The Keystone State is a wonderful place to fall in love. Unfortunately, not all love stories have happy endings. In these cases, it's important to know which laws apply to your situation -- especially when it comes to the issue of child custody. When at issue, child custody can be one of the most contentious and emotionally trying aspects in all of family law . This article will provide a brief overview of the child custody laws in Pennsylvania.
Child Custody Laws in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has child custody laws which address the determination of child custody, visitation, child support, and many other family law issues. Many of the child custody statutes mirror the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act .
In awarding child custody, Pennsylvania courts determine what is in "the best interest of the child" to make their decision. If parents cannot present a suitable parenting agreement for the court to adopt, it will issue its own controlling order to settle the matter.
The courts consider a number of factors that may affect the child's physical, mental, emotional, and developmental well-being. These considerations may include:
The courts, however, may not consider gender in their determination. Pennsylvania's child custody laws include a gender-neutrality provision to overcome favorable and unfavorable biases towards both genders and help ensure each parent has an equal custody right to their child. A presumption for joint custody exists when both parents are found to be competent caregivers.
Custody Procedure
Once a court weighs the factors of a case, it will issue a custody order . The order will govern both allocation of custody and, for non-custodial parents, any visitation rights they receive. The court must explain the reasons for its order in open court or in a written opinion or order. If the court finds any ongoing risk of harm to the child or a party to the action, it will include safety requirements for the protection of those at risk in the order.
Visiting a Child
Pennsylvania recognizes parental contact and support as important for a child's development, so courts will try to grant at least some visitation rights to non-custodial parents in most situations. The statutes on domestic relations in Pennsylvania have incorporated the term "visitation" under the umbrella of child custody, so "visitation" is now construed to mean:
Courts may include requirements for parents to satisfy in order to enjoy these custodial rights (such as drug tests prior to visits for parents with a history of drug or alcohol issues), but will not prohibit visitation by non-custodial parents unless there is a serious safety issue such as child abuse . Provisions for grandparents and great-grandparents to visit a child are also set forth by the statute.
Pennsylvania Child Custody Laws at a Glance
While there is value in reading the law as originally written in its statutory form, understanding the meaning is often easier when it's in plain English. This chart provides you with a helpful explanation of the factors determining child custody in Pennsylvania.
| Statute | Pennsylvania Statutes Title 23 Pa.C.S.A Section 5328(a) (Factors to Consider when Awarding Custody) |
| Factors of Consideration in Ordering Custody | In ordering custody, courts will determine the best interest of the child by considering all "relevant factors". Factors affecting the child's safety will be given weighted consideration. |
| "Relevant Factors" | "Relevant factors" include the following:
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| Related Statutes | Pennsylvania Statutes Title 23 Pa.C.S.A.
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Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Pennsylvania Child Custody Laws: Related Resources
How to Get Custody Pennsylvania Divorce Laws Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement
Get Legal Help with Child Custody Issues in Pennsylvania
Child custody matters are never easy, emotionally or legally. However, it's important that you protect your rights in order to maintain a close, healthy relationship with your child in order to give them the best future possible. If you think you may face or are already facing child custody issues, it's a good idea to get in touch with a skilled Pennsylvania child custody attorney who will be well-versed in the state's laws and can explain how they apply to your situation.
