Child Custody Cases in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, child custody cases are handled separately from child support cases. If your spouse has a lawyer, it is recommended that you too also have legal representation.

In Pennsylvania, child custody is not up to the parents or their lawyers. The decision lies with the Pa. courts placing the most importance on promoting the best interests of the child. If parents can come to a reasonable agreement about child custody, that decision may be acceptable to the court.

In the rare case that both parents can come to a fair child custody agreement, you will need to write it all down in the form of a stipulation and consent order. Specifics should be noted as to: Who has legal custody? What holidays are spent with whom? What time and where does the other parent pick up the child? At what time is the child returned home? All these written details avoid conflicts later down the road. Avoid oral promises.

Divorce and separation brings anger and irreconcilable differences. If parents cannot agree to disagree, there will be child custody issues.

If parents are unmarried, the child will be the child of his/her mother. In order for the father to assert visitation or custody rights, paternity must be admitted or established in court.

There are different types of custody and decisions to be made by the Pa. court regarding the child’s best interest. Some of the considerations for best interests include: Who is the primary care giver now? Who are emotionally and physically able is the parent seeking custody? Who is best suited to keep the family intact? Does the child have a preference who s/he wants to be the primary caregiver? Is there a history of abandonment or abuse? Who has the most financial resources to provide? Which parent lives closer to the child’s school and friends?

Child custody should not be taken lightly. Consider contacting Welch Gold Siegel, PA Pre-paid Law Firm. Your future relationship with your child/children is at stake.