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  • Home
  • Our Team
    • Ann V. Levin
    • Anthony M. Hoover
    • Heather Willis Lewis
    • Sawyer Sourbeer
    • Brandi L. Jones-Zellers (Paralegal)
    • Amanda Soule (Paralegal)
    • John Brennan (Financial Director)
    • Pam S. Myers (Legal Assistant)
  • Family Law Services
    • Divorce Process Options
      • Litigation
      • Collaborative Law
      • Mediation
      • Arbitration
      • Negotiation
    • Divorce Decree
    • Appeals
    • Divorce Asset and Debt Distribution
    • Post-Divorce Alimony
    • Spousal Support During Separation
    • Child Support
    • Child Custody
    • Grandparent/Third Party Custody
    • Prenuptial Agreements
    • Mid-nuptial Agreements
    • Post-nuptial Agreements/Marital Settlement Agreements
    • Protection From Abuse
    • Financial Disputes Between Unmarried Individuals
  • Resources
  • Fees
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Existing Client Login

Child Custody

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When couples separate or divorce the primary focus for most is how time with their children will be shared and how will important decisions about the children be made. In Pennsylvania, parents have legal custody and physical custody rights to their children.

Legal custody: the right to make decisions regarding the health and welfare of your child. Legal custody is almost always shared by parents and allows them access to school and medical records and requires that each be informed regarding important child related decisions. Day-to-day decisions are made by the parent having physical custody at any particular time.

Physical custody: the right to have actual physical custody of your child. Physical custody is almost always shared by parents, although shared does not necessarily mean 50/50. Shared custody schedules are varied and our attorneys can work with you on schedules that meet the needs of your child.

Visitation: the right to visit with a child but not the right to spend time alone with the child away from the other parent or a third-party supervisor.

Custody agreements and orders are subject to be modified at any time if it is in the best interests of the child. A child is subject to an order until he or she reaches the age of eighteen.

Interested in discussing Child Custody?
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What does the custody process look like in a litigated matter?

  • Complaint: The litigation system is initiated when one parent files a custody complaint.
  • Parenting Seminar: A parenting seminar is required in some Pennsylvania counties and both parents must attend.
  • Custody Conciliation: This is a conference that is somewhat like mediation and a neutral third party is appointed to sit down with the parents and their attorneys to try and work out the terms of a custody schedule.
  • Mediation: If an agreement cannot be reached at a conciliation conference, some counties require the parents to attend mediation in one final attempt to avoid a custody trial.
  • Trial: When no agreement can be reached, a trial is scheduled before a judge. The judge will hear testimony and evidence from both parties and their witnesses. The judge will issue an order setting forth a schedule of custody for each parent. The judge’s decision is based on what is in the child’s best interests and there are statutorily identified factors that are considered. Prior to trial, parties must decide if they need a custody evaluation performed by a mental health professional and/or home studies done of the other parent’s home.
  • Appeal: Once a final order is issued by the trial court, both parents have the ability to appeal the decision to the Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Levin Hoover’s Smart Approach

We provide realistic guidance based on the facts and circumstances of your case. The law as it applies to your situation is explained at your initial consultation. Where appropriate we recommend co-parenting counseling and resources to assist in speaking to your children about the impending separation of parents. We explore alternatives to litigation with you, including mediation, arbitration and collaborative law.

Child Custody, Court Process
Central Pennsylvania Child Custody Court ProcessRead More
Levin Hoover Family Law Firm

About us

Levin Hoover Family Law Firm focuses exclusively on family law, including areas such as divorce, child custody, alimony, business valuations, spousal and child support, grandparent custody, prenuptial agreements, mid-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, asset and debt distribution and more.

    Levin Hoover Family Law Firm

    • 1035 Mumma Road, Suite 300
      Lemoyne, PA 17043
    • 717-525-7711
    • 717-344-5408
    View the profile of Pennsylvania Family Law Attorney Ann V. Levin
    View the profile of Pennsylvania Family Law Attorney Anthony M. Hoover
    View the profile of Pennsylvania Family Law Attorney Heather Willis Lewis

    Lancaster Office

    • 45 East Orange St.
      Lancaster, PA 17602

    By Appointment Only

    All Mail and Service of Documents Should be Directed to Lemoyne Office

    Keeping You “In The Know”

    • May a spouse transfer an asset to avoid division in a Pennsylvania Divorce?
    • Are you liable for your spouse’s credit card debt in a Pennsylvania Divorce?
    • How is debt handled in a Pennsylvania Divorce?
    • Are Assets and Debts Divided 50/50 in a Pennsylvania Divorce?

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    Please note that our offices moved to Suite 300 in our current building at 1035 Mumma Road Lemoyne, PA.