Pittsburgh Child Custody Attorney

How Is Child Custody Determined in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania bases custody on what is believed to be in the best interest of the child or children. During a child custody battle, courts may grant custody to one parent or may decide that joint custody is in the best interests of the child. In some cases, supervised physical custody is granted to a parent who is not deemed to fit take care of their children but are also not considered to be a danger to them.

Courts make custody decisions based on:

• Desires of all parties involved
• Age and health of all parties
• Any history of domestic violence
• A child’s relationship with siblings or extended family

There are also two distinct types of custody that may be granted to a parent. Physical custody decides which parent the children will live with full-time. Legal custody gives a parent rights to make important life decisions for their children.

Is PA a 50/50 Custody State?

The Pennsylvania court may order a 50/50 custody arrangement if it is in the child’s best interests and possible (i.e., both parents live near each other and their work schedules allow it).

Creating a Co-Parenting Plan for Your Child's Well-Being

When going through a child custody case, it is important to prioritize your child's well-being and create a co-parenting plan that promotes their best interests. Our experienced Pittsburgh child custody attorneys understand the complexities of these situations and can help you navigate the legal process.

The benefits of creating a co-parenting plan include the following:

• Promoting stability and routine for your child
• Reducing conflict between parents
• Providing clear guidelines for parenting responsibilities
• Ensuring both parents have quality time with the child
• Addressing potential issues such as holidays, vacations, and communication

Our team will work closely with you to understand your unique situation and goals. We will guide you through negotiating and drafting a comprehensive co-parenting plan that addresses essential factors such as custody schedules, holiday arrangements, communication protocols, and dispute-resolution mechanisms.

By prioritizing the well-being of your children and fostering a cooperative co-parenting relationship, you can create a nurturing and stable environment for them to thrive.

By prioritizing the well-being of your children and fostering a cooperative co-parenting relationship, you can create a nurturing and stable environment for them to thrive.

What Makes a Parent Unfit in Pennsylvania?

• A parent may be deemed unfit in PA if there is:
• Proof of a mental or physical condition that renders him or her incapable of caring for the child;
• A history of drug or alcohol abuse;
• A record of domestic abuse.

Who is Allowed Visitation in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, visitation rights for child custody are typically granted to various individuals, depending on the circumstances and the best interests of the child. Here are some key points regarding who may be allowed visitation:

• Parents: Typically, both biological parents have visitation rights unless exceptional circumstances, like abuse or neglect, pose a risk to the child's welfare.
• Grandparents: Pennsylvania recognizes grandparents' rights to visitation under certain conditions. Grandparents may petition the court for visitation if it is in the best interests of the child, especially if there has been a significant bond between the grandparent and the child.
• Other Relatives: Apart from grandparents, other relatives like siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins may receive visitation rights if it's considered advantageous for the child's welfare.
• Non-Relatives: In rare cases, non-relatives who have a significant relationship with the child, such as close family friends or former caregivers, may be granted visitation rights if it is determined to be in the child's best interests.

Ultimately, visitation rights in Pennsylvania prioritize the child's well-being and aim to ensure that the child maintains meaningful relationships with important individuals in their life while considering their safety and best interests.

When Can Grandparents Have Visitation Rights in PA?

In Pennsylvania, grandparents can seek visitation (also known as partial custody) if:

• the child’s parent(s) is deceased;
• the child’s parents have been separated for at least six months or have filed for divorce, or
• the child has lived with the grandparent for at least 12 months.

However, even if the above qualifications are met, the grandparent must prove that visitation serves the child’s best interests and doesn’t interfere with the child's relationship with his or her parents.