Full Answer
The type and scope of parental duties performed by each party. A preference to maintain stability in the child's life. Whether extended family or relatives can care for the child. The relationship the child has with his or her siblings.
Some parents may believe that there are child custody courts that handle disputes concerning their child custody matters. In reality, all legal matters regarding Western Pennsylvania child custody cases are directed through the Family Divisions of the Pennsylvania Courts of Common Pleas.
It costs $107.13 to file for custody. It costs an extra $42.68 to file for emergency custody. Fees are different (or none) for other filings. ask to be excused from paying the fee by filing a petition to proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP).
What makes a parent unfit in PA? Any records proving mental or physical condition that makes the parent incapable of providing care for their child as well as criminal charges and drug use count as strong evidence to show that the parent is not fit to be awarded the custody.
In Pennsylvania, the Court determines an award of custody based on the best interest of a child after consideration of all relevant factors. Particular consideration is given to factors that affect the safety of the child and the gender of a parent is not a consideration.
Learn the difference between legal custody, physical custody, sole custody, and joint custody.
The amount of this filing fee will vary depending on the family court you need to go to, but it will typically range anywhere from $90 to $110. This is the only other legal fee that you should expect to pay in order to fight for custody of your child.
If there is no custody order, both parents have an equal right to custody, and either can lawfully take physical possession of the child at any time.
Once a child is born in the state of Pennsylvania and the parents are unmarried, the mother's rights are no different than if she were married. The mother has legal custody of the child no matter if she is married or unmarried in this state.
Best interest of the child checklistParental fitness.Who has been the child's primary caretaker.Parents' histories of crime, violence or substance abuse.The parent-child relationship.The child's age.Ensuring stability in the child's life.The child's physical and mental health needs.More items...
The child may reside in a home that is not physically safe or supportive; it may have no heat, electricity, water, sewer disposal. The house may be in general ill repair. The second physical instability comes from the physical interactions that occur between family members.
How Does a Family Court Determine If a Parent Is Unfit?A history of child abuse. ... A history of substance abuse. ... A history of domestic violence. ... The parent's ability to make age-appropriate decisions for a child. ... The parent's ability to communicate with a child. ... Psychiatric concerns. ... The parent's living conditions.More items...
If there is no custody order, both parents have an equal right to custody, and either can lawfully take physical possession of the child at any time.
In Pennsylvania, there are two types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody.
Once a child is born in the state of Pennsylvania and the parents are unmarried, the mother's rights are no different than if she were married. The mother has legal custody of the child no matter if she is married or unmarried in this state.
A parent with primary physical custody (called the "custodial parent") lives with the child. The other parent may share physical custody (also called joint custody in Pennsylvania) with the custodial parent or may have a limited form of physical custody, like supervised visitation.