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Pennsylvania Child Custody Legal Questions

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452 legal questions have been posted about child custody by real users in Pennsylvania. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include family law, adoptions, and child support. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
Pennsylvania Child Custody Questions & Legal Answers - Page 6
Do you have any Pennsylvania Child Custody questions page 6 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 452 previously answered Pennsylvania Child Custody questions.
Child Custody
Pennsylvania

Recent Legal Answers

How does my baby's father go about signing over his parental rights?

Answered 10 years and 4 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You need a lawyer to handle this for you.
You need a lawyer to handle this for you.

What documents do we need to file to get guardianship of my ex's child?

Answered 10 years and 4 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Your ex would have standing to have custody of this child if the child is removed from the mother and placed elsewhere. You have no standing. If there is no other placement resource, you may be able to request placement with you, but it depends on the facts. Contact a lawyer and give him or her all of the facts.... Read More
Your ex would have standing to have custody of this child if the child is removed from the mother and placed elsewhere. You have no standing. If... Read More

How do I get custody of my 15 year old sister who is being abused?

Answered 10 years and 4 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Your attorney will know what to do. If you are a suitable placement resource, CYF can place her with you. Your attorney can also determine if you have standing to get custody in adult family court.
Your attorney will know what to do. If you are a suitable placement resource, CYF can place her with you. Your attorney can also determine if you... Read More

If modifying child support, after 13 years, can they make me pay more for one child than I paid for two children all these years?

Answered 10 years and 4 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
No one can answer without all of the information including net incomes, other household income, earning capacity, etc. It is possible if your salary went up. The cost of living has gone up which is reflected in the guidelines.
No one can answer without all of the information including net incomes, other household income, earning capacity, etc. It is possible if your ... Read More

What can we do if my 17 year old son is currently refusing to come home because he does not want to follow our rules?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You could talk to children's services (called CYF in Allegheny County). Since he is out of control, a Petition for Dependency could be filed under Section 6 which basically are grounds for dependency under incorrigible behavior, and sheds no blame on the parent. CYF can do all sorts of things-put services in the home, place him in a shelter. It is a way to get a civil court to have jurisdiction over him without involving criminal court-police, etc.... Read More
You could talk to children's services (called CYF in Allegheny County). Since he is out of control, a Petition for Dependency could be filed under... Read More

Is my daughter's father responsible for picking her up and dropping her off for visitation?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Pick ups and drop offs should be addressed in your custody agreement or custody order of court. If not, and you cannot agree, hire a lawyer and go to court over it.
Pick ups and drop offs should be addressed in your custody agreement or custody order of court. If not, and you cannot agree, hire a lawyer and go... Read More

Can we press charge if my daughter's 23 year old boyfriend is housing her and she is a missing person and a minor?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You should consult with the police. If she is over 16, and he is having sex with her or providing her with alcohol or drugs, he could be charged with Corruption of Minors. I would advise attempting to work this out before involving police.
You should consult with the police. If she is over 16, and he is having sex with her or providing her with alcohol or drugs, he could be charged ... Read More

Can a mother have a abortion if the father wants the child?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You cannot legally stop the mother from having an abortion should she so choose. If she has the baby, file for primary custody at your county court house.
You cannot legally stop the mother from having an abortion should she so choose. If she has the baby, file for primary custody at your county court... Read More

What are my rights to see my girlfriend since her parents said I can't see her if I'm 20 years old and she is 16 years old?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
She is a minor and her parents most likely have physical and legal custody of her. They can decide for her. You should stay away. If you have or have had sex with this girl, the parents can have you charged with Corruption of Minors. If they are telling you to stay away, do it. Find a 20 year old girl.... Read More
She is a minor and her parents most likely have physical and legal custody of her. They can decide for her. You should stay away. If you have or... Read More

Is not supporting the kids, good enough cause to legally make him sign his rights over?

Answered 10 years and 5 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You will need to have him sign over his parental rights by voluntarily terminating his parental rights. He can do this by signing paperwork which is then attached to a petition and order to be signed by a judge along with the step parent adoption by your husband. You can entice him to do so by offering to waive child support. If he will not voluntarily relinquish his parental rights, it will be extremely difficult for you to do so on an involuntary basis.... Read More
You will need to have him sign over his parental rights by voluntarily terminating his parental rights. He can do this by signing paperwork which... Read More

Is there anything he can do if the mother won’t let the father talk or see his daughter even if he pays support?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
File for custody or visitation.
File for custody or visitation.

Do I automatically have custody of my child when she was born or do I need to file?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Mom is right. With no custody order in place, either of you can take the child and keep him or her from the other parent. A custody order will also help with getting medical treatment for the baby.
Mom is right. With no custody order in place, either of you can take the child and keep him or her from the other parent. A custody order will also... Read More

reinstating parental rights

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
It's not possible to undo an adoption, unless you can prove fraud or duress.
It's not possible to undo an adoption, unless you can prove fraud or duress.

Do I need to be afraid of a new custody agreement?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
The court will decide what's in your child's best interest. Unless there are really strong reasons, it's unlikely that the court will uproot your daughter and make her move to Nevada. Build a strong relationship with your daughter and show that relationship to the court when the time comes.... Read More
The court will decide what's in your child's best interest. Unless there are really strong reasons, it's unlikely that the court will uproot your... Read More

Can court force a 14 and 11 year olds into reconciliation against expert advice?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
I do not know all of the facts. You need an attorney to attack the expert's opinion or file a motion for another evaluation.
I do not know all of the facts. You need an attorney to attack the expert's opinion or file a motion for another evaluation.

Can children and youth take my child from my custody without evidence of abuse or neglect?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
I would try to get a court appointed parent advocate if your county has them, in the event you cannot afford private counsel. Allegheny County has them. You may have a defense to the second petition if the facts are the same as the first petition.
I would try to get a court appointed parent advocate if your county has them, in the event you cannot afford private counsel. Allegheny County has... Read More

Can the father sign over his parental rights to not pay child support?

Answered 10 years and 7 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
The last time I checked, if the mother agreed to it, and she is not collecting welfare or has not collected welfare for the child, this can be done.
The last time I checked, if the mother agreed to it, and she is not collecting welfare or has not collected welfare for the child, this can be done.

Can I move out of state with my 2 kids without the father’s permission when he’s abusive to me in front of the kids?

Answered 10 years and 7 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You can but if he fights you on this by filing an emergency motion, a relocation hearing will be held and the decision made by a judge.
You can but if he fights you on this by filing an emergency motion, a relocation hearing will be held and the decision made by a judge.

Will being a webcam model affect my chances of getting custody?

Answered 10 years and 7 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
I think it could be raised at a custody hearing unless your attorney could find a creative way under the rules of evidence to keep it out. It is just information, like other information, perhaps a bit spicier. Does it in and of itself make you a bad parent? No. The court will look at all of the factors.... Read More
I think it could be raised at a custody hearing unless your attorney could find a creative way under the rules of evidence to keep it out. It is... Read More

My husband's ex-wife has a bench warrant for failure to appear, when will they arrest her?

Answered 10 years and 7 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
This is complicated stuff. I once had the experience that Maryland would not honor a PA order to enforce child support arrears. There is an intrastate support enforcement law, but I still had trouble. You need to speak with a divorce lawyer.
This is complicated stuff. I once had the experience that Maryland would not honor a PA order to enforce child support arrears. There is an ... Read More

Does the police still take Runaway Child reports for a youth 17 years of age?

Answered 10 years and 7 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You are a minor until you are 18. Unless your parents are abusing you, stay put, as you are probably ill prepared to live on your own. It is expensive.
You are a minor until you are 18. Unless your parents are abusing you, stay put, as you are probably ill prepared to live on your own. It is ... Read More

If custody in an online divorce was not signed by judge does that make the custody of the child legal?

Answered 10 years and 7 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Only a court order for custody signed by a judge is enforceable.
Only a court order for custody signed by a judge is enforceable.

Is getting full custody difficult?

Answered 10 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
No, you should be able to keep primary custody, but the courts will allow father, even with a bad history, some sort of visitation. I would hire an attorney.
No, you should be able to keep primary custody, but the courts will allow father, even with a bad history, some sort of visitation. I would hire an... Read More

How would I go about moving out or emancipation?

Answered 10 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
Talk with a lawyer and see if he or she thinks it is advisable to file. You will need a retainer for the attorney, probably around $500 to get started.
Talk with a lawyer and see if he or she thinks it is advisable to file. You will need a retainer for the attorney, probably around $500 to get ... Read More

Is there a way where I can allow my mother to have full custody of me?

Answered 10 years and 8 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Child Custody
You probably need your mother's lawyer to file for a modification of custody.
You probably need your mother's lawyer to file for a modification of custody.
Child Custody
Pennsylvania

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