- On Behalf of Topinka Law
- Child Custody
Legal custody and physical custody in Pennsylvania are separate parenting concerns that are determined independently of one another. Legal custody grants the authority to make parenting decisions, while physical custody determines where your children will live and how they’ll divide their time between you and their other parent. Both legal and physical custody can be either sole or joint.
Protect your rights as a parent by reaching out to our experienced State College child custody attorneys at Topinka Law for the help you need.
The Framework for Child Custody Determinations in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania courts are motivated by children’s daily needs and overall well-being, and they make child custody arrangements accordingly. Child custody in the state is divided into both legal and physical custody to afford greater flexibility in terms of all the following:
- Where your children live
- How visitation is addressed
- Decision-making authority
If you and your children’s other parent cannot reach a mutually acceptable agreement regarding child custody, the court will hand down orders that are based on your children’s best interests.
Legal Custody: Making Primary Parenting Decisions
Legal custody assigns the authority to make important parenting decisions about topics like the following:
- Your children’s education
- The medical care your children receive
- The travel and extracurricular activities your children participate in
- Your children’s religious upbringing
Turn to the trusted legal counsel of a seasoned child custody lawyer for the help you need.
Shared Legal Custody
When legal custody is shared , the parents make these important decisions together. In some cases, one parent is awarded final decision-making authority in instances when an agreement on the matter at hand can’t be reached. This tie-breaking authority can also be divided between the parents according to topic. Shared legal custody requires the parents to work together, which means being committed to open communication and cooperation.
Joint Legal Custody
If the court deems that joint legal custody is likely to end in conflict rather than supporting the children’s best interests, sole legal custody may be awarded. This helps to ensure that key decisions regarding the children are made consistently and in a timely, nonconfrontational manner.
Physical Custody: The Parenting Plan
Physical custody determines where your children will make their home and the matter of visitation, or the parenting plan. In other words, physical custody helps shape your children’s daily routines and plays a critical role in their lives.
Whenever doing so supports the involved children’s emotional, developmental, and educational needs, Pennsylvania courts order joint physical custody. Only if there is a serious reason for denying or seriously limiting visitation will a parent’s right to spend time with their children be compromised.
Our Experienced State College Child Custody Lawyers Are Standing By to Help
Our accomplished State College child custody attorneys at Topinka Law are committed to building a strong case that supports an optimal outcome for you and your children. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t delay contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 814-954-7280 today.