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                        |  | Custody
(For information other than that set forth below, please contact Pittsburgh divorce lawyer and Pennsylvania family law attorney, Bethany L. Notaro, Esquire.) CUSTODY One of the most difficult parts of a divorce is determining who should have custody of the children. In Pennsylvania, the Court retains the power to make the final decision in all custody matters and implements a “best interest” model. This standard puts the best interest and welfare of the child as a priority, while also considering factors such as the wishes of all parties involved, relationships with siblings and extended family members, the history of domestic violence, and the age and health of the parties. There are two different types of custody on which the Court will rule: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody gives the parent the legal right to make all decisions affecting the best interest of the child for matters such as education, medical care, and choice of religion. Physical custody is the actual “possession” of the child. It is important to note that the Court may determine that these two types of custody be handled differently. Courts may decide to give one party complete physical and/or legal custody; if this is the case, visitation or partial physical custody by the other party may be granted. If the Court determines that a partial custody arrangement is necessary, the party may have physical custody of the child during a specified period of time. An additional option is a shared custody agreement, where the parties share legal and/or physical custody of the child. This model is frequently chosen by Courts in a setting in which both parents provide a healthy and supportive setting for the child. Notaro & Associates, P.C. are talented custody attorneys in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and are able to effectively guide you through the complicated and stressful process of child custody. Our custody lawyers’ experience and knowledge of the Generations process in Allegheny County, as well as the overall custody process in Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Lawrence, Westmoreland, and Washington counties will serve to make our firm a solid choice for your custody representation. An often underrated option is private mediation in custody cases. Parties who are able to communicate effectively with each other and are willing to try to be amicable may be able to devise a working custody agreement, which the Court will usually find acceptable. The mediation services provided by our lawyer mediators gives Notaro & Associates, P.C. an edge above other general or family law firms. Our experienced attorneys are able to guide parties towards making an agreement that works best with their specific situation. For additional information regarding child custody in Pennsylvania, our divorce lawyers, or our custody attorneys, or to schedule a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION, please contact our office. Notaro & Associates, P.C. | |
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Child Custody Attorneys in Southwestern Pennsylvania