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Are You Trying to Get Custody of a Child?

Achieving custody of a child can be a highly emotional battle between parents. Add to that a number of legal issues courts weigh to award custody and child custody cases can become daunting. This area of law significantly impacts the child’s present well being and future.

Legal Issues in Child Custody

In determining who gets custody, courts consider what is in the “best interest” of the child, which is a broad term that does not have a fixed standard and can take into account a number of considerations. Child custody law is complex, so to get the best result obtaining the services of a qualified Philadelphia attorney who practices child custody law is imperative.

What do judges look for in custody cases?

In every state, family court judges must consider what is in the child’s best interests when determining custody. In most cases, judges emphasize making sure the child will spend ample time with both parents. To make this happen, a judge will likely want to know what each parent’s home environment is like, whether each parent will be able to give a child the proper attention, and which situation the child will be most likely to thrive in.

Who has legal custody of the child when the parents aren’t married?

If the parents are not married, the child’s biological parents both have parental rights unless the law says otherwise. An exception to this could be if no father is listed on the child’s birth certificate. In that case, the father would have to go through the legal process of establishing paternity to be able to assert his parental rights for visitation.

How can a mother lose custody of her child?

A mother can lose custody of her child in much the same way a father could. This could include abusing the child, abusing drugs or alcohol, providing an unsafe home environment for the child, or abandoning the child.

How can you change a child custody order?

If you or your ex are unhappy with the current custody arrangement, you can negotiate a change to your agreement. If a judge feels that the changes are still in the child’s best interests, then they may approve the order. If one of you is pressing ahead with seeking a change and the other parent is contesting it, you will need to prove a “substantial” change in circumstances. This could include one of the parents moving out of state, suffering from a disability or illness that affects their parenting ability, exposing the child to an unsafe environment, or having a change in work circumstances that requires rescheduling of visitation.

How an Attorney Can Help

An attorney can often resolve your particular legal issue faster and better than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors. You should seek out an attorney whose practice focuses on the area of law most relevant to your issue.

How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation

Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.

How to Find the Right Attorney

Determine the area of law that relates to your issue. Attorneys specialize in specific practice areas around legal issues within the broad field of law.
Seek out recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues. A successful attorney or practice will typically have many satisfied clients.
Set up consultation appointments to get a better understanding of your case as well as gauge your comfort level with different attorneys. Find the attorney who is the right fit for your needs.

Common legal terms explained

Affidavit – A sworn written statement made under oath. An affidavit is meant to be a supporting document to the court assisting in the verification of certain facts. An affidavit may or may not require notarization.

Top Philadelphia, PA Child Custody Lawyers Near You

Luff Strenfel LLP

Dolan Ray Law, LLC

Graff & Associates, LLC

Petrelli Previtera, LLC

Fiore Law Group

Jones & Associates Law, P.C.

Law Offices of Don J. Solomon

Archer Attorneys at Law

Offit Kurman

Fink & Buchanan Law Offices, LLC

Stark & Stark, P.C.

Earp Cohn PC

Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker LLP

Cipriani & Werner

Clark Hill PLC

Velter Yurovsky Zoftis Sokolson, LLC

Legal Aid of SE Pennsylvania

Cordell & Cordell, PC

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

Littler Mendelson, P.C.

Fabick Law, LLC

Ordile Law and Mediation

Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP

Randi J. Vladimer, P.C.

Ramsay & Ramsay, P.C.

Philadelphia, PA Lawyers in Related Practice Areas

Philadelphia Child Custody Information

Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys In Philadelphia

Find a Child Custody Attorney near Philadelphia