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 decisions about schooling, medical care, religious education, and extracurricular activities.
Physical custody, on the other hand, determines the schedule by which you and the other parent will divide your time with your shared children. In some cases, one parent is awarded primary custody, which means having the children for most overnight stays. In contrast, the other has partial physical custody.
Contested vs. Uncontested Cases
Most child custody cases in Centre County and throughout Pennsylvania are settled out of court. In these uncontested cases, the parents can agree on 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 middle ground on child custody terms can resolve their differences through 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. In Centre County, these contested cases are heard in the Court of Common Pleas at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte.
Most parents prefer to retain decision-making authority regarding child custody and, as a result, find a way to reach an agreement. 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 by contacting us online or calling our firm at 814-954-7280 today.