Working out issues related to child custody is often the most contentious in divorce. Parents sometimes try to hurt the other spouse by making unreasonable custody proposals. At our law firm, we try to refocus parents' anger so they can concentrate on doing what is right for their children. One way we do this is by advocating for mediation or collaborative family law.
To find out more about your options with child custody and parenting time, contact our Pennsylvania law firm. Child custody laws were recently passed that greatly changed the way courts in the state look at parenting time. We stay up to date on all changes in the law in order to best serve you.
Philadelphia Area Child Custody Attorneys
We help parents determine the legal and physical custody arrangements that work for them and are in the best interests of their children. Although custody orders can be modified later if it is in the best interests of the child or children, we believe that the best course of action is to find a solution that both parents can live with for many years.
Using ADR to Resolve Disputes Over Child Custody
Our principal lawyer, Maribeth Blessing, is a trained mediator and experienced arbitrator. She is also a proponent of using the collaborative law process to resolve disputes about child custody. Whichever alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process is used, the result is almost always a reduced level of anger and stress that can only benefit the children involved. It allows parents to make their own decisions about their custody and parenting arrangements, rather than trust the court system to do it for them.
Our Approach to Child Custody
We help clients determine their goals by asking questions. Issues that can affect child custody include children's schedules and needs, parents' schedules and needs, tuition for college and private school, and other matters. We remind people that child custody is not about them — it is about their children and parental cooperation.
Modifying Custody Arrangements
Another aspect of our custody practice is helping a client to modify a custody order or oppose the other parent's request for a modification. As in other issues related to custody, the court uses the best interests of the child as the standard against which modification requests are evaluated. The requesting parent must prove that a change in the existing parenting schedule is in the best interests of the child or children. Sometimes requests for custody modification are generated by a significant change in a parent or child's circumstances, such as:
- Job loss
- Disability
- Parent relocation
- Permanent change in work schedule
A modification may also be driven by a child's change in needs or a parent's change in his or her interactions with his or her child or children.
Call for an Initial Consultation
Contact our Rockledge, Pennsylvania, law firm to schedule an initial consultation to learn how we can help with child custody matters. Call 215-392-0849 for an appointment for a free 10-minute conversation. We also offer a two-hour consultation for a very reasonable fee.
