Are parents allowed to deviate from a Pennsylvania custody order?

Armed with your final child custody order, you and your ex feel equipped to handle any child-involved situation. You have addressed every conceivable scenario that might interfere with child custody and planned how to address these possible interferences.

The statements above reflect how many parents feel after finally ironing out the details of a court-approved child custody plan in Rockledge, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, life does not always accommodate the careful plans co-parents create.

Some deviations are usually okay

You and your ex should always strive to comply with your custody order and parenting plan. However, certain occasions or events may occur to disrupt your arrangements. Family courts know that sometimes things do not go according to plan and are typically okay with small or minor deviations.

For example, if you have the flu, you and your co-parent may wish to isolate your kids away from you for a few extra days to protect them from illness. In another example, you or your ex might need to take an unexpected business trip for a day or two. In scenarios like these, custody and parenting plan deviations likely will not cause trouble with the court.

Avoid deviating from expressed orders

On the other hand, let’s say that your custody order expressly prohibits your co-parent from spending time alone with the kids. Violating such an order under any circumstances could lead to legal and family-related problems. However, most family courts do not impose such restrictions unless being alone with a parent would compromise your child’s safety.

Learning more about the state’s child custody and parenting plan laws can help you understand when and how to deviate from your court orders. A professional legal advocate can also be an authoritative source of guidance with any custody issues your family experiences.