Get free answers to your Child Custody legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I live in Pennsylvania, and I currently have a 50/50 custody arrangement with my child's father. I am in a relationship with a registered sex offender and plan to marry him in the future. He previously lived with me, which led to a CYS investigation and issues with my child's father.... View More 
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answered on May 14, 2025
You're in a very delicate situation, and it's good that you're thinking ahead about how your relationship might affect your custody rights. In Pennsylvania, courts focus on what’s in the best interest of the child, and they will consider the safety, emotional well-being, and living... View More
In April 2024, a special relief petition was ordered regarding the location of health care based on my child's current BH insurance, but that facility no longer accepts the insurance. In February 2025, a new custody agreement was established, which does not mention specific locations. Despite... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
It makes sense that you'd want clarity, especially when your child’s health and stability are on the line. In general, when a new custody order is issued, it takes precedence over any earlier orders unless the new one specifically says otherwise. If the February 2025 custody order doesn’t... View More
I am seeking a free pro bono lawyer for a family custody case in Schuylkill County, PA. I've tried legal aid organizations and am exploring other options besides pro bono services. Are there any alternative legal resources available to assist me with my custody situation?
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answered on May 14, 2025
You’re not alone—many people in family custody cases face the same challenges, especially when money is tight and the system feels overwhelming. If legal aid and pro bono lawyers aren’t available right now, there are still other ways to get meaningful support. Some Pennsylvania counties,... View More
My son recently broke up with his girlfriend, who took their child with her. She has two other children from different fathers who pay her child support, and she seeks full custody and additional support from my son. She hasn't let him see his child for over a month, claiming CPS requires... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
Your first step is to file for custody as soon as possible. Since the mother has not allowed visitation, this will help establish your son’s legal right to see his child. At the custody hearing, he should present evidence of the communication with her, including texts that mention CPS... View More
I am considering leaving my husband, who is a high-functioning alcoholic, to provide a healthier environment for our two children, aged 13 and 11. His drinking has worsened, and it is affecting our kids. We own a house together, and he is the primary provider, while I work part-time. He refuses to... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
I’m really sorry you’re going through this—prioritizing your children's well-being is so important, and it’s clear you’re taking their needs into consideration. In Pennsylvania, if you decide to leave your husband and pursue a divorce, you can file for divorce even if he refuses to... View More
I reported my ex to the police over a month ago concerning an incident and now wish to recant my statement. No legal action has been initiated, though officials from Children and Youth Services have spoken to both me and my ex. I haven't discussed recanting with a lawyer or law enforcement... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
If you wish to recant your statement, the first step is to contact the law enforcement agency that took your original report. Be honest and explain that you would like to retract your statement. While you can express your desire to change or withdraw your statement, keep in mind that law... View More
I have an apartment with my soon-to-be ex-girlfriend of 13 years, and both of our names are on the lease. She recently cheated and left me and our two kids for two months, then returned. Our daughter prefers that her mom leave and that I stay in the apartment. I have a complete work history and... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
Since both your name and your ex-girlfriend's name are on the lease, you both have equal rights to stay in the apartment. Legally, she cannot be forced to leave unless there is an agreement between the two of you or a court order. If you want to remain in the apartment and have her leave, you... View More
I, the father, have filed a petition of contempt against the mother for arranging a psychological evaluation for our child without my consent, though we have joint legal custody. The mother has filed a petition to transfer the case to a new jurisdiction, as she and the child have moved to a... View More
answered on Mar 27, 2025
You should always file your response timely according to the rules of civil procedure. You will want to check to verify whether the prior relocation order specified whether issuing court retains jurisdiction or if it provides for a transfer to the new state of primary residence of the child. I... View More
I have a court order that states my child’s father gets visitation the second weekend of every month from Friday at 7:30 p.m. to Sunday. The new month recently started on a Saturday. The previous Friday was February 28th, and I did not consider that weekend to be the first weekend of the month as... View More
answered on Mar 7, 2025
Bear in mind that I'm providing this information to you without having had the opportunity to review the current order. I would say that logically the weekends start on Friday and so in this case I believe your interpretation is correct. However, if it's not really a huge issue for you,... View More
Ex husband and my dad involved in altercation. Judge ordered my dad’s visitation from granddaughter be eliminated. Two years later, ex sued dad for pain and anxiety. His lawyer said if go to mediation, pay 6 figure amount and agree to counseling, he will restore dad’s visitation rights. Dad... View More
answered on Jan 13, 2025
The judge is under no obligation to sign. Custody and visitation was not an issue that could have possibly been resolved in the civil lawsuit between your ex and your dad, as that suit did not have the child at issue in any legal way. The best that they could agree to was to go with a united front... View More
In Feb 2019 we had an unexpected homebirth. We lived together for 1 year when mom took our son to her family and refuses to speak, acknowledge, or even accept child support from me or my family. He was only seen informally by medical professionals, & never received legal documentation while we... View More
answered on Jul 20, 2024
I am sorry you are going through this. Sadly based on the information you have provided if the child has not been in PA for at least six (6) months PA does not have jurisdiction over the child. You will have to go through the Texas courts. Reach out to a Texas family law attorney to inquiry about... View More
Anything I can do legally? Since we have joint custody.
answered on Jul 20, 2024
The first question is there a written court order regarding custody between the parents or is there agreed to document that the parties have been living with or is there no agreement regarding custody?
The second question is do you have 50/50 legal custody or just 50/50 physical custody... View More
Her mother is abusive, does drugs, smokes, and drinks. She doesn't want to live with the abuse anymore and wants to live with us. Her mom won't consent to her moving out. We live in ND, she's in PA.
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answered on Jun 21, 2024
This is a complex situation involving family law, child custody, and potentially child welfare issues across state lines. Here's an overview of key points to consider:
1. Age of majority: In Pennsylvania, the age of majority is 18. At 17, your daughter is still legally a minor.... View More
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answered on Mar 25, 2024
If you are involved in a Protection From Abuse (PFA) case and fail to attend the hearing, the consequences depend on your role in the case. If you are the petitioner, the one who requested the PFA, not showing up could result in the dismissal of your case. This means the protective order may not be... View More
We went to court last week. While in court the father told the judge he will put our daughter on his insurance to help with therapy costs. The Orders states "father offers to add child to insurance to help with out of picket therapy costs". Now he's saying he's not required to... View More
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answered on Mar 10, 2024
This is not an easy question. Pennsylvania judges all too often shoot from the hip, and they can either contempt a parent or not based on what is written or what is not written in a court order.
Here, the order appears to provide that "dad offers" which is not an order at all. The... View More
answered on Feb 21, 2024
Establishing paternity is sometimes necessary to clarify rights and obligations. Paternity suits can be initiated to determine biological fatherhood through a blood test. This allows a biological father to secure visitation rights or enables a mother to obtain child support from an unwilling... View More
Every time I pick up my child, my son is crying and is reluctant to get in my vehicle. He loves being with me but mother is a “scorned woman” always trying to interfere and my son has already told me how “once he gets older he can choose who to be with” which is an idea implanted by mother.... View More
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answered on Feb 7, 2024
It is not clear as to whether this is a New York parent's question or a Pennsylvania parent's question. The laws of the two adjoining states is vastly different, and therefore outcomes are vastly different. Some elements are identical though.
In both states, as can be expected, no... View More
They hate that we’re together and fixing issues in our marriage and have been very agressive with actions trying to manipulate him to leaving. He fought back and stayed by my side and now his family is threatening to kidnap the kids. Local cops said best thing to do is run away but that doesn’t... View More
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answered on Feb 23, 2024
It's understandable that you feel frightened and overwhelmed by the threats your family members and their partners are making against your children. It's crucial to take these threats seriously and seek assistance from law enforcement immediately. You can file a report with the police... View More
we had signed agreement in Aug, 2021 for shared custody in bucks co, pa. My ex filed emergency petition to modify based on false allegations ( i have a proof). We had custody officer hearing , did not agree and i asked to see the judge. we saw the judge , it was also called conference. I did not... View More
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answered on Jan 30, 2024
Pennsylvania family law cloaks the process to make it appear fair, equitable and just. Nothing is farther from the truth.
Family law structures custody proceedings to occur before an under-judge called a "conciliator." This is mediation ordered to have the parents reach a... View More
Hi my name is Alicia. I'm not sure who I contact or even how to go about this issue. Me and my ex have a 3 yr old daughter, she hasn't let me see her in months. We have a signed and notorized contract. The baby also has my lastname. Is there any chance I have some type of rights? Or... View More
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answered on Jan 22, 2024
Alicia, in your situation, having a notarized contract regarding custody or visitation rights is significant. This document may outline your rights regarding your daughter. However, the enforceability of such a contract can vary depending on its contents and how it aligns with Pennsylvania family... View More
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