At Ward & Co., Chtd., we provide legal assistance for fathers who are going through divorce, child custody, child support, and other related family law processes. Unfortunately, when establishing the terms of divorce, there is often a bias toward women. Our team believes in taking a firm stand on behalf of fathers who are entitled to just as much, if not more, rights as the mother. No case is too complex for us to handle and, if your situation must be handled in the courtroom, we are prepared to provide the aggressive advocacy you need. Rest-assured that when you work with our firm, we will do everything within our power to protect your rights as a father, preserve the relationships you have established with your children, and help you obtain the outcome you are seeking.
Actively Protecting the
Rights of Fathers
At Ward & Co., Chtd., we believe in taking a stand on behalf of the fathers throughout and the surrounding areas. Call now.
Begin with a Consultation-
Experienced
With plenty of experience representing fathers, we know what it takes to protect your rights and ensure your process goes as smoothly as possible.
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Skilled
Seasoned and skilled in negotiation and litigation practices, we can represent you whether your case is handled in or out of the courtroom.
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Passionate
We genuinely care about our clients and are passionate about doing all we can to look out for the best interests of you and your children.
Fathers’ Rights Attorney
We Proudly Represent Fathers Just Like You: (410) 514-5812
You Matter to Your Child
We know that as a father, you hold a significant importance in your child’s life. In fact, there are countless studies that demonstrate the negative impacts that can occur when a father is not present in their child’s life.
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Children without fathers are more likely to use illegal drugs.
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Children without fathers are more likely to drop out of school.
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Children from fatherless families are more likely to commit domestic violence.
You May Be Wondering...
Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions
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What are fathers’ rights?
Answer
As the biological father of a child, you automatically have fathers’ rights. These rights enable you to obtain custody or visitation of your child, so that you can have guaranteed time with them. Unfortunately, fathers’ rights are often overlooked, as the mother is typically appointed as primary custodian of the child.
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What are mistakes I should avoid making as a father?
Answer
There are a number of common mistakes fathers make that could lead to losing custody or visitation, but these mistakes can be avoided. Such mistakes may include moving out of the home where your child lives, living in a messy home, not maintaining a steady job or income, and not taking a stand against a mother who establishes an order of protection charge.
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Will I have to take my case to court?
Answer
Your case does not have to be handled in court. However, it is not uncommon for fathers’ rights cases to need to be resolved in the courtroom. For example, your former spouse may try to retaliate against you by fighting against your rights to obtain custody. If your case must go to court, our team is prepared to aggressively defend your rights, and we will do everything we can to help you obtain the outcome you deserve.
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Why do I need an attorney?
Answer
The family law system can be complicated, and fathers’ rights cases can be especially personal and overwhelming. You need a lawyer who will guide you through the family law system, ensure your process goes as smoothly as possible, and help you reach a solution that is tailored to protect your rights and meet you and your child’s unique needs.
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Cathleen F. Ward, Esq.
Founding Attorney
I founded this firm in 1997. At that time, I had a handful of clients and made quite a leap of faith by branching out on my own. However, I had a great mentor, the late Paul B. Rodbell, Esq., and truly helpful experience through earlier employment at two highly regarded Maryland law firms. When this firm first opened, I operated from a small office, sublet from a generous attorney and friend. Slowly and carefully, I built my practice and the firm. Today, I have a full staff and moved in 2011 to our newly re-developed office building in the Glen Burnie.
I decided to become a lawyer while in high school and have been licensed to practice since 1990. I knew early on that the law was the right profession for me, and I graduated from the University of Maryland – College Park with a degree in Law Enforcement. However, I wasn’t sure at the start of law school (University of Maryland at Baltimore, this time) what practice areas would be most interesting to me and, at the same time, best fit my skill set. During law school, I was truly blessed by working in the office of the General Counsel the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Here, I was able to work on a range of issues, from the commission’s police force to zoning and land use. The zoning experience at the commission paved the way to my next great experience working for a law firm in Prince George’s County where I expanded my zoning practice along with general business law and real estate transactions. I then became an associate at a law firm in Howard County, Maryland where I further expanded my zoning practice into Howard and Anne Arundel Counties and in more complex real estate transactions and financing, representing both lenders and borrowers for residential and commercial transactions.
Currently, I truly enjoy all manner of real estate and business cases often because I like solving the mathematical complexities presented by cases involving business matters and property issues. I joking call this area ‘math law’. I concentrate my practice in areas such as real estate, bankruptcy, financing, business transactions, zoning, and contracts. Client success in these areas requires meticulous attention to detail and the innate ability to follow the numbers to the desired result. It is precisely these traits that I put to the service of our clients. -
Amanda E. Schmidt, Esq.
Passionate about Helping Families
Amanda Schmidt was born in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. In college, Amanda realized her dream of becoming a family law attorney. She went on to attend the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she argued cases in District Court & Circuit Court for economically disadvantaged clients for the Family Law Clinic. She was also a participant in the Center for Families, Courts, and Children, where she became involved in the Truancy Court Program. She interned for the Honorable Yolanda Tanner and Master Claudette Brown at the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Juvenile Division. Amanda also obtained her mediation certification while attending law school.
After graduating from Law School, Amanda was selected to clerk for Domestic Relations Master William M. Dunn at the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Family Law Division. After her clerkship, she immediately went on to work for Ward & Co. Chtd. where she has concentrated on further developing the family practice of the firm.
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Bradley S. Shepherd, Esq.
Associate Attorney
A Columbia, Maryland native, Bradley Shepherd is a Glen Burnie criminal defense attorney who is passionate about providing top-notch legal services to clients throughout the local community. Bradley graduated from Oakland Mills High School and went on to attend Saint Mary's College of Maryland, graduating with a dual degree in Economics and Sociology. After completing his undergraduate education, Bradley enrolled at the University of Baltimore School of Law.
While working two jobs throughout law school, and in addition to his studies, Bradley competed on the University's National Trial Advocacy Team. He has interned with the Honorable Louis A Becker, III of Howard County's Circuit Court, as well as with Warnken, LLC, which is led by the renowned Maryland criminal defense attorney Byron L. Warnken, Esq.
Bradley began working for Ward & Co., Chtd. as a law clerk while in his second year of law school. Since being admitted to the Maryland Bar, Bradley has been practicing as an Associate at Ward & Co., Chtd. Bradley's practice area is diverse, and his ability to diagnose legal issues ranging through a multitude of legal fields is one of his greatest assets to clients. Whether you have an estate planning/administration issue, personal injury case, family law, landlord-tenant disputes, bankruptcy/debt problems, or if you need a civil litigation attorney, business law consultation, or criminal defense attorney, Bradley Shepherd is committed to helping those who are in need.
In a Crowded Field,
We Stand Apart From the Rest
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Serving Clients in the Local Community Since 1997
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Effective Representation & Exceptional Service
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Extensive Experience in a Wide Range of Practice Areas
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Client-Focused Service from an Experienced Legal Team