According to a 2019 American Community Survey, about 15% of marriages end in divorce. Many times, children are in the middle of these custody disputes. While child custody disputes can happen in a number of different circumstances, generally custody disputes occur after married parents divorce due to no-fault or at-fault-based grounds. Most parents wish to remain a part of their child’s life, regardless of their relationship with the child’s other parent.
Stark & Stark Pennsylvania child custody lawyers have decades of experience finding solutions to child custody disagreements that serve the child’s best interest and make sense for both parents. To better understand your options when it comes to your child custody agreement, call Stark & Stark child custody attorneys to schedule a confidential legal consultation.
Under Pennsylvania law, there are two types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody._x000D_
When determining a custody agreement, the court tries to make a decision that is in the best interest of the child. In some cases where the parent is deemed mentally unfit to care for the child but is not a threat to the child, they may be afforded supervised physical custody.
Factors considered when determining custody include:
After taking these factors into consideration, the court will issue a custody order. A custody order can take many forms and may include:
Formerly called visitation, supervised physical custody in Pennsylvania refers to when one parent without custody periodically visits the child. Supervised physical custody is issued when the court believes that the child’s safety and wellbeing may be in danger if they are left alone with the parent. As such, these periodic visits are under the supervision of the other parent or a designated third party in physical control of the child.
A custody order is an order issued by the court that establishes the family’s custody agreement and what schedule they will follow. The custody schedule covers all aspects of the custody arrangement and includes weekly visits, vacation and holiday time, and issues that may arise like transportation. Stark & Stark’s child custody lawyers have years of experience negotiating these agreements through mediation and in court.
In Pennsylvania, child support is calculated based on guidelines that consider the parent’s actual income and the earning potential of both parents, as well as the amount of time each parent spends with the child.
Pennsylvania has stringent laws surrounding child support, and offenders may be punished by the court. Back pay child support money that is owed is called arrears. Pennsylvania parents who fail to pay child support can face jail time; driver’s license and passport suspension; seizure of bank accounts, certain incomes, and properties; and more. An experienced child custody attorney can help you understand your options and enforce the terms of the child support agreement.
When one parent wants to move to a distant location, there are specific requirements that must be met to bring a relocation case to court. In some instances, jurisdictional disputes will arise where the court will determine who will decide the dispute and which laws apply. A knowledgeable child custody attorney will guide you through the often complicated jurisdictional statutes when dealing with relocation.
For over 80 years, the Pennsylvania family law attorneys of Stark & Stark have been advocating for family’s rights and providing favorable results for our clients both in negotiations and inside the courtroom. Many issues can arise when determining custody which is why it is vital to have legal counsel on your side who understands the complexities of family law.
If you have questions regarding child custody, child support, relocation, or any other family law issue, contact Stark & Stark’s dedicated child custody attorneys today. Our skilled Pennsylvania family law lawyers offer free legal consultations.
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