Family Law - Child Custody and Visitation - Visitation Reevaluations and Remedies

This Maryland bill (HB 1165) allows a parent to request an emergency court hearing if the other parent violates a court-ordered visitation schedule without valid reason. If approved, the court must hold a hearing within 10 days and can order the noncompliant parent to pay for missed visitation time, attend parenting classes, cover legal costs, or schedule additional time that aligns with the child’s best interests. It directly affects parents in custody disputes and courts enforcing visitation agreements under Maryland’s Family Law. The law takes effect October 1, 2025, and focuses on enforcing existing schedules rather than changing custody arrangements.