Child Custody Disputes in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh PA Child Custody Lawyers

Those who are seeking a divorce in the state of Pennsylvania have a number of issues to decide upon, and they can all be contentious. Many people place a great deal of significance on the financial aspects of the divorce, and they may feel very strongly about the division of property and the possibility of alimony payments. However, if anything is in dispute, the most sensitive issue of all is going to be the matter of child custody. In the vast majority of cases, the couple who are involved in the divorce proceeding act with the best interests of the child or children in mind. No one knows the dynamics of the parent/child relationships that exist better than the couple themselves, so they usually have no problem coming to an agreement concerning a parenting plan.

However, in a small percentage of cases child custody disputes do arise, and the laws surrounding child custody matters can be found in Title 23, Section 5303 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The overriding factor that the court will use if it is required to make a child custody decision will simply be the well being of the child or children who are the subject of the dispute. The specifics of the relationship that each parent has with the child or children will be examined, and any past instances of domestic violence or abusive behavior will be taken into consideration. It is important to recognize that there are two different types of custody that need to be considered: physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody is self explanatory, but legal custody refers to the right of a parent to make decisions in behalf of a dependent child. If the child is old enough to understand the situation, his or her preference would be taken into consideration.

The matter of custody in the state of Pennsylvania is not entirely an either/or matter. Shared custody can sometimes be agreed upon by the divorcing couple or ordered by the court, and partial custody is also an option. Depending on the county where the custody matter is being heard, mediation by a third party may be required in an effort to help the former spouses come to a voluntary arrangement before the court will hear the case. It is always best to come to a custody agreement on your own, and this is very much encouraged in the state of Pennsylvania, but when a dispute persists without resolution, the court will be called on to make the final decision.

For more information about child custody disputes, contact a Pittsburgh PA family lawyer to arrange for a free consultation.