Child custody disputes are among the most challenging family law matters, often bringing stress and uncertainty for parents. Whether you are going through a divorce, establishing custody as an unmarried parent, or seeking modifications to an existing agreement, having a knowledgeable child custody attorney is crucial.
At Norcross Family Law, we provide skilled legal representation to help parents navigate Pennsylvania custody laws, protect their parental rights, and prioritize their child’s best interests.
Our child custody lawyers are committed to helping families find fair and effective solutions.
We understand that every family is different, and we provide client-focused approaches to finding the best custody arrangements to ensure your children can thrive and grow in the best way for them.
Pennsylvania law recognizes two main types of custody:
Grants a parent the authority to make significant decisions about the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religion.
Custody schedules and arrangements are determined based on each family’s specific situation and each child’s specific needs. The Court relies on multiple factors to determine if that means an equally shared custody schedule is best, or if one party should have primary physical custody.
Custody disputes can arise in divorce cases, between unmarried parents, or when modifications to an existing order are needed. The process generally begins with filing a custody petition, where one or both parents formally request a custody arrangement from the court.
Many cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation, allowing parents to reach an agreement without prolonged litigation. If both parties agree, the arrangement is submitted to the court for approval.
When an agreement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to a custody hearing. During the hearing, a judge reviews evidence, listens to testimony, and considers certain factors that affect the best interests of the children. Based on these considerations, the judge issues a custody order, outlining each parent’s responsibilities and parenting time.
If circumstances change—such as a parent’s relocation, remarriage, or changes in the child’s needs—modifications to the custody order may be necessary. Courts will only grant modifications if they serve the child’s best interests.
Our priority is to secure custody arrangements that allow parents to maintain meaningful relationships with their children while ensuring their safety and well-being. Here's how we help:
Our attorneys assist parents in negotiating custody agreements that prioritize the child’s best interests while ensuring a fair and workable arrangement for both parents. We draft detailed agreements that address legal and physical custody, parenting schedules, and decision-making responsibilities.
If a custody dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, we provide strong legal representation in court. Our attorneys present compelling evidence, advocate for your parental rights, and work toward a favorable outcome that aligns with your child’s needs.
Life circumstances change, and existing custody orders may need to be modified. Whether you are seeking a modification due to relocation, changes in your child’s needs, or issues with the other parent complying with the custody order, we can help you petition the court for necessary adjustments.
If a parent needs to relocate for work, family, or other personal reasons, this can significantly impact the current custody arrangement. Our attorneys guide parents through the relocation request process, helping them present a strong case to the court that demonstrates how the move will serve the child’s best interests.
In situations where domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect is a factor, we advocate for the safety and well-being of the child. We work to secure protective custody arrangements that shield children from harm while ensuring responsible parental involvement where appropriate.
Dealing with child custody issues can be stressful, but you don’t have to face them alone. Norcross Family Law is here to provide the legal support you need to protect your parental rights and secure a stable future for your child. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced child custody attorney.