Custody

Both parents have the right to custody of their child, and that's typically the preference of the courts. The idea is a simple one: each child and parent has the right to develop their relationship. Barring any serious issues like abuse or neglect, child custody is a right both parents have. Determining what that manifests as is another issue altogether. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all custody arrangement.

At Raver Rawlings & Parker PLLC, our child custody attorneys in western Pennsylvania will thoroughly review your case, listen to your concerns and preferences, and outline the best course of action for you. We know you have your child's best interests at heart. To that end, we will make every effort to attain the child custody arrangement best for you and your child. Contact us online or at (412) 712-0011 to schedule a consultation.

What is Child Custody in Pennsylvania?

When two parents are no longer together, one of the most important matters to be decided is who will have custody of their child. In Pennsylvania, there are two different types of custody that the court must consider: legal custody and physical custody.

Legal Custody

Legal custody is not related to whom the child lives with. Instead, the parent with legal custody has the legal right to make important life decisions for the child. For example, a parent with legal custody will decide where the child attends school and the type of healthcare they will receive. In Pennsylvania, it is most common for the parents to share legal custody, meaning they must make these important decisions together.

Physical Custody

Physical custody concerns where the child resides. It may be awarded solely to one parent, shared jointly between parents, or somewhere in between. Parents with a custody order or agreement will have a plan set in place that determines who has the child when.

When determining who to award child custody to, a court will consider what is in the best interest of the child. Pennsylvania courts look at a total of sixteen factors to determine the best interest. Some of the factors the court will look at are:

Who can provide a safe environment for the child
Any evidence of abuse
The child's relationship with each parent

If a matter affects the child, the court will likely consider it when awarding custody.

Unfit Parents and Child Custody in Pennsylvania

When a court reviews a case and determines that a parent is unfit, it is likely it will award custody to another party, and the court may allow the unfit parent supervised visitation. The court may also order the unfit parent to undergo counseling and parenting classes if they want to continue to have a relationship with their child.

While it is not impossible in most jurisdictions for an unfit parent to later regain custody of their child, it is not automatic as they must prove to the court the issues that deemed them unfit have been completely resolved.

Contact a Child Custody Lawyer in Pennsylvania Today

If you are facing a child custody issue, make certain your rights are protected by hiring a lawyer with experience in child custody disagreements. Contact Raver Rawlings & Parker PLLC in Pennsylvania today by using our online form or calling us directly at (412) 712-0011.

Contact Raver Rawlings & Parker PLLC in Pittsburgh, PA Today

Getting the legal help you need is right at your fingertips. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We will discuss your case, explain your options, and help you determine your next best steps.