Child Custody in Pennsylvania
Whenever custody is at issue, family courts will use a "best interest of the child" standard to guide their decision-making.
What does that mean? One thing it means is that you need the focused attention of an experienced lawyer, someone whose chief concern will be to look out for your children's best interests while protecting your rights.
Attorneys at Avallone Law Associates have been handling child custody issues for clients in the Philadelphia area and the eastern fourth of Pennsylvania since 1982. The firm's legal team strives to resolve child custody cases as efficiently and effectively as possible, while remaining focused on protecting your rights and the best interests of your children in the process.
What Type of Custody Can I Expect?
There is no way to answer this question without knowing the details of your situation. Each divorce is different. Typically, one parent will be given primary physical custody of the children. A child will live with and spend the majority of his or her time with this parent.
The other parent in this scenario may be granted partial custody or visitation rights, and may or may not share "legal custody" rights with the primary custodial parent as well. (Legal custody means that a parent has the right to make medical, educational, and other major decisions for the child.)
In some situations, parents can have sole custody, shared custody or joint legal custody. These are specific matters that can be discussed further with your attorney. You should also know that some custody arrangements can impact child support.
Can Custody Be Modified?
Yes, in two ways. You can negotiate a new custody arrangement with your former spouse or — if you can't come to a mutual agreement — you can go to court and convince a judge that the proposed custody modification is in the best interests of the children.
Can a Parent With Primary Physical Custody Move Somewhere Else?
A subject that has recently become a hot topic in child custody matters is parent relocation. Unless the move is only a short distance within the same state, parents who have primary physical custody of their children cannot just move away without dealing with the residual custody and visitation issues. If you are seeking to relocate with your child, it is important that you seek the help of a qualified lawyer in order to prevent any violation of standing custody orders.
More Than 25 Years of Making the Law Work for Families
Contact a child custody attorney at Avallone Law Associates today to learn more about how the firm may help you. A free consultation is offered; evening and weekend appointments are available.
Special Issue: Who Gets the Children? By Lawrence W. Abel.
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