends over and over. It was always clear to me... how personally invested they were in helping me and my children. They exhibit the highest level of professionalism and a clear understanding of family law and court processes. They are not cut-throat nor do they stoke emotions for a profit. They are compassionate, intellectual, success driven and seemingly always available. I wished that I never needed their services but I am eternally grateful to have had them supporting me through unarguably the most difficult set of circumstances that I have had to deal with.read more
Mike Walker
Corrie Boulay and her team are very professional as well as caring. They made sure they communicated each step of the process so that I understood... what to expect. I have recommended Corrie Boulay to others who have needed these services.read more
Ann Bromery
This is the second time I have used this Law Firm and both experiences were great! Very knowledgeable about Family Law and very professional during... negotiations. This is the kind of firm you want to represent you!read more
Christine Wilson
Geoffrey Luiz
Really knows her stuff What deafly recommend to anybody that needs an attorney for this type of work
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