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...
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Child 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...
When unmarried parents need a custody order in Pennsylvania
When many people talk about custody hearings and parenting plans, the discussion occurs in re: the context of divorce. Almost everyone recognizes that parents who divorce are often mandated to negotiate or litigate some kind of parenting plan, but fewer people...
3 reasons you may need to ask for a custody modification
It can take weeks of negotiations or a frustrating trip to family court for parents to settle their disagreements about custody matters and work out a parenting plan. You and your ex have an obligation to uphold that custody order to the best of your abilities....
How does a DNA paternity test work?
If you and your partner have a child but you’re not sure that the child is yours, one of the things you might do is ask for a DNA paternity test. A DNA-based paternity test is around 99% accurate, which means that the findings from that test, when given correctly, are...
Can my child choose where to live after divorce?
Living in Pennsylvania during your divorce, it’s important for you to get to know the state’s laws. One of the things that may influence your case is if you have a child. If you do, then you should be aware of the custody rules that apply. As your child gets older,...
Does Pennsylvania favor one parent over the other for custody?
Filing for divorce leads to a lot of uncertainty. Unless you have a prenuptial agreement, you don't know what will happen with your property or who gets to keep the house. If you have children, your access to them will depend on how the courts rule in your custody...
Will I be monitored on my child support spending?
Any custodial parent can breathe a sigh of relief when the family law court enacts a child support order. Raising children on your own can be expensive and stressful, and child support helps to remove some of that burden. Like many single parents in Pennsylvania,...