Is Joint Custody Consideration the Best Starting Point in Divorce Cases?

By Sheryl Rentz on July 1, 2009

A Pennsylvania group is lobbying for a change in state law saying courts should choose joint physical custody of children by both parents as the first option during a divorce proceeding. According to an article in the Patriot News, the Pennsylvania Families Association is supporting House Bill 463, which would require judges to first consider joint custody unless there is evidence that one of the parents is not suitable to have custody of the child or it is not in the child’s best interest to do so.

According to this new law, parents would have to submit a “parenting plan” to the court with mediation provided if needed. However, the Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence states this law would place emphasis on parents’ desires rather than the best interest of the children. Under current Pennsylvania law, the guiding principle for judges is to consider what is in the best interest of the child during a PA child custody dispute.

Joint custody can sometimes be the ideal situation, but in many cases, it is not the best solution. This is especially true in cases where one parent has a job and is stable while the other is not. Whatever your situation, when you are negotiating something as crucial and sensitive as child custody during a divorce proceeding, you need the advice and guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable Pennsylvania child custody lawyer, who knows the ins and outs of the law and can work the situation to your advantage.

Skilled Philadelphia child custody attorney, Sheryl R. Rentz, has years of experience and can handle almost any child custody issue throughout Pennsylvania. You would be well-advised to move forward in making your legal claim in family court after learning about your specific rights and the complex laws surrounding child custody in Pennsylvania. For more information, contact the law offices of Sheryl R. Rentz today.