Answers To Your Most Pressing Child Custody Questions

If you are getting a divorce and you and your spouse have children together, understanding the child custody laws in Pennsylvania is of utmost importance. Child custody hearings are not only extremely stressful for everyone involved, but they are also often the most contentious part of many divorce cases. Below, our Delaware County child custody lawyer has outlined the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions so you can feel more prepared and have a better chance of a favorable outcome.

How Do the Courts Decide on Child Custody? 

In the best of cases, the two divorcing parents are able to reach an agreement on their own regarding the terms of the divorce, including those involving child custody. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. In these cases, the parents will have to appear in court and let a judge make the final decision. Family law judges only consider the best interests of the child, which involves many factors. Some of these include the ability of each parent to raise the child, and the financial means of both parents.

Are Mothers Always Awarded Custody? 

Traditionally, the courts in Pennsylvania did favor mothers in child custody cases. This was largely due to the fact that at one time, mothers typically stayed home and raised the children while fathers earned a living to support the household. Today, this is clearly no longer the case. Many women are in the workforce today and they support the entire household, or they contribute to it. Courts will still consider which parent was the primary caregiver for the children during the marriage, but they will not take gender into consideration.

Do the Courts Award Sole Custody? 

Pennsylvania courts will begin any child custody case with the presumption that it is in the best interests of the child for both children to share joint custody. However, there are times when they will award sole custody to one parent. Sole custody is awarded when there are extenuating circumstances, such as a parent that travels extensively for work, when the two parents live far apart from each other, and when one parent has a substance abuse problem.

Is Child Support Ordered when Joint Custody is Awarded? 

When parents share custody of their child, they both spend approximately the same amount of time with the child. As such, both parents also typically contribute approximately the same amount to the child’s expenses. Still, if one parent’s income is substantially lower than the other’s and they need financial help to provide for the needs of the child, the court may order the other side to pay child support.

Our Child Custody Lawyer in Delaware County Can Answer Your Questions 

If you are trying to resolve a child custody dispute, you likely have many questions. At Barbara Flum Stein & Associates, our Delaware County child custody lawyer can provide the answers you need so you have the best chance of a successful outcome. Call us today at 610-565-6100 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.