You may view your divorce as the end of your association with your ex-spouse, yet in reality, they may continue to remain a major part of your life (especially if you have children together). That can be particularly problematic, however, if there is a history of domestic violence between you. Concerns over the fear of continuing abuse are often echoed by those who come to see us here at Palange, Endres & Marks, P.C. While you can try to limit your contact with your abusive ex-spouse, fulfilling a child custody obligation might put you in situations where you are forced to again deal with them face-to-face.
Managing child custody exchanges
Studies show joint custody may be best
Going through a divorce can be extremely emotional, especially when there are children involved. In most cases, both parents want what is best for their children, even though they were unable to make their marriage work. Whether parents can negotiate child custody through mediation or a court-appointed attorney is left to make the final decision, children may be placed in the sole custody of one parent or in joint-custody. While sole-custody is rather common, as it allows the child to stay in one place most of the time, studies show the true benefits of joint-custody and how it can be advantageous for kids to spend a significant amount of time with both parents.
What types of custody awards can be made?
If you are getting divorced in Pennsylvania and you have one or more minor children with your future former spouse, you will no doubt be very concerned about what might happen to your relationship with your kids.When it comes to child custody awards, there are two primary forms of custody that can be granted but there are ultimately seven different forms of custody awards.
Parental relocation and parent-child relationships
If you and your spouse are getting divorced in Pennsylvania and you have children still at home, you will no doubt be concerned about helping your kids through this experience. Maintaining strong relationships with both parents is generally considered to be in the best interest of children barring unusual circumstances such as when one parent is abusive to children. What happens when one parent feels they must move out of the area in order to support themselves and meet their financial obligations to their children?
Do grandparents have custody rights?
If you are the grandparent of a child whose parents’ relationship has soured, you may have some concerns about your ongoing relationship with your grandchild. Luckily, Pennsylvania law does make allowances for grandparents to continue their important role in the child’s life under certain circumstances.
Summer fun for kids after a divorce
In January, divorced parents in Pennsylvania might breathe a sigh of relief at having made it through the holiday season. This can be a tough time for divorced families as they have to find ways to split time with their children and their former spouses. Memorial Day, often seen as the unofficial start to the summer season, is just around the corner and that means another time of the year is here when this time sharing once again becomes front and center in a manner very different to the school year.
Amending a custody agreement
If you are a divorced parent in Pennsylvania or the parent of a child you share with a former partner even if you were never married, you may well have a legally binding child custody agreement in place. This document outlines the specific times and days that your child is with you and when they are with their other parent. Other details such as locations and times of handoffs may also be included in your agreement.
Custody for dads in Pennsylvania
Among the many societal shifts in recent decades that have occurred include the increasing role of fathers in their children's lives. Many dads in Pennsylvania today might indicate that they are more active in their kids' daily lives than their own fathers were with them when they were children. This positive change has opened the door to some change when it comes to assigning custody of children in a divorce.
What are the benefits of sole custody?
Divorcing parents in Pennsylvania have a lot of decisions to make, and they have to be made quickly. The choices you pick will not only impact your life, but will have a heavy influence on the life of your child, too. For these reasons, you may be considering sole custody over joint custody.
