Long Brightbill Attorneys At Law
Serving the Lebanon Community Since 1902
Serving the Lebanon Community Since 1902
Serving the Lebanon Community Since 1902
Child custody issues cause significant stress on parents and children alike. Too often, that stress gets the better of us. Parents often behave or act in a manner that may seriously impact their rights moving forward. The purpose of this article is to inform individuals, who may be going through a custody dispute, of the way the Courts evaluate child custody issues. This will help you adapt your behavior to place yourself in the most positive light, in the eyes of the Court.
Courts always have an underlying goal of fashioning a custody arrangement that is “in the best interest of the child.” To help guide them, Pennsylvania Courts evaluate sixteen (16) factors. Some of these factors will focus on your past; some, however, may help guide your behavior going forward. The goal is to increase your chances of success, so that you may have the rights to your children that you deserve.
Even if you do not go before the Court, these factors are important in EVERY case. Although Parties may reach a custody arrangement on their own, that arrangement is often related to each parent’s ability to comply with the custody factors. We recommend keeping these factors in mind, and trying to adapt your behavior accordingly, always with the underlying focus of what is in the best interest of your child.
23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5328:
Factors to consider when awarding custody:
(a) Factors.– In ordering any form of custody, the court shall determine the best interest of the child by considering all relevant factors, giving weighted consideration to those factors which affect the safety of the child, including the following:
If you, or someone you know, is currently in the middle of a custody dispute, please keep these factors in mind. Focus on being the best parent or guardian that you can be. Also remember that the Courts like to see that you are making efforts to encourage a relationship between your child and others that have previously formed a relationship with them, such as the other parent, grandparents, etc.