When parents decide to part ways, custody of the children becomes a primary concern. In Pennsylvania, the court looks at several factors to decide child custody.
Understanding the relevant factors can guide your negotiations with the child’s other parent if your relationship ends.
The child’s well-being
The court’s primary concern is the child’s well-being, which includes physical, emotional and educational welfare. The court examines which parent can better provide a stable, loving and nurturing environment. They consider the quality of schools, neighborhoods and medical services in each parent’s area.
Parent-child relationship
The court reviews parental involvement in the child’s daily activities, such as homework, extracurricular activities and doctor’s appointments. A parent who has been more present in the child’s life may have an advantage in custody decisions.
Parental resources
The court assesses whether each parent can provide adequate food, clothing and a suitable living environment. The parent’s employment and work hours might come into play if one parent has significantly more time to dedicate to the child.
The child’s preference
In Pennsylvania, a child’s preference can influence custody decisions. The child must be mature enough to express a preference. The court does not establish a specific age but gives more weight to the preferences of older children.
Sibling relationships
The court prefers to keep siblings together when possible to support emotional and psychological health. Separating siblings typically happens only if it serves the best interest of the children.
State residents filed more than 41,000 child custody cases in 2022 alone. If you face this challenge, familiarity with these factors can help you navigate the process.
