Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman, LLC. – Philadelphia Divorce Lawyers
Child custody disputes can be some of the most emotionally and legally complex challenges parents face. The uncertainty of where your child will live, how much time you’ll have together, and how decisions about their upbringing will be made can feel overwhelming. Without skilled legal guidance from an experienced Philadelphia child custody attorney, you risk an arrangement that doesn’t reflect your needs or serve your child’s best interests.
At Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman, we understand the stakes and the stress involved. A poorly structured custody order can limit your time with your child, create ongoing conflicts, and leave you feeling powerless. Navigating Pennsylvania’s custody laws alone can be frustrating, especially when the outcome has lifelong implications for your family.
Our experienced Philadelphia child custody lawyers work with you to craft solutions tailored to your family’s circumstances. Whether you’re seeking shared custody, a flexible arrangement, or need to protect your parental rights, we are here to advocate for the best possible outcome. Call 215-967-9070 or contact us here to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a custody plan that truly works for you and your child.
At Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman, we take pride in our strategic, results-driven approach to child custody cases. As experienced Philadelphia family law attorneys, we provide personalized legal advocacy that prioritizes both your parental rights and your child’s well-being.
Our Pennsylvania family law firm understands that every child custody dispute is unique, and we craft customized parenting plans that consider key factors like community life, the child’s education, and visitation rights to create stability for your family.
We are highly skilled at presenting compelling arguments in court, ensuring that a judge fairly evaluates elements such as the child’s maturity, their specific age, and your child’s preference, along with other factors that influence the outcome of child custody cases. Our deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s family and child custody laws allows us to advocate for flexible visitation schedules and custody arrangements that serve your child’s best interests while protecting your role as a parent.
Whether you’re going through a divorce or need to modify an existing order, our lawyers bring a strategic edge to every case, helping you navigate challenges with confidence. By choosing Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman, you gain a dedicated legal team committed to securing the best possible future for you and your child.
There are two types of Philadelphia child custody agreements: legal custody and physical custody.
Legal custody of the child is shared by the parents in most cases. Legal custody means the parents will consult with each other regarding significant decisions for the child in areas such as health, education, and religion.
Physical custody of the child lies with the parent who is in possession of the child, called the “custodial parent.” The custodial parent makes all of the day-to-day decisions for the child.
In the absence of any child custody issues like domestic abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or mental health problems, parents usually have joint legal custody of their children. One parent may have primary physical custody, meaning the child lives with that parent most of the time, in which case the other parent will have partial physical custody.
Primary custody means one parent has the “right to assume physical custody of the child for the majority of time.” (§5322(a)). This means the child resides with the custodial parent while the non-custodial parent has shared child custody or visitation rights.
Shared custody or joint custody means both parents have the right to “assume physical custody of the child, each having significant periods of physical custodial time with the child.” Additionally, both parents must agree on major decisions regarding the child’s life.
Sole custody means one parent has exclusive physical custody of the children involved. Additionally, a parent with sole custody is entitled to make all major decisions regarding the child’s life without the consent of their former spouse.
Under Pennsylvania law, supervised physical custody, formerly called “visitation,” is when the parent without custody (the “non-custodial parent”) visits with the child periodically. The child is in the possession and physical control of the other parent or a designated third party. Supervised physical custody is rarer than joint physical custody.
A custody order is a court order establishing the type of custodial arrangement the family has and what schedule they will follow. The custody schedule will cover all aspects of the child custody and parenting arrangement, including weekly visits, vacation and holiday time, and transportation issues, among others.
The Philadelphia family law attorneys at our child custody law firm regularly help couples negotiate a parenting agreement through mediation or in court as part of a divorce settlement, separation agreement, or when the parents were never married.
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:
As Philadelphia 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.
We have helped many parents modify their Philadelphia child custody orders when physical custody, supervised physical custody, or other aspects of parenting time are affected by a major life change, such as having to relocate for work, being deployed overseas, or having their work schedule changed. Again, a family law judge will determine whether the change you propose is in the best interests of the child.
You can be found in contempt of court for failing to comply with a child custody order. It is crucial that you talk to a Philadelphia child custody lawyer if the current child custody arrangements no longer work for you or your child.
At Schwartz, Fox & Saltzman, our child custody lawyers in Philadelphia 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. Our experienced team understands the relevant factors that influence custody actions, including the child’s preference, the relationship between the child’s parents, and the overall impact on the parent-child relationship.
We provide compassionate guidance for child custody rights, including visitation arrangements, child support, and emergency custody matters. 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.
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