Pittsburgh Child Custody Lawyers Fight for Your Child’s Best Interests

Protecting your relationship with your children

At Feldstein Grinberg Lang & McKee, P.C., we dependably and proudly represent Pennsylvanians in child custody cases, ensuring our clients and their children receive the advocacy they deserve. We work through mediation to avoid lengthy court battles whenever possible, but if a trial is necessary, we bring years of experience to the table to fight on your behalf. We understand that child custody is one of the most contentious issues related to divorce, and we’re committed to handling every legal challenge involved. It is our mission to achieve a positive outcome for you and your children in your child custody case.

The following attorney practices Child Custody Law:

• Lisa M. Petruzzi
• Rachel E. Sekine-Tenny

How is child custody determined?

It is preferable for spouses to reach a child custody arrangement on their own. However, if this is not possible, the Pennsylvania courts are guided by what they consider to be in the best interests of the child, biological or adopted, in determining child custody after a divorce. The court takes into account all factors affecting the child’s physical, intellectual, moral and spiritual well-being. Factors considered by the court include:

• Any prior custody arrangements including the amount of time each parent has spent with the child in the past
• The involvement of each parent in the child’s school, religious upbringing and medical care
• Whether there are other siblings or half-siblings in either parent’s residence
• The child’s preference if the child can articulate a justifiable reason for the preference
• The school district where each parent resides and the distance between the parents’ residences
• Whether either parent or the children suffer from any psychological or physical conditions
• Whether either parent abuses prescription or illegal drugs or alcohol
• Whether the parents are able to communicate and cooperate with each other regarding the children
• Whether either parent has attempted to undermine the other parent’s custody rights
• Any other factors that may impact the minor children’s best interests

Types of child custody

There are a variety of custody arrangements available, which can be agreed upon by the parents or determined by the court. Courts award custody by determining what is in the best interest of the child. The types of child custody are:

• Legal custody. The parent with legal custody has the responsibility for making major decisions for the child’s welfare, including managing the child’s health, education and religious upbringing.
• Shared custody. Shared custody allows the parents substantial time with each child which may or may not be equal.
• Physical custody. The parent who has physical custody is the parent the child spends the most time with, subject to the noncustodial parent’s custodial periods. The residential custodial parent is the person with whom the child resides, whether or not the parent has legal or shared custody. The custodial parent typically receives child support from the noncustodial parent.

Mediation attorneys can assist you and your spouse in agreeing upon the type of child custody arrangement that best suits your family. We can also help with grandparents’ rights and other related matters.

Allegheny County Generations Program

All parties involved in a custody action in Allegheny County, PA are required to participate in the Generations Program. Administered by the Allegheny County Children’s Court Child Custody Department, it provides information to parents and children about changing families and offers parents or caregivers the skills to reach their own resolution on custody issues. Other counties in Pennsylvania have similar programs.

Our family law attorneys can walk you through the child custody process step by step. We are your advocate, and we diligently protect your rights to your children. We can also help with child custody modifications if circumstances change and an adjustment is needed.

Seek reliable advice from experienced child custody lawyers in Pittsburgh

If you are facing a divorce with child custody issues, it is imperative to have an experienced attorney on your side. Call Feldstein Grinberg Lang & McKee, P.C. at 412-436-5788 or contact us online. We are conveniently located in downtown Pittsburgh near the intersection of the Boulevard of The Allies and Grant Street and within walking distance to the courthouse.