Will an abusive father get 50% custody in Pennsylvania

Custody is unrelated to divorce, although a complaint for the same may be included in a divorce complaint.  Rather, as soon as parents separate, regardless of marital status, a custody claim may be made.  The only jurisdictional requirement is that the children live in the home jurisdiction for at least 6 months. Each case is unique but what you described certainly suggests that the father should not be awarded 50/50 custody.  Rather, he may have partial physical custody, generally every other weekend and one night a week, with conditions such as not driving with the children in the car. I trust this answers your questions but do not hesitate to call or email me on a free initial basis. Best Regards,   Matthew R. Nahrgang, Esquire 35 Evansburg Road, Ste 400 Collegeville, PA 19426 (610) 489-3041 o (610) 489-3042 fax nahrganglaw.com