Like other states, Pennsylvania has adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. The main purpose of the law is to promote uniform child custody enforcement across state lines.
Some states, however, have begun changing their approach to child custody by placing more emphasis on equal parenting time for both parents. So far, Pennsylvania lawmakers have not implemented those measures.
Recently a group of parents in Harrisburg gathered on the steps of the capitol to raise awareness around the importance of parental equality. The National Parents Organization of Pennsylvania held the demonstration as part of Parental Alienation Awareness Day. The group urged lawmakers to “de-genderize” parental rights and help parents avoid litigation.
While child custody tends to be one of the most contentious and emotional aspects of divorce, many parents are able to come to an agreement on legal and physical custody without taking the matter to court. In other cases, however, it may be necessary to ask a judge to decide.
If you and your co-parent are having difficulty agreeing on a workable child custody arrangement, then speak with a family lawyer with experience in achieving both in-court and out-of-court solutions. A family law attorney can protect your rights and your child’s best interests.
As we discussed in a previous post, child custody plans in Pennsylvania are broken up into two areas: legal custody and physical custody. Each kind of custody can be shared by both parents, though every family situation is different.
If you have questions about parental rights in Pennsylvania, then Bononi & Company’s child custody overview may prove helpful.