Child Custody

Child Custody in Pennsylvania

Family law and other legal issues involving children require focused attention from a dedicated and skilled lawyer. The attorneys and staff at the Law Office of Lawrence J. Avallone strive to obtain resolutions to their clients' child custody cases as efficiently and effectively as possible.

The main concern in custody cases is the child or children who will be affected by the decisions made. The firm is dedicated to seeing that the best interests of the child are served first and foremost. Courts also seek to make custody decisions which benefit the child and preserve his or her well being.

There are several types of custody and visitation, which are listed below.

• Primary physical custody: The parent with whom the child lives is considered to have primary physical custody. The child spends the majority of his or her time with this parent.
• Partial custody: The parent without primary physical custody has partial custody which equates to roughly 30-35% of the child's time. The time with the partial custody parent is also spent away from the primary home and in control of the parent with partial custody.
• Legal custody: The parent that has the right to make medical, educational, and other major decisions for the child.
• Visitation: One parent spends time with the child at the other parent's residence or other location.

In some situations, parents can have shared or joint custody. This is a specific matter that can be discussed further with your attorney. The type of custody and the amount of time a parent has with the child may impact the amount of child support that parent has to pay.

Relocation

A subject that has recently become a hot topic in child custody matters is relocation. Many parents that have primary physical custody want to move away from their current residence. However, they cannot just move without dealing with the residual custody matters that exist. If you are seeking to relocate with your child, it is important that you seek the help of a qualified lawyer in order to prevent any violation of standing custody orders.

Contact a child custody attorney at the Law Office of Lawrence J. Avallone today to learn more about how the firm may help you. A free consultation is offered.

• Special Issue - Who Gets the Children? - By Lawrence W. Abel