Drafting a Child Custody Agreement in PA: Your Guide to a Favorable Solution

When a family separates, the well-being of the children is the top priority. At The Law Offices of Dawn K. Gull, our mission is to help you secure a child custody arrangement that serves the best interests of your family. The process of separation is often emotional and challenging, which is why our experienced child custody lawyers in PA are here to provide clear guidance and compassionate support.

We serve families in Wexford and throughout Allegheny and Butler counties. If you need a dedicated child custody attorney to represent your interests, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation: 412-440-5718.

How a PA Court Determines Child Custody

In Pennsylvania, a court must enter custody and visitation orders whenever parents who share a child separate or divorce. While a judge will often approve an agreement reached by the parents, the court’s ultimate decision is always based on what is in the child’s best interests.

A court will consider many factors when making a custody determination, including:

• The child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community.
• The proximity of the parents’ residences.
• Which parent has historically performed the day-to-day parenting duties (e.g., medical appointments, school meetings).
• The stability of each parent’s home environment.
• The parental duties performed by each parent on behalf of the child.
• The preference of an older child, though this is just one of many factors.

Our child custody law firm will analyze the specifics of your case and build a strategy to highlight the factors that support your position.

Understanding Your Rights as a Parent in Pennsylvania

Parental rights in Pennsylvania are gender-neutral. The law recognizes that both fathers and mothers have an equal right to:

• Be considered for primary physical custody of their child.
• Receive or pay child support based on the legal formula.
• Be awarded liberal partial custody (visitation) time if they are not the primary custodial parent.
• Be involved in their child’s life, including participation in important decisions regarding their health, education, and upbringing.

Our attorney for child custody is dedicated to protecting these rights and ensuring you are treated fairly by the court.

Types of Child Custody in PA

Pennsylvania law distinguishes between two main types of custody:

1. Legal Custody: The right to make major decisions about a child’s upbringing, such as education, religious instruction, and medical care. This is often shared between parents, even if one parent has primary physical custody.
2. Physical Custody: The actual time a child spends with each parent. This can be arranged in several ways:
   • Primary Custody: One parent has the child for the majority of the time, and the other parent has partial custody (visitation).
   • Shared Custody: Both parents have a significant amount of physical custody time.
   • Partial Custody: The right to take the child from the custodial parent for a period of time.

Our child custody lawyer will work with you to understand these options and help you pursue the arrangement that best fits your family’s needs.

Addressing the Challenges of Co-Parenting

One of the biggest challenges for separated parents is learning to co-parent effectively, especially when communication is strained. A successful custody agreement requires a commitment to putting your child’s needs first. Our child custody law firm provides more than just legal representation; we offer practical advice and coaching on how to navigate the co-parenting relationship and create a positive environment for your children. We will be direct and honest with you about the realities of co-parenting and its importance in a custody case.

Child Custody Modifications and Parental Relocation

Your child’s needs change as they grow, and so might your family’s circumstances. We assist clients at all stages of custody proceedings, including those who need to:

• Modify an existing custody order due to a significant change in circumstances.
• Seek a custody modification of child support.
• Request or contest parental relocation.

Whether you are just beginning the process or need to adjust an existing arrangement, our child custody lawyers in PA are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.