Child custody arrangements are intended to address what is in a child’s best interest at a specific point in time. When a custody agreement is finalized or a custody order is first entered, it is based on the family’s circumstances as they exist at that moment. Over time, however, children grow, parents’ lives evolve and family dynamics shift. What once felt workable and supportive may gradually become outdated, difficult to maintain or otherwise contrary to the best interest of the child(ren). Recognizing this reality, Maryland law provides for custody to be modified when certain requirements are met.
