Protecting Parent-Child Ties In Custody And Child Relocation Cases
Whether you are in the midst of a first-time custody case for your child(ren) or already have a court order and now seek a modification, your children’s well-being is paramount. Virtually all parents do what they consider to be best for their children. Most people would agree that keeping a parent-child relationship intact and vibrant is a parent’s highest priority.
Issues in your custody case may touch on other legal matters, such as paternity, asset division in divorce and even domestic violence. Steiner & Blechman, LLC, offers benefits to clients no matter what else is on the line, as we devote 100% of our law practice to family law. With more than 50 combined years of legal experience, our lead attorneys personalize legal advice to suit individual needs.
How Parenting Time Schedules May Be Decided And/Or Modified
According to Pennsylvania statutes on family law, a variety of factors are to help judges determine which parent will be awarded primary, shared or partial physical custody in a physical custody case. These factors include the following:
- Parenting duties customarily performed by each parent
- Stability and continuity in a child’s education, family life and community life
- Extended family and sibling relationships
- Each parent’s willingness to permit ongoing contact with the other parent
- The child’s preference, depending on their maturity and judgment
When either parent has a history of abuse or drug or alcohol abuse, supervision of parenting time for that parent may be part of the custody order. Besides physical custody, parents may share legal custody, giving both the right to make decisions about a child’s education, religious upbringing, travels, medical care and more.
Removal Is Not A Guaranteed Right Of The Parent With Primary Custody
Once a child custody order is in place, either parent may feel a need to request a modification. Sometimes the parent with primary custody finds it necessary to make a geographic move for work, family or educational reasons. Relocation of the child is not automatic even when a move is unavoidable for the parent who has had custody of the child most of the time.
When one parent’s move will take the child far away from the other parent, where should the minor child live? To support your position on this question, our family law attorneys can advocate for your and your child’s interests, regardless of which side of the story you are on:
- You may be the parent who has been a nurturing parent, but your job, extended family or other life circumstances make your move necessary.
- You may be the parent who sees your child less often and seeks to prevent your child’s removal and its inherent threat to your parental rights.
When the welfare of your child or children is at stake, you want the most knowledgeable, experienced lawyers on your side.
Put Experienced Family Law Attorneys On Your Side
Our lawyers are prepared to help your family through what can be an emotionally-charged custody case.
Contact us to schedule a consultation by calling 412-263-3700 or completing our online inquiry form.