Why Would a Parent Have Temporary Custody in PA?

By Sheryl Rentz on December 27, 2016

When you and your spouse have decided to separate, there will be many different matters to discuss and many decisions to be made, such as possession of the marital home, car, spousal support, and child custody. These issues may take months to resolve before the separation can be made legal. If children are involved in the separation, a temporary custody order is designed to address this matter to ensure that they are not adversely affected by the changes in their family situation.

Why Would you Ask for Temporary Custody?

Your request for a temporary custody order will basically come down to what is in the best interest of the child or children. Reasons for applying for a temporary order may include, ensuring the child’s emotional and financial stability during the divorce proceedings, or preventing the other parent from taking the child out of state. You can usually obtain a temporary order during your divorce proceedings, though in some cases, such as domestic violence or support issues, the court may wish to address custody separate from divorce. Do bear in mind that although this type of order is designated as “temporary,” it may still influence the final outcome of the custody hearing. Should a temporary custody order be violated, by the custodial parent, the court may then award it to the other parent.

What Happens if your Lose your Case?

If you do not obtain temporary custody, and you wish to have custody of your child or children, it is even more important that you are well prepared for the final custody hearing. If you are currently paying child support, make sure you do not fall behind with your payments. It is vital that you show you are committed to the welfare of your children. Keep up-to-date records of all your visits with your children and any money you spend on them. As well as indicating that you are able to financially support your children, you will also need to show the court that you can provide a safe and stable home in which they can grow up. This will be much easier to do if you already have a temporary custody order. Custody hearings are complicated procedures and it is in your best interest to retain a lawyer who is experienced in child custody issues, in order to increase your chance of success.

If you are going through issues involving a child custody case in Montco, contact our experienced Pennsylvania child custody attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. (610) 645-0100. Our lawyers will work diligently to provide you with relevant advice about obtaining a temporary custody order and assist you with legal action if necessary.