If you're a parent in Towson or the greater Baltimore area, there's a significant change in Maryland family law that could impact your custody rights: House Bill 1191 (HB1191).
This new law updates how courts determine custody arrangements in Maryland, and it’s important to understand how it could affect your family—especially if you're separating, divorcing, or seeking to modify a custody order.
At Lebovitz Law LLC, we’re committed to helping families stay informed and protected. Here are three key things Maryland parents need to know about HB1191:
✅ 1. HB1191 Defines the “Best Interests of the Child” in More Detail
Previously, judges in Maryland used the “best interests of the child” standard without clear statutory guidance. HB1191 changes that by laying out 16 specific factors courts must consider in every custody case. These include:
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The child’s emotional, developmental, and physical needs
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Each parent’s ability to meet those needs
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The level of communication and cooperation between parents
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The child’s relationship with each parent
This structured framework promotes more consistent, predictable outcomes for families across Maryland, including in Baltimore County and surrounding areas.
✅ 2. The Law Modernizes Custody Terminology
HB1191 replaces outdated terms like “legal custody” and “physical custody” with plain-language alternatives:
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Parenting time (formerly physical custody)
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Decision-making responsibility (formerly legal custody)
This shift encourages more collaborative parenting approaches, reducing conflict and emphasizing the child’s well-being. For many families in Towson and beyond, it creates a clearer path forward during an already stressful time.
✅ 3. HB1191 Takes Effect on October 1, 2024
The law applies to all new custody cases filed on or after October 1, 2024. If you’re preparing to file, or even considering a modification to an existing agreement, now is the time to consult with a Maryland custody attorney.
At Lebovitz Law LLC, we’re already helping clients prepare for this legal shift—so you’re not caught off guard.
📚 FAQs: HB1191 and Child Custody in Maryland
❓What is HB1191 and how does it change Maryland child custody laws?
HB1191 is a 2024 law that redefines how Maryland courts approach child custody cases. It introduces a detailed list of factors that judges must consider to determine what is in a child’s best interest.
❓When does HB1191 take effect?
The law goes into effect on October 1, 2024. It will apply to any new custody filings in Maryland family courts, including those in Towson and Baltimore County, from that date forward.
❓Who is affected by HB1191?
Maryland parents who are involved in new custody cases or modifications filed after October 1, 2024, will be directly impacted. This includes families in Towson, Parkville, Lutherville-Timonium, and throughout the state.
❓How does HB1191 impact custody decisions in Maryland?
The law ensures that courts evaluate custody based on a child’s total needs—not just which parent "gets custody." It promotes shared parenting and removes ambiguity from the process.
❓Does HB1191 favor one parent over another?
No. HB1191 is designed to be gender-neutral, focusing entirely on what serves the child’s best interests, without favoritism toward either parent.
❓Can I modify my current custody order under HB1191?
While HB1191 does not automatically change existing agreements, it can influence how courts evaluate modification requests—especially if there’s been a change in circumstances.
👨⚖️ Need Legal Guidance on Maryland’s Custody Law Changes?
At Lebovitz Law LLC, we’re closely following Maryland’s custody law changes to ensure our clients are well-prepared. Whether you're preparing to file for custody or modify an existing agreement, our Towson-based legal team is here to help you navigate HB1191 and protect your family's future.
📞 Contact us today for a consultation
📍 Serving Towson, Baltimore, and all surrounding Maryland communities