The Scottdale custody lawyers of Henderson Law Offices
are experienced in representing the legal needs of our clients in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties.
Custody should be a considerate process of what is best for the children.
The standard of review in custody cases is: the best interests of the child. Source: T.B. v. L.R.M., 874 A.2d 34, 38 (Pa. Super 2005). At Henderson Law Offices, the firm keeps that standard in mind at all times during custody matters. The children’s lives are most likely going to change as their single family units may now be structured as two family units. Because of this custody arrangements can vary greatly depending on the relationship between the child’s parents. Each family’s unique situation will affect the process of determining custody and the outcome of agreement.
Some of the factors used to determine the best interest of the child are:
- The parental duties performed by each party on behalf of the child.
- The need for stability and continuity in the child’s education, family life and community life.
- The availability of extended family.
- The child’s sibling relationships.
- The well-reasoned preference of the child, based on the child’s maturity and judgment.
- The attempts of a parent to turn the child against the other parent, except in cases of domestic violence where reasonable safety measures are necessary to protect the child from harm.
- Which party is more likely to maintain a loving, stable, consistent and nurturing relationship with the child adequate for the child’s emotional needs.
- Which party is more likely to attend to the daily physical, emotional, developmental, educational and special needs of the child.
- The level of conflict between the parties and the willingness and ability of the parties to cooperate with one another. A party’s effort to protect a child from abuse by another party is not evidence of unwillingness or inability to cooperate with that party.
- The history of drug or alcohol abuse of a party or member of a party’s household.
- The mental and physical condition of a party or member of a party’s household.
A judge can award either sole or joint custody in a child’s best interest.
A custody dispute can be very stressful as the outcome is dependent on what is in the child’s best interest and is rife with uncertainty. At Henderson Law Offices, our firm understands that each case is unique and should be handled differently to ensure the client’s interest are properly being protected and that you have the best possible chance of achieving your desired outcome.
Please contact Henderson Law Offices at 724-887-4544. You can also contact us online to set up your free initial consultation with our lawyer in our Scottdale office.