Custody Modification Lawyers in Reading, PA
Life changes, and sometimes so must your custody agreement. What worked at the time of your divorce or original custody ruling may no longer serve the best interests of your child or reflect your current reality. If you are seeking to change a child custody order in Berks County, having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.
At Nevins & McAllister, we represent parents throughout Reading, PA, in custody modification proceedings. Our attorneys understand Pennsylvania custody laws, the standards courts apply in modification requests, and the emotional challenges families face during these transitions. Whether you are requesting a change or opposing one, our team will help you protect your parental rights and your child’s well-being.
When Can Custody Be Modified in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, custody orders are not necessarily permanent. A parent can request a modification when there has been a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interest. Common situations that may justify a change include:
- One parent relocating a significant distance
- A change in the child’s needs, health, or education
- A parent’s work schedule interfering with custody
- Evidence of abuse, neglect, or endangerment
- Ongoing violations of the custody agreement
- One parent refusing to cooperate or co-parent effectively
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, our team can evaluate your case and explain your legal options. We regularly represent clients in complex matters, including those involving protection from abuse orders and parental relocation disputes.
Types of Custody Modifications
Not all custody modifications are the same. The court may review or adjust various elements of your custody order depending on what has changed.
Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about the child’s life, including education, medical care, and religion. If one parent is not involving the other in decisions, or if communication has broken down completely, a court may consider modifying legal custody.
Physical Custody
Physical custody relates to where the child lives and how much time each parent spends with the child. Modifications may involve changes to:
- Primary physical custody
- Shared custody schedules
- Visitation rights
- Supervised visitation
We have helped many parents in Berks County modify existing arrangements when their child’s needs have changed or when the current order no longer supports stability and consistency.
How the Court Decides on Custody Modifications
Pennsylvania law requires courts to base all custody decisions on the best interests of the child. When reviewing a request for modification, judges consider many factors, including:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The child’s educational and emotional needs
- Which parent is more likely to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
- The availability of the extended family
- Any history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
- The preferences of the child, if appropriate, based on age and maturity
At Nevins & McAllister, we craft strong, evidence-based arguments to support your case, using parenting records, communication logs, expert testimony, and other documentation to show why the modification is necessary and appropriate.
Common Challenges in Custody Modification Cases
Modifying custody is not always straightforward. Even when both parents agree that changes are needed, the court still requires formal approval. In contested cases, the process can become highly emotional and complex.
Some common issues we help clients navigate include:
- One parent relocating out of state
- Requests to reduce or eliminate visitation
- Allegations of parental alienation
- Custody modifications following a name change request
- Enforcement of prior court orders
We understand how important your relationship with your child is. That’s why we take a thoughtful, personalized approach to every custody modification case, focusing on long-term outcomes that protect your child’s well-being.
What to Expect in the Custody Modification Process
If you’re considering filing for a custody modification, here’s what the process typically involves:
- Filing a Petition – You must formally file a petition with the court requesting a change to the existing order.
- Serving the Other Parent – The other parent will receive notice and have a chance to respond.
- Court Conferences or Mediation – The court may schedule a custody conference, mediation session, or hearing.
- Hearing and Decision – If no agreement is reached, a judge will hear evidence and testimony before making a decision.
We will guide you through each step, prepare all necessary documentation, and represent you with skill and professionalism throughout the proceedings.
Serving Reading and All of Berks County
Nevins & McAllister proudly serves families throughout Berks County. Whether your case involves custody, alimony, or a contested divorce, we understand the local courts and how to advocate effectively for our clients.
We also work with grandparents seeking to assert their custodial rights and with parents navigating blended family dynamics, relocation issues, or enforcement concerns.
Every family is different, and we take the time to understand your goals, challenges, and priorities.
Why Experience Matters in Custody Modifications
Family law is personal. The outcome of your custody case can shape your child’s life for years to come. At Nevins & McAllister, we bring decades of combined experience in Pennsylvania family law to every case we handle. Our clients trust us to provide:
- Clear and honest legal advice
- Strong representation in court and negotiations
- Strategic thinking in complex custody disputes
- Compassionate counsel during difficult transitions
We understand that modifying a custody order is not just a legal matter, but also an emotional one. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and effective as possible while always putting your child’s best interest at the center of everything we do.
FAQs About Custody Modification in Pennsylvania
Can I change my custody order without going to court?
If both parents agree to the changes, you can submit a proposed modified custody agreement to the court for approval. However, until the court approves it, the original order remains enforceable.
How long does the custody modification process take?
It depends on whether the modification is contested. Uncontested changes may be approved in a matter of weeks, while contested cases can take several months to resolve.
Do I need a lawyer to request a custody modification?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, having one greatly increases your chances of success. An attorney can help you understand the legal standards, file the correct paperwork, and present a persuasive case to the court.
Talk to a Custody Modification Attorney in Reading, PA
If you believe your current custody arrangement is no longer working, or if you’re responding to a modification request from the other parent, we can help. At Nevins & McAllister, we are ready to listen, advise, and advocate for what’s best for you and your child.
Call us today at 610-372-5128 to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward stability and peace of mind.