Experienced Child Custody Lawyers in Reading, PA – Protecting Your Parental Rights
Child custody disputes can be emotionally charged and legally complex, with long-term consequences for both parents and children. Whether you are seeking sole custody, joint custody, or modifications to an existing agreement, having a skilled and compassionate legal team on your side is essential.
At Nevins & McAllister, our child custody lawyers in Reading, PA provide strategic legal representation to protect your parental rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your child. We understand that every family situation is unique, and we work diligently to craft custody arrangements that prioritize the well-being of your child while advocating for your rights as a parent.
If you are involved in a child custody dispute, call Nevins & McAllister at 610-372-5128 today to schedule a confidential consultation.
Understanding Child Custody Laws in Pennsylvania
Child custody laws in Pennsylvania focus on ensuring the child’s best interests. The courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements, including:
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and loving home
- The child’s relationship with both parents
- The mental and physical health of both parents
- The child’s preference (if of appropriate age and maturity)
- Any history of abuse, neglect, or substance abuse
- Each parent’s willingness to foster a positive relationship between the child and the other parent
The goal of the court is to create a custody arrangement that serves the child’s best interests, and Nevins & McAllister is here to ensure your voice is heard in that process.
Types of Child Custody in Pennsylvania
There are different types of child custody arrangements, and understanding these distinctions can help you prepare for the legal process.
1. Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make important decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Religious practices
- Extracurricular activities
Legal custody can be shared (joint legal custody) or awarded to one parent (sole legal custody).
2. Physical Custody
Physical custody determines where the child will live and how time is divided between parents. Options include:
- Sole Physical Custody – The child primarily resides with one parent, while the other may have visitation rights.
- Joint Physical Custody – Both parents share significant time with the child.
- Primary & Partial Custody – One parent has the child the majority of the time, while the other has scheduled visitation.
3. Visitation Rights
Even if one parent has sole physical custody, the other parent is typically granted reasonable visitation rights, unless there are concerns about the child’s safety or well-being.
At Nevins & McAllister, we work to ensure that custody arrangements align with your parental rights while prioritizing your child’s stability and happiness.
How Courts Decide Custody Arrangements
Pennsylvania courts do not favor one parent over the other based on gender. Instead, they look at multiple factors, including:
- Each parent’s caregiving role before separation or divorce
- Sibling relationships and family dynamics
- Proximity to schools, doctors, and support systems
- Parental cooperation and communication
- Any history of domestic violence or neglect
Our child custody attorneys will help present strong evidence that supports your case and ensures that your parental rights are protected.
Modifying an Existing Child Custody Agreement
Life circumstances change, and custody arrangements may need modifications over time. You may be eligible for a custody modification if:
- One parent relocates
- A parent’s work schedule changes
- The child’s needs evolve (education, medical care, emotional well-being)
- One parent fails to uphold their responsibilities
- There are concerns about abuse or neglect
If you need to modify an existing custody order, Nevins & McAllister can help file a petition for modification and present evidence supporting the requested changes.
Protecting Your Parental Rights During Custody Disputes
Child custody cases can be highly contentious, and some parents find themselves facing false allegations, unfair restrictions, or legal challenges. Our legal team helps you:
- Defend against false accusations of abuse or neglect
- Enforce existing custody agreements
- Seek emergency custody orders in cases of endangerment
- Negotiate fair parenting time agreements
At Nevins & McAllister, we are committed to protecting your relationship with your child while ensuring a fair and just custody arrangement.
Child Custody and Relocation Cases
If one parent wants to relocate with the child, they must obtain court approval. Pennsylvania courts evaluate:
- The reason for the move
- How the move will impact the child’s education and family relationships
- Whether the non-relocating parent’s visitation can be reasonably accommodated
If you are seeking to relocate or opposing a relocation request, our attorneys will provide strong legal representation to protect your rights.
Why Choose Nevins & McAllister for Your Child Custody Case?
Finding the right child custody lawyer in Reading, PA can make all the difference in your case. At Nevins & McAllister, we offer:
1. Decades of Family Law Experience
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling child custody cases, including high-conflict disputes, modifications, and mediation.
2. Compassionate Legal Guidance
We understand that child custody battles are emotionally stressful, and we provide supportive yet aggressive representation to protect your family’s future.
3. Proven Courtroom & Negotiation Skills
Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we fight for fair custody arrangements that benefit both you and your child.
4. Personalized Legal Strategies
No two families are alike, and we develop customized legal solutions tailored to your unique situation.
5. Strong Advocacy for Fathers and Mothers
We represent both fathers and mothers in custody cases, ensuring a fair legal process regardless of gender.
Contact Our Reading Child Custody Lawyers Today
When it comes to your child’s future, choosing the right legal team is crucial. Whether you need help with custody disputes, modifications, or enforcement, our experienced child custody lawyers in Reading, PA are here to guide you every step of the way.
Call Nevins & McAllister at 610-372-5128 today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward securing a fair custody arrangement. Serving clients in Reading, PA, and surrounding areas.