who is the best child custody lawyer and child support lawyers in pennsylvania

How can a child support lawyer help me?

Help you get or enforce a child support order, if necessary. If your child's mother should be paying you child support and is not doing so, your lawyer can help you negotiate with your child's mother or go to court. Child support can be a tricky issue.

Do men pay child support in child custody cases?

When parents do not live together, often one parent ends up paying child support to the other. If you are a man in a child custody case, whether you expect to pay or receive child support, you need to retain a lawyer who will look out for your best interests, as well as your child's. Traditionally, men paid child support to the mother.

What can a custody and visitation lawyer do for You?

If you are a divorcing or unmarried parent a custody and visitation lawyer can help resolve legal and physical custody issues involving your children.

Who pays child support in a divorce?

Traditionally, men paid child support to the mother. That is still the most common situation, but today courts recognize that giving mothers custody is not always in a child's best interest.

How much is a custody lawyer in PA?

On average, child custody lawyers cost between $1,200 and $4,500. The type of of dispute, a need for third-party experts, and the attorney selected all affect the total cost of legal fees.

How is child custody determined in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the Court determines an award of custody based on the best interest of a child after consideration of all relevant factors. Particular consideration is given to factors that affect the safety of the child and the gender of a parent is not a consideration.

Do you need a lawyer for child support in PA?

To get a child support order, file a complaint for support in your local county domestic relations office. You do not need a lawyer to do this.

What court handles child custody in PA?

Some parents may believe that there are child custody courts that handle disputes concerning their child custody matters. In reality, all legal matters regarding Western Pennsylvania child custody cases are directed through the Family Divisions of the Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas.

What do judges look for in child custody cases?

The child's age, gender, characteristics and background will all be a factor in the decision process. The judge or magistrate will want to ensure that the child is safe from any possible harm and the parent has the ability to meet the child's needs.

What can be used against you in a custody battle?

The Reigning King of What Can Be Used Against You in a Custody Battle: Verbal or Physical Altercations. We wanted to start with the most simple pitfall to avoid: When tempers get high, it's quite alluring to get into a verbal sparring match with your ex-spouse.

What is the average child support payment in PA?

Mother's monthly net income is $3,000 and father's is $4,500. Since father's portion of the monthly net income is 60%, father pays 60% of the monthly child support amount. The monthly child support amount is $1,729, per the child support guidelines, therefore, father's obligation is approximately $1,037.

Do you have to pay child support if you have joint custody in PA?

Schedule a Case Evaluation Today However, in Pennsylvania, an equal sharing of child custody does not eliminate the need to pay child support. In these situations, the higher-earning parent usually pays child support to the lesser-earning parent for the child's care.

How do I file for full custody in PA?

You should bring any important papers and information such as previous custody orders, protection from abuse orders, the opposing party's address, and social security numbers for all parties. In many PA counties, you must complete your own petition, according to the rules of your county court, and take it to court.

What are the 3 types of custody?

There are three forms of joint custody, which are:Physical joint custody. When the child spends significant amounts of time with both parents.Legal joint custody. Where both parents make decisions over a child's upbringing.Joint physical and legal custody.

At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in PA?

There is no magic age before they turn 18. A judge must take a child's preference into account, along with that child's age, maturity and other factors. But the final decision is always up to the judge. Simply put, in a custody action, a child has a voice but not a choice.

What are my rights as a father in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires that fathers be treated the same as mothers in all divorce matters including child custody, child support, property division, and alimony. It used to be the case that judges would always favor a mother in deciding which parent would have primary custody of the child.

How to prepare for custody hearings?

A plan for the custody hearings should be discussed with your child custody attorney. The specialist will advise the best way to carry out your que...

Can I resolve my case through mediation?

For many cases, talking through a qualified mediator can help parents resolve conflicts and communicate about disagreements. Mediation is a great w...

Can grandparents seek custody of their children?

Depending on the situation surrounding the case, grandparents may also file the child custody case if they feel that the parents are unable to care...