The process of obtaining primary custody of a child in Pennsylvania will vary depending on the county in which the case is brought. The first step in commencing custody proceedings in any county is to file a Complaint for Custody. Most counties require both parties attend an educational component on co-parenting before the custody process can proceed. Some counties require children of certain ages to attend, while other counties do not. So what if you live out-of-state or cannot attend a co-parenting class for some other reason? Depending on the reasoning, your attorney may be able to have the educational component bypassed. Alternatively, some judges will allow a party to complete a similar co-parenting course in their home county, and others may even allow for completion of an online course if good cause is shown. Generally, however, judges are hesitant to waive this requirement and will not allow a case to proceed until completed by both parties.
How Do I Obtain Primary Custody of My Child in Pennsylvania?
What Pennsylvania custody law says about your child's summer vacation
Do you currently have a Pennsylvania child custody order? Does your child custody order provide a schedule for your child's upcoming summer break?
Gestational Surrogate Requirements in Pennsylvania
What are the Requirements to Act as a Gestational Surrogate in Pennsylvania?
If you are considering acting as a gestational surrogate in Pennsylvania, Florida or another state or are a Pennsylvania Intended Parent or Intended Parents seeking a gestational surrogacy contract in Pennsylvania, Florida or another state, you should know what are the generally accepted medical and other qualifications and/or disqualifications for a Florida or Pennsylvania surrogate mother.
Honoring National Infertility Awareness Week in Pennsylvania - Speaking to loved ones about their inferility
National Infertility Awareness Week runs through April 22 - 28. Currently 7.3 million Americans are struggling with infertility. Infertility does not discriminate based on age, religion, sexual orientation, or economic status. Many couples and individuals in Pennsylvania struggle to build their families.
Celebrity News: Pennsylvania Divorce of Channing Tatum
By now you have probably heard of the split of actor Channing Tatum from his wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum. Under Pennsylvania's divorce laws and Pennsylvania's custody laws what's at stake for the couple?
Is your pension at stake in a Westmoreland County divorce?
Pennsylvania divorce law states that the portions of a retirement plan which are earned prior to marriage and after the separation of the spouses is nonmarital property. Meaning your spouse is not entitled to a portion of any increase in your pension during these periods of time. During the marriage however, any increase in your Pennsylvania retirement benefits, regardless of whether those benefits were vested on the date of separation, are marital property.
For Pennsylvania's Same-Sex Couples is a Birth Certificate Enough to Protect your Parental Rights?
On May 31, 2016, the Department of Health issued guidance to hospitals throughout the state that, for pregnant same-sex female couples in Pennsylvania who are married at the time of their child's birth, the hospital should list both spouses as parents on the child's birth certificate.
5 Things to Ask Your Attorney During a Pennsylvania Divorce
Did you know that your actions leading up to and following the filing of a Pennsylvania Divorce can affect your rights?
Parenting Plans in Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania parenting plan or custody agreement allows parents who agree on the custody of their children to forgo going to court to fight about the custody of their child. A Pennsylvania custody agreement can be used post-divorce or post-separation of the parents.
If I file for custody in Allegheny County, will my children get to decide where they live?
Parents involved in a custody case in Pittsburgh will often ask at what age their kids can decide which parent they want to live with. Maybe your daughter has said she'd rather live with Mom. Will an Allegheny County judge let the children choose which parent they want to live with?
