Custody Lawyer in Reading, PA

Experienced Custody Lawyers in Reading, Pennsylvania

You’ll most likely enjoy spending time at Reading’s beautiful public museums, arboretum, and planetarium. Reading has something for everyone, especially parents who have children. It can be a lovely place with beautiful scenery and wonderful weather. With so much on your mind, it can be difficult to enjoy all that Reading has to offer for those who need to establish custody. Child custody cases can be stressful and difficult. You may be wondering what your rights are, how to obtain primary custody, or what will happen if one of the parents wishes to relocate. When it comes to legal matters, you’ll want to seek legal counsel that is focused on your child’s best interests. Bentley, Kopecki, Smith, PC., offers expert advice on all family law matters.

We offer a free half-hour initial consultation to explore your case and our abilities.

You want answers to your child custody case, and we want to give you the legal help you need to make those decisions.

Continue reading to learn about the different aspects of child custody law and what to expect when you start the child custody process

Understanding Child Custody Law in Pennsylvania

Because child custody laws differ from state to state, it is critical to find a qualified child custody lawyer in your state. A court-ordered custody agreement is not required in Pennsylvania if both parties can agree on a custody plan without the involvement of the court. In this case, either parent has the right to take physical custody of the child at any time. If you do not want one parent to be able to do this, or if you do not believe it is in your child’s best interests, consulting with a professional attorney may be beneficial. If you are going through a separation or divorce, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible if gaining physical or legal custody is a priority.

What Do The Courts Base Custody Decisions On?

In Pennsylvania, courts base custody decisions on a child’s well-being and health. They may consider how involved each parent is, the child’s relationship with each parent, and how the new circumstances may affect the child’s life.

Other issues that may affect a child’s well-being and support will also be considered by the courts. For example, they will look to see if the child’s education will be disrupted or if there have been any reports of domestic violence.

The court takes this decision seriously and will determine dual or sole custody, custody and visitation rights, and any other legal issues after fully understanding the situation.

Having child custody lawyers on your side can make the process less overwhelming and ensure that you are treated fairly.

Child Support Law

Child support is paid to the custodial parent for the child’s basic needs and can vary depending on the number of children involved, the parents’ income, and the child’s needs.

A specific law is used to determine what costs should be included in child support payments. A family law attorney can assist in ensuring that the calculation is correct.

Even if a parent no longer lives in the same county or state, they must continue to pay child support. If the parent with custody is having difficulty communicating with the other parent, state workers and lawyers can assist.

Custody Modification Laws

When it comes to the legal custody agreement, the needs and desires of your child or children may change as they grow older. Situations may also arise in which the rights of a parent or family member must be revised or where a new spouse is now included in the agreement.

The child custody agreement does not have to change for it to be reviewed again under Pennsylvania law.

If you believe that the custody agreement for your child or children should be changed, consulting with a child custody lawyer is the best way to learn about your options.

Paternity Laws

If the woman is unmarried, the father and child are not legally related under Pennsylvania law. Establishing paternity will be required in order to establish a legal relationship.

The first step in meeting with an attorney about child custody is usually determining who the father is. Even if the couple married first and then divorced, it is always best to learn who the father is as soon as possible.

Attorneys will also encourage parents to establish paternity in order to make child support payments easier.

Relocation Laws

According to Pennsylvania law, relocation can take place only if all parties consent or the court signs off on it. Even minor moves, such as moving from one county to another, will necessitate consent.

If you are planning to relocate, you should consult with an attorney, especially if you are leaving the county or state.

If you do not have custody of your child, you still have rights over where he or she lives. An attorney can help ensure that an amenable agreement is reached.

Finding the Right Child Custody Lawyer for Your Family

When it comes to child custody law, you should consult with a trained lawyer or attorney in Lebanon and Berks County. Our clients have consistently placed their trust in our trained child custody attorneys and lawyers to resolve child custody cases.

If this is your first time going through this process, you will most likely have questions. Consulting a professional can ensure that you receive answers and make the best decisions for you and your children.

The Best Lawyers Right Here in Lebanon and Berks County, PA

At Bentley, Kopecki, Smith, PC., our attorneys work hard to ensure that both the parents’ and the children’s best interests are considered. You don’t want to waste time when it comes to custody. Custody laws can change quickly, and you don’t want your child to end up in a custody situation that could have been avoided. Call us today or fill out this contact form to reach a knowledgeable lawyer in Reading, PA. Allow our attorneys to assist you so that you can return to spending time with your loved ones.