State College Child Custody Lawyer

Phone: 814-308-0894

Located in State College, the child custody attorneys at Engle & Engle represent mothers and fathers throughout Central Pennsylvania in custody and visitation disputes or issues.

Pennsylvania Child Custody

There are two types of custody that need to be addressed: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody deals with who will be allowed to make decisions on a child's behalf while they remain a minor or dependent child. Typically, joint legal custody is ordered, with both parents having a say in any decisions affecting or concerning the child. Physical custody addresses the child's residency, where the child will primarily reside. Sometimes, primary physical custody will be with one parent, with the non-custodial parent having visitation, which is called "partial physical custody" in Pennsylvania. Other families share physical custody pretty equally.

In Pennsylvania, child custody is based on the best interest of the child (or children). When parents can agree on custody arrangements, the courts will normally presume that the arrangement is in the best interest of the child.

Pennsylvania Visitation

Visitation is called "partial physical custody" in Pennsylvania. Most separated parents have a schedule set out to allow the non-custodial parent adequate time with the child. The best interests of the child is the driving force in the court's decisions on the schedule. The courts will normally defer to any agreement between the parents. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court usually presumes that physical contact with both parents is in the best interests of the child. The court may take into consideration the parents' work schedules, holidays, birthdays, school vacations, summer breaks, and extracurricular activities.

At Engle & Engle, we work with you to determine your child custody and visitation goals, then work diligently to accomplish these goals through a mutual agreement. We believe the parents are in a better position to decide what is in the child's best interests than a court. If necessary, however, we will zealously pursue your goals in court.

Child Custody Modifications

We also assist parents with requests for a child custody modification. Parents can agree to any written modifications, and the court will usually order them without a hearing. If parents cannot agree, the court will decide if a change is needed due to a significant change in circumstances. Significant changes of circumstances include relocation issues (especially the custodial parent), changes in work schedules, and changes in the child's schedule. Whether these circumstances, or other circumstances, are deemed enough to change custody depends on the unique facts of each case. Mediation is another way for parents to resolve custody disputes without going to court.

For more information regarding Pennsylvania child custody law, or to discuss your child custody and visitation issues with an experienced family law attorney, please call us at 814-308-0894, e-mail us, or fill out our intake form on our Contact Us page.

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