How does joint custody work in Pennsylvania?

Joint custody, also commonly referred to as shared custody, is one where the both co-parents act as custodial parents over the child, giving them both joint physical custody. Joint physical custody has to do with the day-to-day care of the child and allocates at least 35% of custodial time to both co-parents.

Is PA a 50/50 custody State?

Pennsylvania allows for parents to share custody of a minor child after a divorce, and in some cases, that custody is split equally, 50/50. In these situations, the higher-earning parent usually pays child support to the lesser-earning parent for the child’s care.

What does joint legal custody mean in PA?

Shared legal custody means that both parents must be involved in major decisions affecting the welfare of their child(ren). Such decision areas may include, but are not limited to, education, medical and dental care, and religious training.

Do you have to pay child support if you have joint custody in PA?

When two parents no longer live together, the primary custodial parent, or the parent who has the children for more than 50% of overnights in a 2 week period, is entitled to child support. When the parents have “shared custody,” meaning it is 50%-50%, the parent who makes less money is entitled to child support.

What is the most common child custody arrangement?

The most common are sole custody, joint custody, and primary physical custody. Legal custody is also available. Grandparent and visitation custody is another a type of enforceable child custody agreement.

At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in PA?

A question that often comes up in a custody case is, at what age can a child decide with which parent they want to live? As most family law attorneys will tell you, legally, the age when a child can decide is 18. At this age they are no longer a child and subject to a custody action.

Is PA a mother State?

If you and your child’s other parent are married at the time of the birth, Pennsylvania law assumes you are the mother and father. While a birth mother is presumed to be a child’s mother (when there is no court order stating otherwise), there is no presumption of who the child’s father is.

At what age in PA can a child decide what parent to live with?

Can A Child Choose With Which Parent They Want To Live With In Pennsylvania? A question that often comes up in a custody case is, at what age can a child decide with which parent they want to live? As most family law attorneys will tell you, legally, the age when a child can decide is 18.

What is the difference between primary custody and joint custody?

When you ask, “what is primary custody?” you are looking at the difference between the two types of physical custody. Joint physical custody means that the child spends roughly half their time with each parent. Primary custody is where a child spends more than 61 percent of the time with one parent.

How far can you move with joint custody PA?

Pennsylvania courts determine custody based on what is in the child’s best interest. In Pennsylvania, no parent can relocate to another area unless either every person with custodial rights consents to the proposed relocation, or a judge approves the relocation.

What’s the difference between Split custody and joint custody?

Is split custody different from joint custody. Split custody is not the same as joint custody, although the parents may have joint custody of the children in a split custody arrangement. Joint custody means that each parent has physical custody and legal custody of the children.

Can my child leave the state with joint custody?

Moving a child out of state when you have custody can be complicated . In nearly every state, you either need the other parent to give you express permission or you need them not to object. In any event, you probably need to give the other parent notice of the move.

Is it possible for a felon to get joint custody?

Any drug or alcohol conviction can create a problem in getting joint custody. The court will order a felon to have a hair follicle drug test that would reveal any drug usage for the past few months. If they fail, custody will likely be out of the question and would limit visitation as well.

What is sole legal custody in Pennsylvania?

Sole legal custody gives one party the right to make the major decisions concerning the child. When two people share legal custody, they must confer with one another before making major decisions concerning the child. If you do not have a custody Order of Court, the default in Pennsylvania is shared legal custody.