How Is Child Custody Determined in Pennsylvania?

While every child custody case is unique and legally complex, the matter boils down to the children’s best interests in the context of the parent’s rights and the circumstances involved. If you’re facing a divorce that involves shared children, a child custody modification, or a child custody case outside of marriage, seek the knowledgeable legal counsel of an experienced child custody attorney.

Factors that Directly Influence Child Custody Decisions in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania courts are motivated by the involved children’s best interests, and they begin with the presumption that this includes spending an ample amount of time with each parent. From here, the courts consider key factors like the following in pursuit of child custody terms that are a good fit:

• Each spouse’s commitment to fostering and encouraging an ongoing relationship between the children and their other parent
• The role that each parent plays in their children’s lives and the extent of each parent’s involvement in raising them to date
• Whether maintaining the status quo in terms of the children’s current living situation, schooling and community is considered beneficial
• Availability of help with the children from extended family members
• Children’s relationships with one another
• Preferences of those children who are considered mature enough to join the conversation
• The children’s physical, emotional, educational, and healthcare needs, and each parent’s ability and commitment to effectively address these needs, including any special needs
• Whether domestic violence, child abuse, or child neglect are concerns that need to be taken into consideration
• Distance the parents live from one another
• Each parent’s commitment to successful co-parenting
• Level of conflict between the parents and each parent’s commitment to overcoming it for the children’s benefit
• Each parent’s age and overall mental and physical health
• Degree to which each parent is available for the children and their ability to make alternate arrangements as needed
• Any additional factors that the court considers relevant to the case being heard

Your Unique Child Custody Case

Every child custody case must be considered in light of the unique circumstances involved, and the court will analyze your case in relation to what’s best for your children. This typically means that each parent will be spending a significant amount of time with the children moving forward. One of you may, however, be assigned the primary custodial role, which means having more time with the kids and determining where they make their primary residence – within any limits that are set by the court.

Make the Call to an Experienced Harrisburg Child Custody Attorney Today

The well-respected child custody attorneys at Purdy Law Office in Harrisburg, PA, understand the gravity of your child custody case and will spare no effort in their drive to protect your rights and to obtain favorable terms that work well for you and your children. Your case is important, so please reach out and contact us online or call 717-820-9053 for more information today.