What To Expect From A Child Custody Dispute In Pittsburgh and Allegheny County

When one parent has reason to believe that their child’s other parent is not able to be the parent their child deserves, child custody disputes often arise. It is important to always remember that the Pennsylvania courts only care about one thing: what is in the best interests of the child. 

With that being said, if you are preparing to go to court to fight for your custody rights, you’ll be better off knowing what you should expect as your case moves to court. Below, we have described how you may be able to avoid bringing your case to court and what to expect if going to court is necessary for your case. 

Attempting to Resolve the Dispute with Your Child’s Other Parent

As you begin to prepare to resolve your child custody dispute, it’s important that you understand what sort of arrangement you are seeking. Perhaps you are okay with sharing legal custody of your children with their other parent but hope to retain primary physical custody of the kids. Or maybe you have reason to believe your child’s other parent is unfit and therefore believe a sole custody arrangement would be best. 

In any case, attending mediation can be a good first step in resolving these child custody issues. The mediator will hear both parents’ wishes and concerns for their children and then attempt to offer a compromise, all while keeping what is in your child’s best interests a top priority.

You May Have to Go to Court in PA

Unfortunately, mediation isn’t always effective, and one parent will remain unwilling to compromise. When this happens, you’ll have to go to court and plead your case before the judge. The judge will hear both parents’ concerns and then implement a court-ordered custody plan based on their opinion. 

As mentioned, the courts are always going to do what is in the best interests of the children, which is why it is to everyone’s benefit to work through these issues in mediation as opposed to having the decision placed in the hands of the judge. 

Talk to a PA Child Custody Lawyer

Disputes involving children are sure to make your blood pressure rise, but if you have made the decision to fight for custody of your child, you’ll want exceptional legal representation. 

A qualified Pennsylvania child custody lawyer at Lisa Marie Vari & Associates, P.C. could assist you in keeping your child’s best interests in mind before going to court. You can reach us via the convenient submission form below or by giving our office a call at (412) 231-9786.