Child custody in Pennsylvania becomes especially challenging during the holidays. The law strives to ensure both parents have time with their children on important occasions. However, how this plays out can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances of...
Helping You Overcome Life’s
LEGAL CHALLENGES
Child Custody
Why should you establish paternity?
Establishing paternity helps both parents and children by clarifying their legal rights and responsibilities. Paternity ensures that a child’s emotional, financial, and medical needs are met and sets clear expectations for both parents. Protecting a child’s rights...
Navigating parental relocation in child custody cases
Relocation can complicate child custody cases in Pennsylvania. When one parent wishes to move to a new location, it may significantly affect the custody arrangement. Courts use multiple factors to determine whether to approve a relocation request. Understanding the...
What determines child custody when parents are not married?
When parents separate, the question of who will receive custody remains a sensitive topic. The marital status of the mother and father makes little difference from an emotional standpoint. Regardless of the circumstances, a host of factors determine the outcome. The...
When do courts award child custody to nonparents?
Parents have a natural right to custody of their children. However, there are instances when courts grant child custody to a nonparent, such as grandparents, siblings or relatives. Whether you are a parent going through separation or divorce and want to protect your...
Does the court allow visitation if the parent is in prison?
Visitation can be a complex topic based on the family's situation. Some circumstances can impact whether the parent can be present and spend time with their child. Still, the court acknowledges that all children can benefit from regular contact and visits with their...
Special considerations for custody plans for newborns and toddlers
Children have different developmental needs based on their age group, among other considerations. Accordingly, this forms part of the factors considered when creating a custody plan. One of the most sensitive child developmental stages are newborns and toddlers. Below...
How joint legal custody works when the parents’ religions differ
If the court awards joint legal custody, both parents have the legal authority to make major life decisions for their child, including those related to their religious upbringing. There generally is no issue when both parents share the same religion. However, it may...
What happens in a relocation hearing?
Parents who want to move out of their Pennsylvania home with their child often do so to leave the painful past and welcome a fresh future. However, they must fulfill specific conditions that can lead to a relocation hearing before packing up their things and going...
Contempt of court: When your spouse violates custody orders
Like any parent enduring a contentious divorce, your child’s overall well-being always takes precedence. A child custody order aims to generate an agreement serving your child’s best interests. Since both you and your spouse only want nothing but the best for your...