Child Custody Lawyers in Philadelphia

Your Voice. Your Rights. Your Child’s Future.

With over 40 years of experience, we guide you through complex child custody challenges.

Protect Your Family & Future – Contact a Family Law & Divorce Lawyer Today!

When Custody Is on the Line, Experience Matters

Child custody disputes can quickly become overwhelming—especially when your time with your child and your parental rights feel uncertain. In Philadelphia custody cases, early decisions can shape your family’s future for years to come.

Whether you’re going through a separation, divorce, or just need a custody modification, our child custody lawyers in Philadelphia combine decades of courtroom experience with practical strategy to protect what matters most. Whether you’re seeking shared custody, modifying an existing order, or preparing for a contested hearing, we build a clear plan designed to secure stability for you and your child.

What Makes Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman Philadelphia’s Top Child Custody Lawyers

When your child’s future is at stake, you need more than just a lawyer, you need a team that understands what you’re fighting for. At Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman, we don’t just process cases: we build powerful, personalized strategies that reflect your values, your rights, and what’s best for your child. Every custody situation is different, and we take the time to understand yours.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Tailored parenting plans that prioritize your child’s daily life, education, and emotional well-being
Strategic courtroom advocacy rooted in experience and preparation
Deep knowledge of Pennsylvania custody law, including modifications, relocation, and high-conflict cases
Full service suite of Family Law issues, including divorce, child support, spousal support, mediation, international disputes, and more.
Clear communication and support, from your first consultation to final resolution

Whether you’re facing divorce, seeking a change in an existing order, or preparing for a custody battle, we’re here to protect what matters most — your role as a parent.

“Truly understood our family’s situation” - Hear from our many satisfied clients:

Child Custody Cases We Handle in Philadelphia

Custody cases aren’t one-size-fits-all — every family has its own challenges, goals, and circumstances. At Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman, we handle a wide range of custody matters with one clear focus: protecting your rights as a parent while putting your child’s well-being first.

We regularly help clients in Pennsylvania navigate:

Legal & Physical Custody

Whether you’re seeking decision-making authority (legal custody) or need to establish where your child will live (physical custody), we help create balanced, fair custody agreements.

Primary vs. Shared Custody

From sole arrangements to 50/50 custody schedules, we work to secure a structure that supports your child’s daily needs and long-term development.

Visitation

We assist parents in negotiating fair and enforceable visitation schedules that maintain meaningful bonds.

Child Relocation

If you’re planning to move — or challenging a proposed move — we guide you through Pennsylvania’s strict relocation laws and advocate for your child’s stability.

Emergency Custody

In high-risk situations involving abuse, neglect, or immediate danger, we act quickly to help you pursue emergency custody orders that prioritize your child’s safety.

Grandparent Rights

Pennsylvania law gives grandparents the right to seek custody or visitation under certain conditions. We help grandparents assert their place in the lives of children they’ve supported and cared for.

Parental Alienation

If your relationship with your child is being intentionally damaged by the other parent, we help document, address, and legally challenge alienation behaviors.

No matter what kind of custody issue you’re facing, we take a thorough, compassionate, and strategic approach to protect both your legal rights and your child’s future.

The Child Custody Process – What To Expect After You Reach Out To Legal Counsel

When you contact a child custody lawyer in Philadelphia, the goal is simple: create a clear strategy to protect your parental rights. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

Initial Consultation: We review your situation, explain Pennsylvania custody law, and outline your options. You’ll leave knowing where you stand and what comes next.
Building Your Custody Strategy: Whether you’re seeking shared custody, primary custody, or modifying an order, we develop a focused plan tailored to your goals and your child’s needs.
Filing or Responding to a Petition: We file the appropriate custody petition in Philadelphia Family Court—or respond quickly if the other parent has already filed—to protect your position from the start.
Conciliation or Mediation: Most Philadelphia custody cases begin with a conciliation conference or mediation. We advocate for a workable parenting agreement that safeguards your rights.
Custody Hearing (If Needed): If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a hearing. We present evidence and argue for a custody arrangement that supports your child’s best interests.
Final Order and Ongoing Support: Once a custody order is issued, we review it with you and remain available for enforcement or modification if circumstances change.

Why Hiring Legal Counsel Early Matters for Your Child Custody Case

Early decisions in a Philadelphia custody case can shape the outcome long before you step into a courtroom. Hiring a child custody lawyer in Philadelphia from the start helps you avoid costly mistakes, protect your parental rights, and build a clear strategy. The sooner you have experienced legal guidance, the stronger your position will be moving forward.

Emergency Custody Petitions – What Happens If You Need A Child Custody Intervention Now?

When your child’s safety is at immediate risk, you may need to file an emergency custody petition in Philadelphia Family Court. These petitions are typically used in situations involving abuse, neglect, substance abuse, domestic violence, or credible threats to a child’s well-being.

If granted, a judge can issue a temporary emergency custody order the same day, giving you immediate legal protection while a full hearing is scheduled. An experienced child custody lawyer in Philadelphia can quickly assess your situation, prepare the necessary filings, and present clear evidence to support urgent court intervention.

How Courts Determine What is in the Best Interests of the Child

The court uses a “best interests of the child” analysis in Philadelphia child custody matters to determine an appropriate arrangement and will consider the following factors, among others:

The relationship between the child and their parents;
The relationship between the child and other family and household members, such as siblings and caregivers;
The ability of each parent to provide the child with a safe home;
The ability of each parent to provide adequate food, clothing, and medical care;
The mental and physical health needs of the child;
The mental and physical health of the parents;
The parents’ work schedules;
Whether either parent suffers from substance abuse or addiction and whether they are being treated for it;
Whether either parent suffers from a mental health disorder and whether they are being treated for it;
Whether there has been domestic violence in the home.

As child custody lawyers, our goal is to ensure that the custody arrangement serves the child’s best interests, which generally means that both parents are involved meaningfully in the child’s life; however that can be arranged.

Building Parenting Plans & Custody Agreements with Your Co-Parent

A well-crafted parenting plan provides structure, reduces conflict, and protects your child’s stability. In Philadelphia custody cases, courts look closely at whether parents can create clear, workable agreements that support the child’s best interests. A child custody lawyer in Philadelphia can help you negotiate and formalize terms that prevent misunderstandings later.

A strong custody agreement should clearly address:

Physical custody schedules (weekdays, weekends, holidays, summer breaks)
Legal custody decision-making authority (education, medical care, religion)
Communication guidelines between parents and with the child
Transportation and exchange logistics
Dispute resolution procedures if disagreements arise
Provisions for future modifications as your child’s needs evolve

When drafted carefully and approved by Philadelphia Family Court, a parenting plan becomes an enforceable custody order that protects both your parental rights and your child’s routine.

How To Modify an Existing Child Custody Order

In Pennsylvania, a child custody order can be modified when there has been a significant change in circumstances affecting your child’s best interests. This may involve relocation, scheduling changes, or concerns about the other parent’s conduct. A child custody lawyer in Philadelphia can help you file a modification petition in Philadelphia Family Court and present the evidence needed to support the change.

Helping Families Across Pennsylvania Navigate Custody Disputes

Ardmore
Bala Cynwyd
Bryn Mawr
Bucks County
Center City
Chestnut Hill
Delaware County
Haverford
Manayunk & Roxborough
Merion Station
Montgomery County
Narberth
North Philadelphia
Northeast Philadelphia
South Philadelphia
Villanova
West Philadelphia
Wynnewood

Real Questions from Philadelphia Parents Like You

How much does it cost to file for custody in Philadelphia?

The cost to file for custody in Philadelphia varies depending on the type of petition and the complexity of the case. In addition to court filing fees, you may also need to budget for attorney costs if you hire legal representation. If you cannot afford the fees, the court offers options to request a fee waiver based on financial need.

Can fathers get full custody?

Yes, fathers can get full custody in Pennsylvania if they can show it’s in the child’s best interests. Courts no longer favor one parent over the other based on gender, they focus on parenting ability, stability, and safety. The key is proving you can provide a healthy, consistent environment for your child.

How long does a custody case usually take?

It depends on whether both parents agree. If you reach a custody agreement quickly, it could take just a few weeks. If your case goes to court, it may take several months or more, especially if it’s contested or complex. A family lawyer can help you move things along and avoid delays.

What happens if the other parent doesn’t follow the custody order?

If the other parent violates the custody order (like skipping visits, withholding your child, or refusing to return them) you can take legal action. The court may enforce the order, hold them in contempt, or even change the custody arrangement if it keeps happening.

Can I relocate with my child after a custody order is put in place?

Not without permission. Pennsylvania law requires you to give advance notice to the other parent and get their consent, or ask the court for approval. If the move affects the other parent’s time with the child, the court will review whether it’s in the child’s best interests.

Child Custody Lawyers Serving Parents in the Philadelphia Area Since 1981

At Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman, our lawyers are dedicated to protecting the parental rights and best interests of your child during this pivotal time. Whether you’re navigating custody decisions during a divorce, seeking to establish a parenting plan or parenting time, or modifying an existing order, we offer the legal assistance you need.

Whether you’re collaborating with your spouse or addressing disputes with the other party, our Philadelphia family law attorneys are here to represent your interests effectively in court. Protect your family’s future with the help of a trusted custody lawyer, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your legal rights.