Child Custody

Separating and divorcing couples tackle custody issues upon separation. Co parenting while residing in different households is a challenging task, requiring communication, understanding, flexibility and a sense of humor.

Courts generally honor any custody agreement the parents reach regarding their children. When custody is contested however, most courts, including Bucks and Montgomery Counties require parents to participate in a mediation process, an alternative dispute option with a specially trained neutral third party. If this is unsuccessful, the court will determine custody. Most courts reach custody decisions based on the living arrangements that serve the best interest of the child. A court may use an evaluation performed by an expert to help reach a decision.

A typical custody arrangement has the partial custodial parent having the children every other weekend and one night a week and a portion of school and summer holidays. A custody order must address both physical custody, the rights and responsibilities regarding the day to day care and activities of the children and legal custody, the legal rights and responsibilities associated with their upbringing, including decisions regarding medical, education and religion. To change a court ordered custody scheme, the parent seeking modification should first consult with the other parent before seeking court intervention.