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Montgomery County Joint Custody Lawyer

Do You Need a Montgomery County Joint Custody Lawyer?

Joint custody may sound straightforward, but the reality is more complex. Whether you are negotiating terms or dealing with an existing custody agreement, having an attorney on your side is essential. You may need a joint custody lawyer if:

You're going through a divorce and want to pursue shared parenting time
You and your co-parent disagree on how custody should be structured
You need help modifying or enforcing an existing joint custody arrangement
There are concerns about parenting schedules, school decisions, or relocation

Even if you and the other parent are on good terms, joint custody still involves legal procedures, court filings, and formal agreements that must be precise and enforceable. Our firm ensures your rights as a parent are protected while keeping your child’s well-being at the forefront.

Why Choose Us Over Other Joint Custody Lawyers in Montgomery County?

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we tailor custody agreements to fit your family’s specific needs, goals, and challenges, and we know how to handle difficult parenting arrangements.

Why Parents Trust Sheryl R. Rentz:

Over 30 years of legal experience focused solely on divorce and family law – bringing seasoned insight to every case.
Deep local knowledge of Montgomery County courts – trusted by clients and respected by judges.
Recognized by Suburban Life Magazine as a Top Attorney – reflecting professional excellence and client satisfaction.
Maintains a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo – based on peer endorsements and client reviews.
Active member, secretary, and co-chair of the Montgomery Bar Association – contributing to leadership in the local legal community.
Offers compassionate, honest, and strategic representation – focused on achieving the best possible outcome for every client.

Protecting What Matters Most

Your children deserve stability, and you deserve strong legal guidance. Call (610) 645-0100 to speak directly with a custody attorney who will always prioritize your family’s well-being.

Reasons to See a Montgomery County Family Law Attorney Right Away

Custody decisions are time-sensitive and can significantly impact your child’s life. The earlier you speak with an attorney, the more options you will have.

Here’s why you should contact a Montgomery County, PA family law attorney as soon as custody becomes an issue:

To preserve your rights from the outset of a custody case
To prevent the other parent from taking unilateral actions (such as moving or limiting contact)
To create a legally enforceable parenting plan
To prepare for court hearings or mediation
To document your involvement and concerns clearly and appropriately

Delays can complicate custody arrangements or send the wrong message to the court. Early legal guidance sets the foundation for a fair and effective custody agreement.

How Judges Determine Custody in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child. The court does not automatically favor one parent over the other, and joint custody is often encouraged when it serves the child well.

The judge considers many factors, including:

The child’s relationship with each parent
Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, nurturing home
The child’s educational, physical, and emotional needs
The level of cooperation between the parents
Any history of abuse or neglect
The proximity of the parents’ homes and the practicality of shared parenting
Each parent’s involvement in the child’s daily life

The court may also consider the child’s preference, depending on their age and maturity.

Joint custody is generally preferred when both parents are capable and involved. But the details of joint custody, such as how time is divided, how decisions are made, and how disputes are resolved, require careful planning and legal structure.

How Does Child Support Work with Joint Custody in Montgomery County?

Many parents assume that joint custody means no child support is paid. That is not always the case.

Child support in Pennsylvania is based on both parents' incomes and the amount of time the child spends with each. Even in joint custody arrangements, one parent may be required to pay support if there is a significant income gap or if the child spends more time with one parent than the other.

The courts use a formula based on:

The monthly net income of both parents
The number of overnights each parent has with the child
Health insurance premiums
Childcare costs
Any extraordinary expenses

Our firm will help you calculate expected support, advocate for fair payments, and ensure that all support obligations reflect your child’s real needs and your financial situation.

How an Experienced Custody Attorney Can Help

A skilled custody lawyer does more than argue in court. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, we help you:

Understand your rights and responsibilities under Pennsylvania custody law
Develop a realistic parenting schedule that works for both parents and supports the child’s routine
Address special issues such as school choice, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities
Represent you in mediation or court proceedings
Modify or enforce an existing joint custody order
Resolve disputes through strategic negotiation to avoid prolonged conflict

Book Your Free Child Custody Consultation Today

We’ll give you a clear path forward and fight for the outcome your family deserves. Call (610) 645-0100 to learn more today.

Will Joint Custody Affect Relocation?

If you share custody in Pennsylvania and want to move, you cannot relocate with your child without permission. The state has clear rules to protect both parents’ custodial rights and ensure the move is in the child’s best interest.

Relocation Requires Consent or Court Approval

Under Pennsylvania law, if your move would significantly impact the other parent's custodial rights (even just across counties), you must either:

Get written consent from the other parent, or
File a petition for relocation with the family court and request a hearing.

You Must Provide Notice

You are legally required to give the other parent at least 60 days’ written notice before the intended move. The notice must include:

The new address and contact info
The reasons for the move
A proposed new custody schedule
A counter-affidavit the other parent can sign to agree or oppose the move

If the Other Parent Objects

If the other parent doesn’t agree, the court will hold a hearing where both sides can present evidence. The judge will consider multiple factors, such as:

The reason for the move
The impact on the child’s relationship with both parents
The child’s preference (if old enough)
Whether the move will improve the child's quality of life

Do Not Move Without Permission

If you move without following the legal process, the court could order you to return, modify custody in favor of the other parent, or even hold you in contempt. Always go through the proper channels.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

I can't thank her enough -Marc D. (5-Star Yelp Review)

I used Ms. Rentz's services for my divorce, custody, and support. While she's not cheap, she definitely got the job done for me. I can't thank her enough.

She doesn't back down - Randy L. (5-Star Yelp Review)

I wish I found Sheryl Rentz years ago. I was wasting my time and money with an attorney that was using typed letters and snail mail to correspond with my ex's attorney. Yes, he was less expensive but, as they say, you get what you pay for. Sheryl is a no-nonsense lawyer, extremely efficient, and she doesn't back down. She resolved my child support issue in 4 days after my previous lawyer failed to do it after 4 months. My only regret is that I didn't use her for my divorce and custody when I was first separated. The quicker I provided her with complete information and answers, the faster she worked. She provided me more information during my initial consultation than I received from my previous attorney.

Speak With a Trusted Joint Custody Lawyer in Montgomery County

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we’ll listen to your concerns and provide our recommendations and legal support for a joint custody agreement based on years of experience with the Pennsylvania family courts.

Call (610) 645-0100 to schedule a consultation today.

Joint Custody FAQs

What is joint custody in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, joint custody typically means both parents share legal custody (decision-making) and/or physical custody (time spent with the child). This arrangement encourages ongoing involvement from both parents, as long as it supports the child’s best interests.

What’s the difference between legal and physical custody?

Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about your child’s upbringing (education, medical care, religion). Physical custody refers to where the child lives and who provides day-to-day care. Parents can share one, both, or neither.

Does joint custody always mean a 50/50 time split?

No. While equal time-sharing is one form of joint physical custody, it’s not required. Many joint custody plans involve a balanced but unequal schedule based on the child’s needs, school routine, and each parent’s availability.

How does the court decide if joint custody is appropriate?

Judges evaluate what’s in the best interest of the child, considering factors like the child’s relationship with each parent, ability to co-parent, home stability, distance between households, and past involvement in the child’s care.

Can we create a joint custody plan without going to court?

Yes. Parents are encouraged to develop a custody agreement through negotiation or mediation. If both sides agree and the plan meets legal requirements, the court will typically approve it. We help clients draft and formalize these agreements.

What happens if one parent doesn’t follow the custody order?

If a parent violates a court-approved custody agreement, you can seek enforcement through the court. This may involve legal consequences, changes to the agreement, or make-up time. Our firm can help enforce or modify existing orders.

Can a joint custody order be changed later?

Yes. Custody orders can be modified if circumstances change significantly—such as a parent relocating, changes in the child’s needs, or failure to comply with the existing plan. We help clients request and defend against modifications.

How does joint custody affect child support?

Even with shared custody, the higher-earning parent may still owe support to balance the child’s living standard across households.

Can my child choose who to live with in a joint custody case?

A child’s preference may be considered depending on their age and maturity, but it’s not the sole factor. The judge will weigh the preference along with other best-interest considerations. We help present your child’s needs clearly and respectfully.

Why should I hire a custody attorney?

Custody arrangements affect your child’s well-being and your parental rights. An experienced attorney ensures your agreement is clear, enforceable, and fair. We also advocate for your interests in court or mediation if disputes arise.

Meet Our Montgomery County Joint Custody Attorney

Sheryl R. Rentz

Sheryl R. Rentz is the founder and principal of the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., a firm dedicated to providing strategic, results-driven representation in divorce, high-asset property division, child custody, and support matters.

Known for her sharp legal insight and calm, confident demeanor, Sheryl guides clients through some of life’s most difficult transitions with clarity and care. Clients appreciate her direct communication style, deep knowledge of Pennsylvania family law, and commitment to protecting their interests, both in and out of the courtroom. Whether negotiating a joint custody arrangement or litigating a multi-million-dollar divorce, Sheryl R. Rentz provides the personal attention and strategic focus her clients deserve.

Additional Information

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Sheryl Rentz

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