Get PA Complaint for Custody - Philadelphia 2011

Under Pennsylvania law, you can change your custody agreement through two methods: either through a mutual agreement or a court order. If you and your child's other parent can agree on a change in custody, mutually updating your arrangement is likely the more convenient option.

Petitioning the Court for a Custody Change Parents that can't agree will probably end up in court. If you're the parent seeking the custody modification, you'll need to file a motion or petition, which is a written request to a judge. You must submit evidence showing the change in circumstances.

Courts have different rules and procedures for how a parent can ask for a custody modification after a judge makes the initial custody and visitation order. If you are acting without an attorney, you will need to familiarize yourself with the laws in your jurisdiction. One or both parents can ask for the change.

Can I Modify My Custody Arrangement Without Going to Court? The short answer to this question is "YES." ... Once a family law judge has issued a child custody order, the agreement is legally binding meaning that unless a modification has been approved by the court, both parents must abide by the terms of that agreement.

To modify your plan through the court, you need to file a child custody modification or a petition to change the custody order. Then you and the other parent will attend a custody hearing and present your cases to the judge.

How much does a child custody lawyer cost? The average nationwide case cost for a child custody lawyer is between $1200 and $4500. Type of dispute, a need for third-party experts, and the attorney selected all affect the total cost of legal fees.

Schedule a Case Evaluation Today Under Pennsylvania law, both parents are required to support their child until the child reaches 18 (or longer in some cases), but a parent can seek to modify a child support payment in the months and years following an initial child support award.

Schedule a Case Evaluation Today Under Pennsylvania law, both parents are required to support their child until the child reaches 18 (or longer in some cases), but a parent can seek to modify a child support payment in the months and years following an initial child support award.

No. But a new child can be a consideration. Pennsylvania law is very proactive in dealing with child support, and it directly addresses this issue. In looking at a parent's support modification request based on a new family, the court will consider the parent's total child support obligation.

To lower your payments, you will need to file a motion in court to modify your child support payments. You will need to file this motion in the court that issued the initial child support order. ... In the body of the motion, list the reasons why you want the court to reduce your child support.

Protecting a Child's Interests in Custody Emergencies. ... Called an Emergency Petition for Special Relief, the filing in essence: jumps your custody case to the front of the line and puts it before a judge. It's a powerful legal tool that can turn the tables in child custody cases at any stage of the process.

The heart of a petition is the relief requested -- what you want the court to do. For example, the typical divorce petition requests the court to enter orders relating to the division of property and debt, child custody and support, and alimony.

Pennsylvania gives parents an opportunity to bring their emergency immediately before a judge by filing a Petition for Special Relief. In some counties, you may be able to see a judge the same day. ... A judge may award temporary physical custody, partial physical custody or visitation to one parent on a temporary basis.

Immediate harm often means recent or habitual domestic violence or sexual abuse. Immediate harm may also be a failure to supervise, as when a parent leaves a young child alone at home while (s)he went to the store. Understand that emergency custody is temporary.

Normally a custody order does not expire.