Skip to main content
(866) 465-5395 Schedule a Consultation (866) 465-5395 Schedule a Consultation

Best Interest of the Child Standard and its Role in Child Custody

| |

Those who are getting a divorce in Pennsylvania must navigate a number of legal issues. One legal issue that is often complicated involves child custody matters.

What types of laws apply to child custody matters? All divorce issues are subject to state law. As such, the process can vary from state to state. The following information is specifically tailored for those who are going through a divorce in Pennsylvania.

What does Pennsylvania state law say about child custody? Parents are encouraged to develop a parenting plan. If the parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, the court will put one together. When this determination is put together, the court will apply a legal concept known as the best interest of the child standard.

What is the best interest of the child standard? This standard allows the court to take a number of factors into consideration when an arrangement is created. The ultimate goal is to provide the best situation for the child.

Examples of factors that are reviewed include:

  • Logistics. The court will question which parent is able to meet the child’s basic needs. This includes which parent can get the child to school and care for the child. It will consider which parent is more likely to meet the child’s emotional, educational, developmental, and daily physical as well as any other special needs that the child may have.
  • Emotional well being. The court also attempts to place the child in a home that is most likely to encourage the child’s emotional health. It will review whether or not the home would provide a loving and stable environment.
  • Child’s preference. Depending on the maturity of the child, the court may take the child’s wishes into consideration.

The courts will also consider the current role of each parent. Courts look for a parent to make an effort to keep the other parent involved in the child’s life. Any attempts to ostracize the relationship between the child and the other parent are frowned upon.

How can I increase the odds of a successful child custody agreement? It is important to provide the court with the evidence needed to establish that you can meet the needs of the child. In these cases, it is often wise to seek legal counsel. An experienced attorney can help build this case for you, better ensuring a favorable outcome for both you and your children.

Related Pages

Client Testimonials

They are amazing! I highly recommend anyone that is in need of assistance with child support hearings to seek out the expertise and experience of this law firm and staff! They handled my case quickly and I feel that my money was put to good use. Much appreciated! Nothing less than five stars!

Alana Deverson

I just want to say GREAT JOB! She is a no nonsense professional with years of experience that qualifies her as a skilled Family Law attorney. She is seasoned, sensitive, and most of all she cares. She made things easy for me. Definitely recommend!

Kimberly Colby

Overall I was pleased with the results of my divorce case. The entire Petrelli Previtera team truly cares about their clients. Luckily for me, I was paired up with an amazing team helping all the way. If you happen to work with this firm and with the lawyers you’ll be in great hands. It was such an excellent service and it was beyond I expected.

A Family Law Client Chevy Chase , MD

Serving Clients at the Following Locations

Bethesda4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda MD 20814(301) 234-7409view details
Maryland5425 Wisconsin Ave Chevy Chase, MD 20815(301) 889-8085view details
ChicagoTwo Prudential Plaza 180 North Stetson Suite 3500 Chicago, IL 60601(312) 252-2085view details
Schaumburg1750 E. Golf Rd, Suite 382 Schaumburg, IL 60173(630) 491-9670view details
Texas500 W 2nd St Suite 1900 Austin, TX 78701(512) 883-1684view details
Washington DC1717 K Street NW, Suite 900 Washington DC 20006(202) 519-0366view details
Denver7900 E. Union Ave. Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80237(720) 821-6440view details
Princeton475 Wall St, Suite 214, Princeton, NJ 08540(609) 917 9560view details
Linwood210 New Road #15 Linwood, NJ 08221(609) 375-0351view details
Parsippany8 Campus Dr, Parsippany, NJ 07054(973) 310-5320view details
Philadelphia1845 Walnut Street 19th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103(215) 523-6900view details
Montgomery County516 DeKalb Street Suite C Norristown, PA 19401(610) 924-2870view details
Doylestown123 N Broad Street, Doylestown, PA 18901(267) 938-4480view details
Abington1147 Easton Road, Abington PA 19001(610) 890-4833view details
West Chester203 W. Chestnut St., Suite 204
West Chester, PA. 19380
(610) 431-4012view details
schedule a consultation Today
Contact Us Fill out the form or call us today (866) 465-5395