Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

First, you need to understand the law in Maryland regarding third-party custody. In order for a third-party (i.e., someone other than a biological or adoptive parent) to prevail in a custody dispute, they must first establish that the custodial parent is either unfit or that exceptional circumstances exist. An example of an exceptional circumstance would be that the children have resided or reside with the third-party. If neither can be established, then the case would be dismissed. Otherwise, the court would make a determination of custody based on the best interest of the child standard, where about a dozen factors are considered, including the character and fitness of the parties, where the children are currently residing and how well they are doing, etc.

The best way to secure your children against your mother in law is to talk with a family law lawyer to determine how real is the threat. Should there be a threat, a lawyer can tell you how best to prepare for a court hearing.