Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

I am divorced from on the grounds of cruel and malicious treatment. My ex and I had a case with social services, I complied completely with their order and now have full custody of my son. That case was opened April 6 2011. He recently did some time in jail on felony robbery charges and a 4th degree sex offense charge. Since last April he's also been in jail for a string of assaults amongst other things. He's a known violent offender and drug addict. He has not complied at all with court order from social services but they still say he can see him for an hour once a week at a family crisis center supervised. He hasn't tried to yet. I also have a protective order against him for me only, not my son. I am wondering what my options are to get him out of the picture. Although he hasn't yet tried to see the baby he hasn't seen him since he was maybe 5 monthes and rarely did when he was having visits. This baby does not even know him. I'd also like to add i own my own home I'm getting married and my fianc�e wants to adopt my son

Is there anything I can do?


Asked on 4/17/12, 11:22 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

You can file a petition to modify custody, but courts are reluctant to cut parents off absent some indication of mistreatment of the child. Given the strict conditions presently in place, it would be hard to do more unless he acts inappropriately. Once you're married your husband can file a petition adoption but the father will have an opportunity to contest it.

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Answered on 4/17/12, 1:49 pm


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