Child Custody

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Child Custody Attorney

Child custody in Pennsylvania can be as creative as the parties need it to be. After a divorce there is a perception that one party will have primary custody while the other can expect every other weekend visits. This is true is some cases, but there are many other possible arrangements, including 50-50 or shared custody arrangement.

I'm Lee A. Schwartz, a family law attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I help clients to find creative child custody solutions that make sense for everyone involved.

If you want to craft a flexible arrangement, consider sitting down with me as your family lawyer offering a wide breadth of experience in child custody law. Contact my office today to discuss your concerns.

Child Custody in Pennsylvania

There are two types of custody in Pennsylvania: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody is shared in most cases. This means the parties will consult with each other regarding major decisions for the child in areas such as health, education, and religion. Day-to-day decisions are made by the parent in possession of the child.

Generally, one parent will have primary physical custody, meaning the child lives with that parent the majority of the time. The other parent will have partial physical custody. However, some parents have what is called "shared" physical custody of their children equally.

How Does Visitation Work?

In Pennsylvania, visitation is when the parent without custody will visit with the child while the child is in the possession and physical control of the other parent or a designated third party. Visitation is more rare than joint physical custody.

A custody order is a court order establishing the type of custodial arrangement the parents will follow. The order generally provides for a custody schedule to be followed. This schedule covers weekly visits, vacation, and holiday time, as well as transportation issues, to name a few.

In addition to negotiating these agreements through mediation or in court, I can help clients who seek modification of a custody order due to changes in their circumstances.

For more information or to discuss your child custody case, contact me, Philadelphia family law attorney Lee A. Schwartz. I am associated with the Spear Wilderman Law Firm.