MD SB548

Establishes 16 statutory factors courts may consider when determining legal and physical custody in the child's best interest, including stability, child's relationships with parents and siblings, developmental needs, day-to-day needs, parental communication, and the child's age-appropriate preference

Requires courts to articulate findings of fact on the record or in written opinion addressing each statutory factor considered in custody determinations

Authorizes courts to modify custody or visitation orders upon finding a material change in circumstances relating to the child's needs or parents' ability to meet those needs, when modification serves the child's best interest

Specifies that a parent's proposal to relocate in a way that would make physical custody impracticable constitutes a material change in circumstances

Takes effect October 1, 2025