Child custody analysis requires courts to weigh numerous and often conflicting factors to determine to whom they should grant physical and/or legal custody. Mental illness represents perhaps the best example of how courts balance these interests. Parents retain a...
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Custody
Are same-sex divorces the same as traditional divorces?
We all know that marriage equality is the law of the land, and by that same law, so is divorce equality. However, many same-sex couples thinking about divorce wonder if their divorce process will actually be the same as so-called, “traditional” divorces. Stigmas The...
How to prepare for child custody negotiations
Child custody can be a delicate issue for both parents and for the child. Parents can help prepare for the child custody process by being familiar with what is used to determine child custody and what is taken into account when deciding what child custody arrangement...
How can I build a child custody modification case?
Your child custody dispute may have been settled a while ago, but there’s a strong chance that you may end up having to revisit your custody arrangement as circumstances change. If you think that a change is necessary to protect your child’s best interests, then...
How does an allegation of domestic violence affect custody?
Like other states, Pennsylvania recognizes that there are some situations in which parents might not be able either to share decision-making or to split the time with the children about equally. One of these situations is when one parent has abused the other. Sadly,...
What are the differences between legal and physical custody?
Child custody is a big term. It refers to the rights and powers of a parent or other person to care and provide for a child. In Pennsylvania, the best interests of children guide decisions related to child custody. However, parents may not know that there is more than...
Navigating child custody in Pennsylvania
Navigating child custody can be stressful for many parents during their divorce. It is helpful for divorcing parents to be familiar with the family law process and how child custody is determined as they work through their own child custody concerns. Child custody...
Sixteen factors courts consider when making custody rulings
When a child’s parents break up or divorce, it can be an emotional time for all involved. Parents may be concerned about how much time they will spend with their child following the split, and the child may experience a significant amount of distress. For these...
What options do unmarried fathers have?
When it comes to a divorced couple in Pennsylvania, each parent's roles and rights are usually clear, and thus, either party can provide documentation in the event of a dispute. However, it can be difficult for a father to understand his rights and duties when he...
How does custody work in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?
A custody action is initiated by someone filing a custody complaint. The complaint is prepared by an attorney and signed by one of the parties seeking custody. A parent, grandparent or even a third party may file for custody. The complaint is filed...