Experienced Child Custody Attorneys in Chester County, PA

Our child custody lawyers at Perna & Abracht, LLC handle all types of custody matters, including custody disputes and petitions for modification of existing arrangements. We take the welfare of children very seriously. One of our primary goals is to minimize the impact complicated custody issues can have on children and families.

Affordable Child Custody Lawyers

Child custody is a deeply personal and emotional issue that can wreak havoc in families and negatively affect children. Good child custody lawyers understand how difficult going through a divorce and fighting for custody of your children can be. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys are committed to making your child’s well-being a top priority. At Perna & Abracht, LLC, our child custody lawyers offer a free consultation for matters located in Chester and Delaware Counties in Pennsylvania, so we can assess your situation, discuss your options, and help you determine the most effective solutions for you and your family so you can focus on the needs of your children.

Note: The child custody free consultation is limited to Chester County and Delaware County, Pennsylvania only. 

How Our Child Custody Attorneys Can Help

Our family law attorneys handle all aspects of child custody matters. We advise you of your parental rights and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have so you have a solid understanding of the law. Based upon your individual situation and your children’s needs, we can assist you with:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Crafting a parenting plan to present to the Court
• Modifications to, and enforcement of, child custody orders and co-parenting agreements
• Paternity issues
• Child custody involving unmarried parents
• Non-parental child custody
• Grandparents’ rights
• Child relocation (moving away from one parent)
• Assisted Reproduction custody issues
• LGBTQ custody issues

Our Child Custody Attorneys Fight for Your Rights

We strongly believe that custody arrangements are not one-size-fits-all. Each family is different, and our top child custody lawyers are committed to crafting and negotiating custody arrangements that work best for you and your children. Parents dealing with divorce, custody battles, and child support issues try to minimize the amount of turmoil their children must endure, but sometimes conflict is unavoidable. Although resolution through artful negotiation or mediation can reduce negative effects and financial costs, we realize that this is not always possible. If a custody arrangement cannot be reached or is not in the child’s best interest, we will not hesitate to take your case to family court.

Child Custody FAQ

Are There Different Types of Child Custody?

In most circumstances, parents have equal rights to custody of their children. Multiple factors may influence a court’s final decision, including the mental and physical health of each parent, the personal relationships between child and parent, work schedules, location of the child’s school, issues of addiction, abuse, domestic violence, and/or other issues.

Legal custody gives a parent the right to make all important decisions on behalf of the child, including medical care and treatment, education, religion and discipline.

Physical custody gives a parent the right to have the child live with them. It is important to keep in mind that a parent who has physical custody does not always have the right to make the decisions listed above if legal custody is shared with the other parent.

Joint custody gives both parents legal and/or physical custody of their child.

Check out some factors the court may consider when awarding physical custody here.

If Parents Share 50/50 Custody, Who Pays Child Support?

People often assume that if parents share equal time with their children, neither of them is responsible for paying child support. However, in Pennsylvania, the parent with the higher income generally pays support for the child to the parent who earns less. Other factors like the number of children, additional expenses, and issues specific to the situation are also taken into consideration. If both parents’ incomes are substantially the same, neither may be required to pay child support.

Do Grandparents Have Custody Rights?

In Pennsylvania, the Grandparents Visitation Act allows grandparents to petition for custody of a grandchild. If neither parent is able to care for the child, and it’s in the best interest of the child to be in the custody of a grandparent, the court may award physical and legal custody to the grandparent. Grandparents may also petition for partial custody and visitation of their grandchildren. Each situation is unique, and there are specific factors taken into consideration by the court. Whether you are a grandparent or a parent who is dealing with custody issues, our attorneys can help you understand your rights and how the process works.

Do Mothers and Fathers Have Equal Custody Rights?

Yes. Under Pennsylvania law, mothers and fathers share equal parenting rights and responsibilities. Either parent may seek custody, and the court will make a decision based on what is in the child’s best interests.

Can a Teenager Choose Which Parent He/She Wants to Live With?

No. Although older children may testify about their preferences for where they want to live, the final decision is made by the court. However, the judge will take their preference into account, and consider their age, maturity level, and other factors.

Can I Still See My Child if I’m Behind on Child Support Payments?

Yes. Under Pennsylvania law, custody and child support are separate issues. Neither parent is allowed to prevent his/her child from seeing the other for scheduled parenting or custodial time due to support issues. However, failing to keep current on child support payments can result in wage garnishment, loss of your driver’s license, and contempt of court proceedings. If you need assistance with custody or child support issues, our family law attorneys can advise you of your options and help get them resolved.

Can a Custody Order Be Changed?

Yes. Judges understand that circumstances change, and that custody orders sometimes need to be modified. If you need to modify a custody order, our child custody lawyers can help you file a petition with the court. Even if both parents agree on the changes, it’s best to go through the formal modification process to avoid problems down the road.

Can I Relocate with My Child?

It depends. Unless both parents consent to move with a child, the court must review and approve the relocation. In Pennsylvania, if you wish to relocate you must inform your co-parent via certified mail at least 60 days before you move. Relocation cases can be complex. Whether you wish to move or you’re fighting a relocation, our child custody lawyers can help.

Why Choose Our Custody Lawyers?

At Perna & Abracht, LLC, we care about our clients and their families. We know that child custody issues can be stressful and overwhelming. Our team is here to take some of the weight off of your shoulders and help to ensure your child’s best interests are always kept at the forefront.

If you have a specific legal question that you would like answered without any obligation to retain our firm, please schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation with one of our attorneys below.

Schedule a Consultation Here

Contact Us to Learn More

Having the best child custody lawyer on your side ensures that your rights and your children’s interests are protected. Contact us here or call us at 610-444-0933 to schedule a consultation with our Chester County family law attorneys at Perna & Abracht, LLC.

Related Links:

• Child Custody In Pandemic And Quarantine
• What are the Different Types of Child Custody?
• How Does Domestic Abuse Affect Child Custody cases?
• Fathers: 3 Things You Should Know About Your Child Custody Rights
• Child Custody Rights for Grandparents: What to Expect
• Things You Should do Before You File for Child Custody
• For Mothers: What are your Child Custody Rights?
• What to Do If Your Co-Parent Won’t Follow a Child Custody Agreement