Pittsburgh Joint Custody Lawyer

When two parents get divorced, they must arrange how their child will be cared for. Oftentimes, both parties are able to set aside their differences and agree on long-term decisions for their child. This can be done without legal help or with the assistance of an attorney. Not all parents are able to arrive at an agreement on their own; however, it is the court’s responsibility to issue a custody order based on the best interests of the child.

If you are involved in a battle for custody, you are likely worried about losing out on the opportunity to be an active parent. Our Pittsburgh custody attorneys at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC understand the turmoil that can arise in these situations. We will stand by you every step of the way, providing you with information as soon as it becomes available.

Joint Custody in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, there are two forms of custody. Physical custody is the legal right and responsibility to care for a child on a daily basis. Legal custody involves the right to make long-term decisions related to child welfare. Custody judges make decisions in the child’s best interest. The judge will always attempt to arrange a joint custody order, as losing contact with one parent can be detrimental to a child’s health. When custody is truly shared, each parent has equal legal and physical custody rights. This means that both parents are allowed input on major decisions, such as those involving health, education, and religion. They also split day-to-day care evenly, with each party being responsible for 50 percent of the child’s time.

What Kind of Challenges Do Parents Experience with Joint Custody?

Splitting responsibilities down the middle is not always the most practical solution for divorced or separated parents. Issues can arise because of the parents’ relationship, each household’s work schedule, income, or ability to accommodate the transfer of the children, among other problems. Joint custody parenting plans need to be carefully designed to benefit the child to minimize disruption from their daily routine. A Pittsburgh custody attorney can help you craft a parenting plan that meets your child’s needs and balances what each parent can provide.

How to Create a Joint Custody Parenting Plan

Determining how custody is shared is not a decision that is made lightly. The judge considers dozens of legal elements and it can take months to create an agreement that best serves the child. When the court is considering joint custody, parental cooperation is a major consideration. Whether or not the parents can interact in a civil manner is often a determining factor in the decision to divide parental rights. Other factors that play a large role in joint custody cases include, but are not limited to:

• Can the parents solve problems related to upbringing and child care amongst themselves?
• Are both parents capable of helping the child maintain relationships with other family members?
• Are both parents able to support the child financially?
• Does either parent have any problems related to drug or alcohol abuse?
• Does the child have a stronger connection with one parent?

Who Decides Our Joint Custody Plan?

If you and your ex decide that joint custody is the best plan for your child, you can each bring a proposed plan that determines when your child will be at which household. There are various options to split the time your child spends at each parents’ house, but some common ones include alternating weeks, two weeks at each household, or splitting weeks apart. You and your ex will need to evaluate your schedules and other obligations to decide when you can take your child. Then both sides, along with their attorneys, can negotiate the best way to divide custody.

Once a plan has been decided, you will submit the parenting plan to a judge, who will approve it or suggest changes to make it fair.

FAQs about Joint Custody Plans in Pennsylvania

Is joint custody always a 50/50 split in Pennsylvania?

No. While true joint custody means an even division of time and decision-making, Pennsylvania courts can approve joint custody plans that are not exactly 50/50. The schedule must reflect the child’s best interests and what is workable for both parents.

Can we have joint legal custody but not joint physical custody?

Yes. Parents can share legal custody (decision-making) while one parent has primary physical custody. This setup allows both parents to make major decisions, even if the child lives primarily with one parent.

What happens if we can’t agree on a parenting plan?

If you and your co-parent can’t agree, the court will create a custody arrangement based on what it believes serves the child’s best interests. A judge will consider evidence from both sides and may involve a custody evaluator.

Can joint custody be changed later?

Yes. Custody arrangements, including joint custody, can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances. This might include a parent’s relocation, a change in work schedule, or concerns about the child’s well-being.

How does joint custody affect child support in Pennsylvania?

Even with joint custody, child support may still be ordered—especially if there’s a significant income gap between parents or one parent has the child more often. The court considers parenting time and financial resources when calculating support.

Does my child get to choose which parent to live with?

The court may consider a child’s preference if the child is mature enough, typically around age 14 or older. However, the judge makes the final decision based on the child’s best interests—not just their wishes.

Can joint custody work if the parents don’t get along?

It can, but joint custody requires a basic level of communication and cooperation. Courts may be hesitant to award joint custody if ongoing conflict makes it hard for parents to co-parent effectively.

Are holiday and vacation schedules part of a joint custody plan?

Yes. A thorough joint custody agreement should include details about holidays, school breaks, birthdays, and vacations to avoid confusion and reduce conflict.

Can grandparents or stepparents have any rights in a joint custody case?

In some cases, grandparents may petition for partial custody or visitation, especially if they’ve played a significant role in the child’s life. Stepparents generally don’t have custody rights unless they’ve legally adopted the child.

Let Anthony Piccirilli Protect Your Rights

A custody case can turn your world upside-down. The court can be cold and calculating, and it may feel like your parental rights are being ignored. After all, you only want the opportunity to raise your child in a safe and loving environment.

Our Pittsburgh custody lawyers at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC realize how stressful a battle for custody can be. To show the court you are a loving and responsible parent, we can present your case in the best possible light. We will work tirelessly to advocate for your interests in the court of law. Call attorney Anthony Piccirilli at (412) 471-5100 today to see how your rights can be protected.