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Chester County, PA, Child Custody Lawyer

Do You Need a Proven Chester County Child Custody Lawyer?

Whether you're going through a divorce, dealing with a custody modification, or seeking to establish parental rights, having a knowledgeable Chester County child custody lawyer can make a huge difference in the outcome.

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we focus exclusively on family law matters, helping parents understand their rights and how to navigate custody arrangements that support their child’s well-being.

Our goal is to minimize stress while advocating for a solution that prioritizes the best interests of your child. That’s why we offer compassionate and assertive representation, putting you and your children first.

For a free consultation with our reliable Chester County child custody lawyer, call our law firm at (610) 645-0100 today.

Why Choose Sheryl R. Rentz Over Other Chester County Child Custody Lawyers?

Over 30 years of dedicated family law experience in Pennsylvania
Avvo-rated Superb for family law and client satisfaction
Listed as a Top Attorney by Suburban Life Magazine
Active leader in the Montgomery Bar Association, including service as Secretary and Co-chair
We provide a free consultation to review your custody situation and explore options
Focused exclusively on family law, including complex custody, support, and divorce matters

What Are the Types of Child Custody in Pennsylvania?

The two main types of custody in Pennsylvania are physical and legal custody. Whenever possible, Chesco judges try to keep both parents actively involved in the child’s life, and to that end, encourage shared legal custody. Here is how custody breaks down:

Legal custody means you have the right to make important decisions in the child’s life, including what school he or she attends, what healthcare he or she receives, and how the child is brought up. Usually, the only reason a judge will grant sole legal custody to one parent is if the other parent is abusive or neglectful, or has been uninvolved with the child’s day-to-day life.
Physical custody refers to the child’s living arrangement. If one parent is granted sole physical custody, the child will have one permanent home with that parent. The other parent is often granted visitation rights, unless there is a history of abuse or neglect. Commonly, the child will see the other parent every other weekend and one weeknight. The non-custodial parent may still share legal custody for decision-making. Joint physical custody means the child has two permanent homes and splits his or her time evenly at both. Although this is an ideal situation, it only works if the parents are able to get along and if they live close enough that the house switching doesn’t affect the child’s school or activities.

Sole custody does give that parent the right to move to another state, so if you wish to stop your co-parent from leaving the state with your child, you must prove to the court that moving out of the state would be harmful to your child. Remember, only a short drive from Chesco to Cherry Hill in New Jersey crosses jurisdictional lines and can create serious legal complications when it comes to your relationship with your child.

How Is Custody Determined in Chester County?

If you and your ex can’t come to an agreement about custody, your Chesco family court judge will decide for you. PA judges consider many issues when deciding custody, including the following:

Were you and your ex legally wed when your child was born?
Is paternity established for your child?
Are you and your ex willing to cooperate in co-parenting your child?
What are the physical needs of your child?
What are the emotional needs of your child?
How much money do you and your ex make to support the child?
Would your child rather live with you or your ex? (This factor will be considered if the child is old enough to express a preference.)
Is there any history of child abuse or maltreatment between you and your ex?
Where do you and your ex currently live or intend to live?
What is the situation for any other children belonging to you or your ex?

If you are going through a contentious divorce, or want to challenge a current custody order in Chesco, please contact the Law Office of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. We know the West Chester courtroom, the judges, and the clerks. We know how to present your case to its best advantage and fight for your parental rights.

We provide free and comprehensive child custody consultations, so give us a call today at (610) 645-0100 to get started.

The Process for Child Custody Cases in Chester County

Child custody cases in Pennsylvania can be initiated during a divorce, separation, or independently between unmarried parents.

1. Filing a Custody Complaint

A parent begins the process by filing a custody complaint in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. This document outlines the type of custody sought: legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody (where the child lives), or both.

2. Parenting Program

Chester County requires parents to complete a mandatory parenting seminar early in the process. This course provides education on co-parenting and minimizing conflict.

3. Mediation and Conference

Before going to court, parents often participate in custody mediation or a conciliation conference. The goal is to reach an agreement outside of litigation.

4. Custody Evaluation (If Needed)

If the parties can't agree, the court may order a custody evaluation. This involves home visits, interviews, and assessments by professionals to determine what arrangement is in the child's best interest.

5. Custody Hearing

If no resolution is reached through mediation, the case proceeds to a custody hearing before a judge. Each parent presents evidence and arguments, and the judge issues a custody order based on multiple factors, including each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, and any history of abuse or neglect.

Contact a Chester County Family Law Attorney Today

Custody disputes require careful legal strategy and a deep understanding of Pennsylvania family law. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we are committed to helping you secure a fair and stable custody arrangement that supports your child’s future.

Whether you're establishing custody for the first time, modifying an agreement, or dealing with enforcement issues, our firm is here to guide you every step of the way. Call (610) 645-0100 to schedule your free consultation with a trusted Chester County family law attorney today.

Working Out a Shared Physical Custody Schedule

Shared physical custody is common in Chester County. That means the child spends significant time with both parents. It does not always mean a 50/50 split, but rather a schedule that provides substantial time with each parent and promotes stability.

We help families create custody schedules tailored to their children’s needs and parental obligations. Here are some tips for working out a shared custody arrangement:

Prioritize the child’s routine. Consistency in school, activities, and sleep is key.
Be realistic about logistics. Consider the distance between homes, work schedules, and transportation.
Plan for holidays and vacations. Decide how you will alternate or share special occasions.
Maintain flexibility. Life changes; your custody plan should be adaptable while ensuring reliability.
Communicate respectfully. Even high-conflict parents can work with neutral communication tools and structured boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support

What is the difference between legal and physical custody?

Legal custody refers to decision-making power for education, healthcare, and religion. Physical custody refers to where the child lives.

Can custody be shared in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania recognizes both shared legal and physical custody, as well as sole custody arrangements, depending on the child's best interest.

How does the court decide who gets custody?

The court considers 16 custody factors, including parental involvement, the child's preference (if mature), safety, stability, and sibling relationships.

Do I have to go to court for custody in Pennsylvania?

Not necessarily. Many custody matters in Chester County are resolved through agreements or mediation. The court is the last resort when parents cannot agree.

Can custody orders be changed?

Yes. If circumstances change significantly, you can petition to modify an existing custody order.

What if one parent wants to move away with the child?

Relocation requires court approval and notification to the other parent. The court evaluates whether the move is in the child’s best interest.

Do grandparents have custody rights in PA?

In some cases, yes. Grandparents can petition for custody or visitation if certain conditions are met, such as the death of a parent or the child living with them.

How is child support determined in custody cases?

Child support is based on a formula considering each parent's income and the custody arrangement. A Chester County child support lawyer ensures accurate calculations.

What happens if one parent violates the custody order?

You can file a contempt petition. The court may issue sanctions or modify the custody order to protect the child’s interests.

Can my child choose which parent to live with?

The court may consider a child’s preference based on the child’s age and level of maturity, but it is just one of many factors.

Additional Information

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Sheryl Rentz

Meet Sheryl Rentz