Helping Families Resolve Child Custody Matters
Many faltering marriages and domestic relationships remain intact for years because there are children involved. For most people, there is nothing more important than the time that they spend with their children. If you are considering divorce or are concerned about a custody issue with your child or children in Harrisburg or Central Pennsylvania, turn to Tanner Law Offices, LLC, in Camp Hill.
Feel confident about the child custody attorney you hire. Let us answer your questions. Call us at 717-836-0471 for a consultation.
Navigating child custody law can be confusing and frustrating. Make sure you are putting your child’s best interests into the hands of a lawyer you can have confidence in. Our Attorneys work directly with you to obtain a custody order or visitation rights that make sense and protect your parental interests.
“Amazing experience. Friendly and very helpful. Went above and beyond helping me. I would highly recommend Ms. Tanner to anyone who needs a family lawyer. Thank you so much for all that you did in helping me with my case.” Client testimonial
How Do Judges Determine Custody?
It is incorrect to assume that the mother will automatically be given preferential consideration in custody disputes. That may have been true many years ago, but today the court’s primary focus is what custody arrangement is in the best interest of the child.
The courts make custody determinations based on the following factors:
- The parent’s willingness to encourage frequent contact with the noncustodial parent
- Whether there is a history of abuse in the household or danger of possible future abuse
- The parents’ concerns for performing parental duties on behalf of the child
- The need for stability and continuity in the child’s education, family life and community life
- Whether the parent will encourage contact with grandparents and extended family
- The child’s relationship with siblings or step siblings
- The well-reasoned preference of the child, based on the child’s maturity and judgment
- Whether one parent has tried to turn the child against the other parent
- Emotional and mental stability for the child
- Daily physical, emotional, developmental, educational and special needs of the child
- The proximity of the residences of the parties
- Each parent’s availability to care for the child or ability to make appropriate child care arrangements
- The parents’ willingness and ability to cooperate and work through ongoing hostilities
- The history of drug or alcohol abuse of a party or a member of a party’s household
- The mental and physical condition of a party or member of a party’s household
- Any other relevant factor
Having a lawyer who understands the nuances of each county is an important part of protecting your rights.
New changes in Pennsylvania law were recently created to put the safety of your children first. If either party or a household member of either party has been convicted of any enumerated offenses (dealing with crimes of violence, crimes of sexual nature, DUIs, drug crimes and so forth), that party can be ordered to undergo an evaluation to ensure that they do not pose a risk of harm to the children before an order is entered for the custody of the children.
Further, the new laws prevent either party from relocating with the children without the written consent of the other party or an order of court granting the relocating party’s request to relocate with the children.
Call Us For A Consultation At 717-836-0471
At Tanner Law Offices, LLC, you will find us compassionate and knowledgeable about local courts and the custody process. Whenever possible, however, we help our clients reach an amicable resolution with the other parent, but will fight aggressively to protect our clients rights’ when necessary. Contact us today.