As family laws continue to develop, a mother’s rights are not given as much priority as they once were. In recent years, mothers are required to fight tenaciously in order to achieve favorable divorce settlements and custody agreements. As a result of the fathers’ rights movement, courts no longer grant full child support and child custody to mothers by default. In addition, this movement has made it more challenging for mothers’ to receive enough spousal support and child support to meet basic needs. Due to these recent developments, it is crucial to obtain the services of a qualified family law attorney who can help you fight for your rights as a mother. McGann, Del Pino & Hughes, LLC is here to help you succeed. Our family law attorney would be proud to inform you of your rights and help you protect them.
Are You Seeking To Establish Your
Mothers’ Rights?
Our Family Law Attorney Can Stand Up For You & Serve As Your Powerful Voice In A Court Of Law. Get In Touch Today.
Schedule A ConsultationMothers’ Rights Attorney
Protect Your Rights As A Mother: (301) 905-9943
Factors Considered When Determining Custody
We can help preserve parental rights in divorce cases; cases in which a child was born to unmarried parents; or in situations which involve the state taking a child away. The relationship a mother has with her child has a big impact upon the emotional and physical well-being of the child. Allow us to protect your bond with your child. We will put our best foot forward in our pursuit of cost-effective solutions and favorable resolutions.
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History Of Violence Or Abuse
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History Of Substance Abuse
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The Child’s Safety
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The Child’s Health
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The Child’s Welfare
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The Child's Preference
Do You Have Questions About Your Rights?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions
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As A Mother, What Rights Do I Have?
Answer
Unfortunately, there are no set rules regarding parenting time in custody. While there is a presumption in favor of joint legal custody and meaningful parenting time with both parents, the outcome of your case will be based on what is in the best interests of your child. When making initial custody determinations, case law requires family court judges to take a number of factors into consideration. Family court can be complex and confusing. As such, it is vital that you consult with a highly reputable family law attorney.
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What Are The Benefits Of Establishing Paternity?
Answer
If you are an unmarried mother, we encourage you to collect child support from the father of your child. In order to do so, you must file a court petition to establish paternity. The court will send a blood test to the alleged father in order to ensure it matches that of your child. Once the court has determined the identity of the biological father, you may require him to pay child support. In addition, you may require him to pay for the child’s medical insurance.
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Why Do I Need To Hire A Mothers’ Rights Attorney?
Answer
While you may believe that you and your partner/spouse/ex can come up with an amicable solution, this is often not the case. A family law attorney from our firm can help you navigate through the various issues that may arise. Due to the serious nature of your case, we advise you against navigating the legal system alone. Ensure your child’s best interests are prioritized by enlisting the unmatched legal support of our firm.
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Terrence M. McGann
Partner
Terry McGann concentrates his practice in Criminal Law, Family Law and Personal Injury Law. In his practice, Mr. McGann defends clients charged with various criminal and traffic offenses throughout the state of Maryland. Mr. McGann has successfully defended clients in cases ranging from attempted murder to minor traffic offenses.
As a former prosecutor in the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, he was responsible for the prosecution of hundreds of criminal and DUI cases. He has extensive trial experience, having appeared in court in almost every county in Maryland, including Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Frederick and Anne Arundel counties.
Mr. McGann began his career as a law clerk for the Honorable Nelson W. Rupp, Jr. in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. He is admitted to practice in state of Maryland and is licensed to practice in the United States Federal Court for the District of Maryland.
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Victor M. Del Pino
Parnter
Victor Del Pino concentrates his practice in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Immigration Law. He is a highly skilled litigator and works one-on-one with clients to ensure cases receive the time, attention and focus needed to succeed. As a former prosecutor, he has extensive trial experience. He joined the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s office in 2004. During his tenure, Mr. Del Pino was appointed by the State’s Attorney as the Chief and head prosecutor of the Gang Prosecution Unit. He became the first Latino to be appointed to such a position in the history of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s office.
Mr. Del Pino was part of the Gang Prosecution Unit for more than three years, during which he prosecuted numerous complex cases. He participated in trials in the District Court as a member of the District Court and Domestic Violence Units as well as at the Juvenile Court level. Mr. Del Pino has also had extensive jury trial experience in the Circuit Court, which included several highly-publicized trials. He successfully prosecuted and received convictions for cases that included first degree murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery, burglary and other felonies.
In 2012, Mr. Del Pino was elected by members of the Montgomery County Bar Association to serve a two-year term in the Executive Committee. Also in 2012, Mr. Del Pino was appointed by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to serve a 4-year term on the Board of Trustees of the Maryland Public Defenders Office. He is admitted to practice in the state of Maryland.
Mr. Del Pino is fluent in Spanish and is an active member of a number of community groups and organizations. A lifelong resident of Montgomery County, he serves on the Board of Directors of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.
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Christina M. Hughes
Partner
Christina Hughes practices all areas of domestic relations law including divorce, custody, child support, guardianship and representation of minors.
She is dedicated to serving clients by providing highly effective counsel. She does so by developing a unique case strategy for each client based on that client’s individual goals. These strategies may take significantly different forms, including but not limited to alternative dispute resolution, a negotiated settlement or litigation. Ms. Hughes is an experienced litigator with extensive trial experience.
Prior to entering private practice, she was an Assistant State’s Attorney for Montgomery County, Maryland and tried numerous cases ranging from misdemeanors to homicide. In her family law practice, she assists her clients in navigating complex matters that involve children, assets and security for the future. She is a trained mediator and child’s counsel. She has been appointed by the court to serve as the Best Interest Attorney for minor children in multiple cases and has also served as the court-appointed child privilege attorney and as court-appointed counsel for the alleged disabled person in guardianship matters.
Ms. Hughes is the 2015-2017 co-chair of the Family Law Section of the Montgomery County Bar Association and previously served as the as co-chair of the Family Law Section’s Continuing Legal Education Committee. In 2014 she was selected as a Bar Leader of the Montgomery County Bar Foundation. Ms. Hughes is also a member of the Maryland State Bar Association where she currently serves on the Leadership Academy committee. She was a 2013-2014 Fellow of the MSBA Leadership Academy. In addition, she was selected as a Fellow of the Maryland Bar Foundation in 2014. She participates in the Women’s Bar Association of Maryland, Inns of Court, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and the National Trial Lawyers Association. She was recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2016 and 2017, recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and was selected by the Washingtonian Magazine as one of Washington’s Best Lawyers for 2013.
Ms. Hughes is admitted to practice law in Maryland, Washington, DC and the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.
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Amanda M. Gratz
Associate
Amanda Michalski Gratz assists clients in all areas of domestic relations law. Her goal is to compassionately and responsively navigate clients through the legal process, with a plan specifically tailored to their individual needs.
Amanda has nearly a decade of prior experience litigating, investigating, negotiating resolutions and proceeding to trial in felony cases of domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Montgomery County, Maryland in the Special Victims Investigation Division. Amanda demonstrates the same passion and dedication to the citizens of Maryland in family law matters, obtaining the appropriate outcome for her clients on a case-by-case basis, through alternative dispute resolution, negotiation settlement, or litigation.
Amanda is committed to providing her clients with the same dedication and litigation skills with an eye not just to resolving the immediate matter but to preparing her clients for a future of success.
Ms. Michalski Gratz is admitted to practice law in Maryland.
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Danielle Sartwell
Associate
Danielle Sartwell represents clients in family law matters. Danielle works with clients in domestic relations law, with a focus in protective orders, divorce, custody and child support. Her background lends a level of deep compassion and perspective that she feels is critical in working with families in crisis. She also brings a level of skill that she employs in her approach to domestic relations law. As an accomplished litigator, she is experienced in complex trial work involving homicide, domestic violence and crimes against children.
Prior to entering private practice, Danielle served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Why Put McGann, Del Pino & Hughes, LLC on Your Side?
Former Prosecutors with Extensive Trial Experience
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Impressive Referrals from Judges, Attorneys & Clients
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We Provide Open, Honest & Prompt Communication
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Trained "Best Interest Attorneys" for Child Clients
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Our Attorneys are Highly Trained & Skilled Mediators
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Highly Personalized, Responsive Client Attention
