Westmoreland County, PA Child Custody and Support Attorneys

Going through a divorce is difficult, especially when children are involved. If you and your spouse can't agree in advance about details like child support and custody, you can end up in long, drawn-out court battles. Every state has its own unique laws regarding child custody and support. If you're considering divorce in Westmoreland County, you should be familiar with Pennsylvania family law.

Family courts first and foremost look to the best interests of the child when determining child custody and support. Of course, it's preferable when parents can come to an agreement regarding these issues, but if they can't, the court will step in and decide upon an arrangement. Contact the attorneys at DeRiso Law Group to help settle your family issues and protect the rights of your children.

Child Custody Basics

Child custody arrangements should have only one goal – the well-being of your child. Today, judges are no longer inclined to give sole custody to the mother. The courts use a combination of criteria when determining child custody arrangements. Some of these factors include:

• The child's wishes
• The parents' wishes
• The child's relationship with his/her parents
• The child's emotional adjustment to school, home and community
• The mental and physical health of all parties

Joint custody is when custody is awarded to both parents. Sole custody is when custody is given to only one parent. Judges typically prefer to award joint custody, meaning both parents have regular and continual contact with their child. However, if one parent poses a danger to the child's physical or emotional health, a judge will likely award sole custody to the other parent.

Additionally, you can be awarded legal or physical custody. Legal custody gives a parent the power to make important decisions regarding the child's health or education. Both parents may have legal custody. Physical custody is the parent with whom the child will live. Parents may have joint physical custody.

Child Support Basics

Pennsylvania uses the Income Shares Model in determining child support. Each parent's income is considered, and then a judge decides which parent should pay the other in order to provide for the needs of the child. Factors included in child support decisions include:

• Child's current standard of living
• Child's medical and educational needs
• Child's age
• Parent's assets
• Custody arrangements
• Earning capacity of the parents

As you can see, these are complex decisions. You need an attorney on your side to ensure a positive outcome for your child. Contact us today.

Westmoreland County, PA Divorce Child Custody & Support Lawyers Protecting Your Family

During this unsettled time in your life, we can help make the transition easier. To schedule an appointment with a lawyer to discuss your family law needs, call our office at (412) 452-9712 or contact us online. We offer flexible scheduling and an initial consultation.