Child Custody Lawyer in Centre County, PA
If you and your children’s other parent are embroiled in a child custody case, you recognize that the stakes are high and that protecting your rights as a parent is paramount. The surest path forward is with skilled legal guidance, and our experienced Centre County, PA, child custody lawyers at Topinka Law welcome the opportunity to help.
Your Child Custody Terms
In your child custody case, you’ll resolve the matter of both legal and physical custody. Legal custody determines how you and your children’s other parent will make key decisions about your children’s upbringing. Common examples include determinations regarding their schooling, medical care, religious education, and extracurricular activities.
Physical custody, on the other hand, determines the schedule by which you and your ex will divide your time with your shared children. In some cases, one parent is awarded the primary custodial role, meaning they have the children for the majority of overnight stays. In contrast, the other has a visitation schedule.
Contested vs. Uncontested Cases
Most child custody cases in Center County and throughout Pennsylvania are settled out of court. In these uncontested cases, the parents can hammer out terms they can both live with. When it comes to negotiations, you’ll look to your capable child custody attorney to help you skillfully strategize a path forward toward favorable terms.
Mediation
Many parents who have difficulty finding a middle ground regarding child custody terms can resolve their differences at mediation. If you go to mediation, you’ll have your trusted child custody lawyer by your side, and a professional mediator will help facilitate compromise.
Contested Cases
Some child custody cases do go to court. And in Centre County, these contested cases are heard at the Court of Common Pleas in the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte.
Most parents prefer to retain decision-making authority over child custody and, as a result, find a way to meet in the middle. If, however, your children’s other parent refuses to engage in reasonable negotiations or is more interested in hurting you than resolving the issue, heading to court is generally advised.
The Court’s Focus
The involved children’s best interests always guide Pennsylvania courts, and they turn to factors like the following in the process:
- Each parent’s ability and willingness to make the children’s safety and well-being their top priority
- Each parent’s willingness to continue supporting the other’s close and ongoing relationship with the children
- Each parent’s commitment to healthy co-parenting
- How well the children’s current living situation serves them in relation to home, school, and community
- Whether violence, abuse, or neglect are concerns in either parent’s home
It’s Time to Consult with Our Experienced Centre County Child Custody Attorneys
Our accomplished Centre County child custody lawyers at Topinka Law appreciate the magnitude of your case, and we will spare no effort in our focused pursuit of an optimal outcome on your behalf. Learn more about everything we can do to help by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 814-954-7280 today.