Shared Legal Custody Pa7 min read

In Pennsylvania, shared legal custody is an arrangement where both parents share the major decisions regarding their child’s welfare. This includes decisions about the child’s education, religious upbringing, health care, and other important matters. In most cases, both parents will have to agree on any significant decisions made for the child.

Shared legal custody is not the same as joint physical custody. With joint physical custody, the child splits their time between both parents. With shared legal custody, both parents still have primary custody of the child, but they share the responsibility for making decisions about the child’s welfare.

Shared legal custody is a good option for parents who can work together amicably to make decisions for their child. It can also help to ensure that both parents stay involved in their child’s life, and that the child has access to both parents’ perspectives and wisdom.

If you are considering shared legal custody, it is important to talk to an attorney to make sure that this is the right arrangement for you and your child.

How does shared custody Work in PA?

When parents split up, one of the most difficult decisions they face is what to do about custody of their children. In Pennsylvania, there are three types of custody arrangements that parents can choose from: sole custody, shared custody, and joint custody.

Sole custody gives one parent full legal and physical custody of the children, while the other parent has no rights or responsibilities. Shared custody gives both parents legal and physical custody, but the parents may have different residences for the children. Joint custody gives both parents joint legal custody, but one parent may have primary physical custody while the other parent has secondary physical custody.

Which custody arrangement is best for your family depends on many factors, such as the ages of your children and your parenting styles. If you and your ex-spouse can agree on a custody arrangement, the court will usually approve it. If you can’t agree, the court will decide what’s in the best interest of the children.

Shared custody is becoming increasingly popular in Pennsylvania. According to a recent study, about half of all custody arrangements in the state are now shared custody arrangements. There are several reasons for this trend.

First, technology has made it easier for parents to stay in touch with their children even when they’re living in different households. With email, texting, Skype, and other tools, parents can easily keep in touch with their kids no matter where they are.

Second, more and more parents are realizing that shared custody can be beneficial for their children. Studies have shown that children who have shared custody are more likely to do well in school and have better social relationships than children who live with only one parent.

Shared custody can be a bit more complicated to manage than other custody arrangements, but it’s definitely worth considering if you and your ex-spouse are able to work together. If you’re interested in pursuing a shared custody arrangement, it’s a good idea to talk to a family law attorney to get advice on the best way to proceed.

What does sole legal custody mean in Pennsylvania?

What does Sole Legal Custody mean in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, sole legal custody means that one parent has the right and responsibility to make all legal decisions for the child, including decisions about the child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing. The other parent may have visitation rights and may be consulted on major decisions, but does not have the right to make decisions unilaterally.

Sole legal custody is different from sole physical custody, which means that the child lives with one parent and has visitation with the other parent.

When parents share legal custody, they both have the right to make decisions about their child’s education, medical care, and religious upbringing. This is the most common type of custody arrangement in Pennsylvania.

If you are considering asking for sole legal custody or if the other parent is trying to get sole legal custody, it is important to understand the implications of this type of custody arrangement. Sole legal custody gives one parent total control over the child’s life and can be difficult for the other parent to deal with. On the other hand, sole physical custody can be disruptive for the child if they have to move and change schools. It is important to think about what is best for the child and to discuss your options with an experienced family law attorney.

Who has legal custody of a child in PA?

In Pennsylvania, the legal custody of a child is determined by the court. In most cases, the court will award joint legal custody to both parents. Joint legal custody means that both parents have the right to make important decisions about the child’s welfare, such as decisions about education, health care, and religion.

However, the court may award sole legal custody to one parent if the court determines that it is in the child’s best interests. Sole legal custody means that one parent has the right to make all decisions about the child’s welfare.

If you are seeking legal custody of a child, you should speak to an experienced family law attorney. Your attorney can help you understand the law in Pennsylvania and can help you make your case to the court.

How much does joint custody cost in PA?

In Pennsylvania, joint custody typically costs the same as sole custody. There are no court fees associated with joint custody, but each parent will typically have to pay for their own attorney. If the parents cannot agree on custody, the court will make a determination based on the best interests of the child.

Do you have to pay child support if you have 50/50 custody in PA?

In Pennsylvania, when parents have 50/50 custody of their children, they are both considered the child’s legal parents and neither one is typically required to pay child support. However, this can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the parents’ custody arrangement.

If one parent has less than 50% custody of the child, they may be required to pay child support to the other parent to ensure that the child is adequately taken care of. Additionally, if one parent is providing primary care for the child while the other parent is only occasionally involved, the parent providing primary care may be entitled to child support.

If you have any questions about whether you are required to pay child support in a 50/50 custody arrangement, it is best to speak with a family law attorney in your area.

Can a father get 50/50 custody PA?

Can a father get 50/50 custody in Pennsylvania?

It is difficult to say with certainty whether a father will be able to get 50/50 custody in Pennsylvania, as the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis. In general, the courts will look at a number of factors when making a determination about custody, including the wishes of the parents, the child’s best interests, and the relationship between the child and each parent.

If the father can demonstrate that he is a fit parent and that it is in the child’s best interests to have joint custody, then there is a good chance that the court will award him this arrangement. However, there is no guarantee, and the father will likely need to provide evidence to support his case.

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

Pennsylvania law does not specify an age at which a child can choose which parent to live with, but the general rule is that the child’s best interests are considered. In making this determination, the court will consider a variety of factors, including the child’s age, relationship with each parent, and home environment. 

If the child is older and is able to express a preference, the court will likely give greater weight to the child’s wishes. However, even if the child is young, the court will still take into account the child’s best interests. 

If you are facing a situation in which your child is choosing which parent to live with, it is important to speak with an experienced family law attorney. The attorney can help you understand the law in Pennsylvania and how it may be applied in your particular case.