Learn about seeking custody rights in Chester County: Most of the time, parents are able to come to an agreement on the best type of custody arrangement for them and the children. After all, isn’t it better for the parents to decide what is the best custody arrangement for their children rather than a judge who doesn’t know the parents or children? Even when the parents are angry at each other, hopefully they can step back from their anger and realize that both parents play an important role in their children’s lives. Learn more from West Chester PA Custody lawyer, Joshua Janis.
However, in some cases, the parents are not able to speak to each other without fighting let alone come to an agreement regarding custody. If the parents are not able to agree on a custodial arrangement, court action may be necessary. The formal legal process begins with the filing of a custody complaint. Generally, the complaint is filed in the state and county where the child has lived for the past six months.
In Chester County, attorney Joshua Janis is experienced in filing a custody complaint, getting a hearing scheduled before a Master and do his best to both prepare to fight for custody while using his reasonable negotiation skills. If an agreement cannot be made at the conference before the custody master or hearing officer, home studies and/or psychological evaluations of the parents and children may be ordered. Once the psychological evaluations are completed and a report is issued, a hearing is then conducted and the court will determine the custodial arrangement that is in the best interests and welfare of the children.
Learn about the Best Interests of the Child
The Custody Judge, whether he is based in West Chester PA or Philadelphia or Lancaster will look at “the best interests of the child” which includes looking at all factors which have an effect upon the child’s physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual well-being.
The best interests of the child analysis generally includes consideration of any prior custody arrangements including the amount of time each parent has spent with the child in the past; the involvement of each parent in the child’s school, religious upbringing and medical care; whether there are other siblings or half-siblings in either parent’s residence; the child’s preference if the child can articulate a justifiable reason for the preference; the school district where each parent resides and the distance between the parents’ residences; whether either parent or the children suffer from any psychological or physical conditions; whether either parent abuses prescription or illegal drugs or alcohol; whether the parents are able to communicate and cooperate with each other regarding the children; whether either parent has attempted to undermine the other parent’s custody rights; and any other factors that may impact the minor children’s best interests.
Need a custody lawyer who is both passionate in what he does and compassionate in his treatment of his clients? You deserve a Pennsylvania custody lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. We make your choice all the clearer with locations throughout the metropolitan Philadelphia Pennsylvania, including Center City Philadelphia, West Chester PA, Downingtown/Exton PA, Kennett Square PA, Lancaster PA, King of Prussia PA, Plymouth Meeting PA, Radnor and Springfield PA.
We serve Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster County, Montgomery County, Downingtown, Paoli, Media, Norristown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Reading and Allentown. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania Custody Attorney at Ciccarelli Lawyers, by contacting us at (610) 925-2500 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.
