When you are going through a divorce, the time you get with your child often matters more than anything else, even the assets you are splitting. However, in Pennsylvania, shared custody does not always mean equal parenting time. What shared custody means under...
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Child Custody
How the best interests standard works and what to expect
Parents who divorce or separate generally have two options when addressing custody matters. They can cooperate with one another and set their own terms, or they can litigate in family court. Parents who don’t agree on custody terms can request a hearing, present...
What happens with child custody if unmarried parents separate?
Married parents who divorce usually recognize that they have to address custody issues. They may spend quite a bit of their divorce negotiating about parenting time, decision-making authority and even financial support matters. Not all minor children have married...
How family courts determine children’s best interests in custody cases
When a former couple shares minor or otherwise dependent children, the family courts make an effort to prioritize the children’s best interests when approving custody arrangements. Understandably – the law is complicated – many parents are not fully familiar with the...
Why formal custody modifications can be important for parents
Child custody orders are often necessary for the protection of parental relationships. They also help ensure stability for the children in a shared custody scenario. Parents may spend quite a bit of time trying to find ways to share parental rights and...
What should unmarried parents know about child custody?
Parents who didn’t opt to marry each other married and who are no longer romantically involved generally have to go through the child custody clarification process. This helps both sides to set the foundation for raising their children in ways that allow their rights...
What is the process for modifying a custody order?
A Pennsylvania custody order establishes numerous key terms for adults who have children together. Custody orders discuss the overall breakdown of parenting time between the adults and also allow for parents to share legal custody or decision-making authority. Parents...
What is the best parenting time schedule for your child?
Parenting time schedules vary based on the needs of a child, their parents' work schedules, the distance between households and many other factors. These schedules aim to provide consistency, stability and meaningful time for both parents to be involved in the child's...
Why do parents sometimes need to modify a custody order?
A custody order carries the full weight of the Pennsylvania family courts and is an enforceable legal document. Whether parents agree on specific custody terms or a judge sets them for the family, both parents will generally need to abide by the terms of the custody...
What does “the best interests of the child” mean?
In Pennsylvania, the "best interests of the child" is a legal standard used by courts to make decisions regarding child custody, parenting time and other matters related to the welfare of a child. It is the guiding principle used to determine what arrangements will...