Blog: Child Custody
- Substance abuse may impact Pennsylvania custody orders
May 12, 2026
There are many legitimate reasons why one parent might want to restrict the parenting time or authority of the other. Substance abuse issues can also affect parental capabilities and expose children to either abusive behavior or neglect. Parents concerned about alcohol or drug use on the part of a co-parent may need assistance as they prepare for custody negotiations. They must present an effective case to protect their children. Documentation is key to success A...Read More - Modifying a custody order when one parent wants to move
Apr 13, 2026
A move-away or relocation scenario can make shared custody far more challenging than it might otherwise be. If one parent plans to leave Pennsylvania or move far enough away to complicate regular custody exchanges, the matter likely requires a custody order modification. There are two different approaches to relocation cases. Parents can either work together or they can litigate if they do not agree about a proposed move. How the cooperative approach works If one...Read More - What factors do courts consider when making parenting plans?
Mar 19, 2026
When it comes to parenting plans, courts in Pennsylvania prioritize the safety, stability and well-being of children over parental preferences. To accomplish this, they examine each case individually while keeping the child’s best interests in mind. This ensures that custody orders allow children to flourish and grow without fear of losing parental support or being put in harm’s way. Factors that determine a child’s best interests In Pennsylvania, custody decisions are guided by Pennsylvania Consolidated...Read More - Custody in Pennsylvania: when children express a preference
Feb 19, 2026
Divorce can turn everyday life upside down, and the weight of custody decisions can be overwhelming. Parents may wonder: “What if my child wants to live with the other parent?” or “What happens if my kids don’t agree?” In Pennsylvania, courts focus on what is best for the child. They also listen to children old enough to explain their wishes. Understanding how the system works can help families feel more prepared as they plan for...Read More - Legal guide to holiday and vacation schedules for coparents
Jan 14, 2026
Coparenting after separation gets more challenging during holidays and vacations. Parenting plans should address these issues but they do not always work as intended. As a parent, you need to understand how schedule plans work to help you find the best arrangement for your child in Pennsylvania. Hierarchy of custody schedules In Pennsylvania, holiday and vacation schedules follow a specific legal order to avoid conflict. Parents need to consider the following: Holiday schedule: Always takes...Read More - 4 reasons grandparents may seek sole legal custody in Pennsylvania
Dec 1, 2025
You want to keep your promise to your grandchild: that you will always be there, providing a safe harbor when life is chaotic. But if the parents’ divorce makes that promise impossible to keep through normal visitation, it is natural to consider a drastic step. Petitioning for sole legal custody is about holding the family together when the parents cannot. This action, however, is generally reserved for situations where the parents demonstrate severe inability to...Read More - Why “fun” is not a luxury use of time when co-parenting
Oct 2, 2025
Co-parents must consistently juggle a host of weighty responsibilities – from providing for them financially to making sure that they’re physically and emotionally healthy – on behalf of their kids. While these responsibilities demand attention, it is also important to make time for fun. Why? For children, having space to play, laugh, and enjoy time with each parent is not a luxury—it is necessary. When co-parenting, prioritizing fun strengthens relationships, helps kids adjust to family...Read More - How to manage co-parenting with a difficult ex
Aug 28, 2025
Co-parenting with a challenging ex can feel overwhelming. When emotions run high and communication breaks down, protecting your children’s well-being becomes paramount. While a perfect co-parenting relationship may seem out of reach, you can implement strategies to manage interactions and foster a more stable environment for your kids. Set clear boundaries Establish firm boundaries with your ex from the start. Define what topics you will discuss and how you will communicate. Limit interactions to child-focused...Read More - How specific should your parenting plan be?
Jul 23, 2025
When co-parents draft a parenting plan, they may understandably wonder how detailed it should be. The answer depends on the unique needs of the family crafting the plan, but in general, more specificity leads to fewer misunderstandings and less conflict, to a degree. Being so specific that there is no room for flexibility or room for life to “happen” can create unnecessary tension, too. A well-structured parenting plan does more than divide time between parents—it...Read More - Temporary custody orders in Pennsylvania
Jul 9, 2025
Temporary custody orders help families in transition by providing a short-term solution while a court case is ongoing. In Pennsylvania, these orders are often used during divorce, separation or custody disputes. These orders are not permanent and can be modified or replaced by a final custody order later. Here are some important points to consider. What are temporary custody orders? A temporary custody order is a court-approved arrangement that outlines where a child will live...Read More