North Wales Child Custody Lawyers
Seasoned Child Custody Lawyers in North Wales Fight to Protect Children and Clients’ Rights in PA
Although any issues that must be resolved in a divorce case can easily become contentious and result in judicial intervention, no other issue has quite the potential for creating a lasting impact as child custody matters. A child’s sense of safety is often an unfortunate casualty when parents decide to divorce, so protecting your children should naturally be at the forefront of your mind when deciding that divorce is the right option for you.
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At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C., our North Wales child custody lawyers are highly cognizant of the impact that a protracted child custody battle can have on your children, and use all of our experience and resources to help the process proceed as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Contrary to popular belief, child custody determinations in North Wales are legally required to be gender-neutral, and the courts often favor shared custody arrangements when they are in the best interests of the child.
Successfully Developing Child Custody Solutions for Clients in North Wales, PA
Although all Pennsylvania family courts decide child custody matters based on what is in the best interests of the child, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to developing a child custody arrangement in any given case. A number of factors come into play in determining how parents will divide their parenting responsibilities after a divorce. In addition to any factor the court deems relevant, the following may be included:
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- Whether one parent is more likely to encourage and permit a relationship between the child and the other parent,
- The parental duties performed by each parent prior to divorce,
- The importance of stability in the child’s home life, education and community involvement,
- The location and availability of extended family,
- The location and relationship with any siblings,
- The child’s own preference, depending upon the child’s maturity levels,
- Any past or present abuse or attempts by one parent to turn the child against the other parent,
- Whether one parent is more likely to provide more effective care, in terms of ongoing physical, emotional, developmental, and educational support,
- Any special needs of the child,
- Each parent’s availability and/or ability to make child care arrangements,
- The parents’ willingness to cooperate with one another,
- Any history of drug or alcohol abuse, and the mental and physical condition of each parent and any members of each parent’s household.
A custody arrangement can be a shared custody agreement (or joint custody), where the two parents split time with the child on a relatively equal basis, or one parent can have sole physical custody of the child, in which case the other parent will have a continuing right to visitation absent extenuating circumstances. The best arrangement in your case may be reached:
- Out-of-court, if you and your child’s other parent are able and willing to negotiate with the help of their lawyers to reach an agreement,
- Via mediation and conciliation under court supervision, where a neutral third party helps you reach an agreement, or
- In court, where a judge will make the final determination in your case.
Skilled Child Custody Lawyers in North Wales Work Tirelessly to Reach Comprehensive Agreements in Child Custody Matters
Both the needs of the child and the abilities of the parents are extremely relevant in reaching the child custody arrangement that will be most advantageous for the child’s well-being. While the family court will step in and make the determination regarding what is best for your child if necessary, our North Wales child custody lawyers are skilled in negotiation and will work tirelessly to resolve your case out of court if that is your goal. Our first step is to work toward reaching a child custody schedule and a parenting plan that is realistic and workable, and, of course, takes your child’s needs into consideration every step of the way. We can also help with:
- Modification of existing child custody orders,
- Enforcement of child custody orders,
- Petitions by the custodial parent to relocate with the children,
- Grandparents’ custody rights.
Custody
Parent Awarded Right to Relocate to Another State
Grandparent Custody
Grandparent Awarded Custody of Grandchild
Schedule a Free Confidential Consultation with our Reputable North Wales Child Custody Attorneys
Every child custody lawsuit is different, and our North Wales custody lawyers put in the work necessary to understand our clients’ goals and concerns. If you have questions regarding child custody arrangements in North Wales or elsewhere in Southeastern Pennsylvania, call us today at 215-822-7575, or send us a confidential email, to set up a consultation with one of our experienced custody lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody Issues in North Wales, PA
Under Pennsylvania law, separation or a waiting period is required before your divorce can be finalized in North Wales. Despite this, before you move out of the marital house, you should consider obtaining a formal, court-ordered temporary child custody agreement. While this order will only temporarily divide parenting time between you and your former spouse, it can be important to your rights to shared custody in the future. It can also minimize conflict if you do move out of the marital home (note that physically leaving the marital home is not always strictly necessary to satisfy the time requirements under Pennsylvania law, especially if it is economically necessary for you to remain).
Under Pennsylvania law, if one parent wishes to relocate with the children—whether within the state or to another state—and that relocation would require alterations to an existing custody arrangement, the other parent must consent, or the family court must approve the relocation request. First, the parent who wishes to relocate must provide notice to the other parent and the court 60 days prior to relocating. The notice must provide basic information, such as where the parent will live, where the child will attend school, the reason for the location and a proposal for a revised custody arrangement. You then have the right to object within 30 days, in which case the court will become involved and determine whether your child’s parent can relocate with your children.
