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Child Custody | Pennsylvania Family Law Blog - The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz

How Judges in PA Consider a Child’s Age When Seeking Input on Custody Issues

By Sheryl Rentz on October 12, 2025

A small child holding an adult's hand while walking up stairs, representing the consideration of child age custody input Pennsylvania in legal decisions.

A child’s wishes may heard by a judge during custody hearings. But the judge will consider the child’s age, maturity, and individual circumstances when deciding if a child can testify, and how to evaluate the child’s testimony.
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Posted in: Child Custody

The Role of Parenting Coordinators in Complex Divorce Cases in PA

By Sheryl Rentz on September 24, 2025

Child runs with open arms toward a smiling parent while another parent looks on from a car, symbolizing parenting coordinator Pennsylvania divorce. The image highlights co-parenting conflict resolution PA, decision-making neutral family law, and the role of a court-appointed parenting monitor in high-conflict custody cases.

High-conflict custody cases can drag on for years, often placing children in the crossfire of prolonged parental disputes. In Pennsylvania, courts now have a powerful tool to manage these challenges called parenting coordinators.

A parenting coordinator is a neutral third-party professional appointed by the court to help separated or divorced parents implement and comply with custody orders, resolve minor disputes, and promote healthier co-parenting communication.
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Posted in: Child Custody

When One Parent Wants to Move: How Relocation Battles Are Handled in Custody Cases

By Sheryl Rentz on May 14, 2025

Father kneels to hug his daughter at the doorway while the mother stands nearby and a suitcase rests by the door, symbolizing child relocation custody Montgomery County PA. The image conveys parent relocation Pennsylvania law, custody relocation request PA, parenting plans long distance, and move-away custody cases.

Few custody issues are more emotionally charged than relocation. When one parent wants to move—whether for a new job, family support, or a fresh start—the decision impacts not just their life, but the child’s relationship with the other parent.

In Pennsylvania, these cases are governed by strict laws that put the best interests of the child above all else. But understanding how child relocation custody is handled in Montgomery County, PA, is key to protecting your rights and planning your case.
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Posted in: Child Custody

A Pennsylvania Father Lost Custody Over THC—Could It Happen to You?

By Sheryl Rentz on April 15, 2025

Judge’s gavel beside a dropper bottle, cannabis buds, and hemp seeds on a table, symbolizing medical marijuana custody Pennsylvania. The image reflects THC custody case PA, cannabis and parental rights, family court marijuana use, custody and drug testing, legal weed custody issues, and child custody THC Pennsylvania.

In a widely discussed Pennsylvania custody case, a father lost his visitation rights after testing positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), even though he was a registered medical marijuana patient.

Despite the father’s use of cannabis being legal under state law, the court determined that it posed a potential risk to the child. This ruling has left many Pennsylvania parents asking if legally using medical marijuana can really cost them custody of their child.
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Posted in: Child Custody

When to Involve a Family Law Attorney in Holiday Custody Disputes

By Sheryl Rentz on September 15, 2024

A hug between family members

Navigating child custody arrangements during the holiday season can be a challenging and emotionally charged process. As the festive period approaches, it is essential to ensure that your custody plans are clear and agreed upon to avoid any potential conflicts that could mar the holiday spirit. When disagreements arise, it might be time to consider legal guidance. If you’re in Pennsylvania, a Montgomery County child custody lawyer can help mediate and resolve these disputes effectively. Read the rest »

Posted in: Child Custody

Kayden’s Law Explained: Ensuring Child Safety in Family Court

By Sheryl Rentz on August 8, 2024

Kayden’s Law, officially known as Bill 55, represents a significant advancement in ensuring child safety within Pennsylvania’s family courts. Rooted in the tragic case of Kayden Mancuso, this legislation aims to reduce the risks children face during custody and visitation disputes.

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Posted in: Child Custody

Custody Evaluations and How To Prepare for Them

By Sheryl Rentz on January 22, 2024

A wooden mom and child with a gavel separating the wooden dad and child.

During divorce and child custody disputes, a custody evaluation is a major factor that can significantly influence the final decision. This evaluation plays a key role in determining the best interests of the child and helps courts make informed decisions about custody arrangements. Read the rest »

Posted in: Child Custody

Our Family Wizard Co-Parenting App Improves Communication

By Sheryl Rentz on September 21, 2023

Parents sitting in front of paper with their young child.

Even under the best circumstances, raising kids after a separation isn’t easy. Modern life is chaotic, and it can be challenging to arrange everyone’s schedules, including your children’s drop-offs and pick-ups from school, sports practice, extracurricular activities, and more. Read the rest »

Posted in: Child Custody

Custody When Your Ex-Spouse Passes

By Sheryl Rentz on January 15, 2023

woman consoling a man

Child custody cases are very sensitive and affect a child’s emotional well-being. When an ex-spouse passes on, custody cases become more emotionally charged. As a surviving parent, you should know what the law says and what you will need to do to get custody of your child. This guide will enlighten you on child custody when your ex-spouse passes and how an attorney can help protect your parental rights and the rights of your child. Read the rest »

Posted in: Child Custody

Autumn Challenges for Separated Parents

By Sheryl Rentz on October 20, 2022

fall leaves on ground in autumn

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, full of changing leaves, sweater weather, and plenty of holidays for visiting family and eating great food. However, Autumn also comes with parental challenges that can further drive a wedge between divorced or divorcing parents of young children. There are decisions to be made concerning your child’s schooling, extracurricular activities, and holiday plans, and it is unlikely that separated parents will each get exactly what they want out of this time of year with their children, so compromises will have to be made. Read the rest »

Posted in: Child Custody

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