Pursuant to House Bill 1191 Provides that as of October 1, 2025, judges must articulate that they have considered all the factors laid out in Taylor v. Taylor 306 Md. 290 (1986).
The Taylor factors cover the following:
| 1. The fitness of the parents |
| 2. The Character and Reputation of the Parties |
| 3. The requests of each parent and the sincerity of the requests |
| 4. Any agreements between the parties |
| 5. The willingness of the parties to share physical custody: |
| 6. Each parent’s ability to maintain the child’s relationship with the other parent, siblings’ relatives and any other per son who may be psychologically affect the child’s best interest. |
| 7. The age and number of children each parent has in the household. |
| 8. The preference of the child is when the child is of sufficient age and capacity to form a rational judgment. |
| 9. The Geographic proximity of the parent’s residences and opportunities for time with each parent. |
| 10. The ability of each parent to obtain a stable and appropriate home for the child |
| 11. Ability of Each parent to establish a Home for the child: |
| 12-18 Demands for parental employment: 13. The relationship between each child and the parent 14. Length of Separation from parent: 15. Whether there was a prior voluntary abandonment or surrender or custody of the child: 16. Potential disruption of a child’s social and school life: 17. Impact of state or federal benefits 18. Benefit of parent having from sole physical and sole legal: |
| 19. Potential disruption of a child’s social and school life: |
| 20. Impact of state or federal assistance: |
The new custody Legislation also addresses modification of custody upon a showing of a material change in circumstances.
The court may modify a child’s custody or visitation order if the court determines that.
(1) there has been a material change in circumstances since the issuance of the order that
relates to the needs of the child or the ability of the parents to meet those needs and
(2) modifying the order is in the best interest of the child. A parent’s proposal to relocate.
the residence of the parent or child in a way that would cause physical custody to be.
impracticable constitutes a material change in circumstances.
It is especially important that the Judge addresses each of the Taylor factors in pendente lite, merits or modification of custody cases. If you have a pending custody issue, the Law Office of Lynndolyn Mitchell is exceptionally qualified to represent you in your matter.
