Pennsylvania Family Law Blog

For seven years, a 28-year-old father has been doing all he can to get custody of his 7-year-old son, who is currently under the Department of Human Service’s care. However, according to an account, the agency is trying to terminate the father’s parental rights and put the boy up for adoption despite his father’s actions. In April of this year, the man was awarded full custody of his 9-year-old daughter and the current challenge he is facing in getting custody of his son is proving to be highly complex.

The DHS isn’t backing down despite the fact that the 28-year old father has a clean record, a steady job, and a house in West Philadelphia. Despite his stability, the agency stated that the father has failed to attend his bi-weekly visits with his son. In stressing the importance that visitations play in fostering healthy relationships between parent and child, a DHS spokeswoman bluntly stated that “the court is basically looking at the relationship between the parent and the child and that has to start with them seeing each other.” This is information that all parents seeking custody of their children should take note of.

As this Pennsylvania child custody battle demonstrates, the demands of the court system can be elaborate and require a parent to feel as if they are walking on eggshells, afraid to make even a single mistake that may result in losing their child. During such a challenging time, parents are faced with emotions that can leave them overwhelmed, distraught, and confused, all of which may require the assistance of a professional who can offer perspective and bring to light the best legal options to choose from as to how to gain custody.

Whether you are making efforts to get custody of your child from an agency such as the DHS or from the child’s other parent, a skilled Philadelphia child custody lawyer can help gather evidence for your case, as well as assess the legal issues involved. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, our experienced family law attorneys are well-versed in child custody matters and have the knowledge and resources you need to win your child custody battle. Contact Pennsylvania child custody attorney Sheryl R. Rentz today for a free consultation.

A recent article from philly.com reported about a couple that is squaring off in the courtroom for the second time, fighting over custody of six-year old Dexter. Is Dexter their son? Not quite. Dexter is a much loved dog that is apparently worth the extensive hours the former couple has spent in New Jersey courtrooms. The woman claims that the couple referred to Dexter as their son, thus emphasizing the attachment the each party has towards the dog. At this point, neither plaintiff is willing to share him.

After hearing testimony in Superior Court that, while one partner purchased the dog and paid veterinary bills, the former couple lived together and, therefore, both cared for Dexter, the judge ruled that Dexter was joint property, although no final decisions were made. The woman’s claim that she was given permanent custody of the dog when the couple separated was ruled to be unfounded. For now, both attorneys of the former couple will file additional briefs stating their thoughts on who should get the dog and why.

A most unique custody dispute, this couple’s struggle is an example of how emotionally torn a “parent” can feel when someone they love, even if that “someone” does happen to be a dog, may be taken away from them. Although this particular case does not involve children, two people facing the multiple complexities of child custody in Pennsylvania amidst a divorce can often feel overwhelmed and confused just as this “dueling dog couple” feels. First and foremost however, the most important thing when it comes to deciding upon child custody in court is taking into full consideration what is best for the child or children.

Experienced Philadelphia child custody attorney, Sheryl R. Rentz, has been defending the interests of clients in their child custody disputes for many years. Children should always be ensured a safe and loving home after their parent’s divorce or separation. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, our skilled family law attorneys will do everything possible to help you gain the child custody you deserve, making sure that your child’s or children’s happiness is never put in jeopardy. Contact our office today for a free and confidential evaluation.

An interesting case in Bradley County, Tennessee is dealing with child custody procedures used by judges in that county. However, these child custody issues are global and could apply in any state including Pennsylvania. According to this news report, the arguments in this case allege that basic child custody procedures used by judges are unconstitutionally biased in favor of one parent, usually the child’s mother. Many family law attorneys believe that the outcome of this case can affect child custody decisions nationwide because it calls down the authority of the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause to help fathers who are good parents.

The case in Tennessee has to do with court procedures used in the child custody case of 3-year-old Kate Hopkins, which began in 2007. The case is finally going to trial after more than two years in court and five different judges. One of the procedures that will be challenged in this case is the “80-day rule” created by local judges, which automatically takes effect as soon as a child custody case is filed, allowing only one parent 80 days a year with the child while the other parent is allowed 285 days a year – irrespective of the facts or circumstances of the case. Attorneys are arguing that this rule discriminates against one parent while violating the principle of equal protection and due process because it is done arbitrarily and imposed without a hearing.

We will be watching this case with interest because it could have implications nationwide. According to the Web site Children’sJustice.org, child custody disputes leave nearly 38 percent of dads with no access or visitation rights to their children. Also, four in 10 moms report that they interfered with the father’s visitation to punish him at least once. Half the mothers see “no value” in the father’s continued contact with his children and 70 percent of fathers want more time with their children.

Whether you are a mom or dad, if you are involved in a tough child custody battle in Pennsylvania or any other state, you need a skilled child custody lawyer on your side fighting for your rights and the safety and well-being of your children. If you need help with your situation, please call Philadelphia’s skilled child custody lawyer Sheryl R. Rentz for a free consultation.

A Hustontown man is accused of assault after an incident with a woman during a child custody exchange, according to this news report. Edward Eugene Saylor, 51, was charged with simple assault and two counts of harassment. Pennsylvania State Police officials say Saylor grabbed 26-year-old Misty Dawn Saylor around the neck with both hands and lifted her off the ground. He then allegedly carried her into a car wash and slammed her head against a brick wall three to five times before letting her go. She complained of head, neck and back pain. Saylor also allegedly assaulted a 40-year-old man as he attempted to call 911.

Child custody issues can be extremely contentious and sometimes it can get violent, as it apparently happened in this case. It is not too clear what happened in this particular Pennsylvania child custody case. But if you are going through a divorce that involves children, it is very important you understand that obtaining a custody order by a court in Pennsylvania can save you a lifetime of insecurity regarding your children’s security and upbringing. The only way to get that order is by filing a successful legal pleading in family court in your home state.

In most cases involving child custody, parents may be granted sole custody or joint custody of their children. In some cases both parents could be denied custody by the state if they are deemed to be “unfit.”

Whatever your situation, please contact the Law Office of Sheryl R. Rentz for a free consultation with a skilled Philadelphia child custody attorney. We will inform you about your specific rights and child custody laws in Pennsylvania. We will help take that step to make your legal claim in family court. Call us today to find out how we can help with your Pennsylvania child custody case.