Montgomery County Child Custody Lawyers
Knowledgeable PA Custody Attorneys Protecting and Promoting the Best Interests of Your Child in Montgomery County & Bucks County
The emotional challenges of child custody disputes can be overwhelming, often marking one of the most difficult chapters in a parent’s life. When facing these complex legal matters in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, having knowledgeable legal representation is essential to protecting your relationship with your children and advocating for their best interests during this vulnerable time.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our family law attorneys bring decades of experience to child custody cases throughout Montgomery County. We understand the Pennsylvania custody laws that govern these sensitive matters and provide compassionate guidance while vigorously protecting your parental rights and your children’s well-being.
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Understanding Child Custody in Montgomery County
Pennsylvania courts determine custody arrangements based on what serves the best interests of the child. Montgomery County family courts consider multiple factors when making these determinations, including:
- Each parent’s ability to provide stability and meet the child’s physical and emotional needs
- The relationship between each parent and the child
- The willingness of each parent to encourage a relationship with the other parent
- Each parent’s availability to care for the child
- The child’s relationship with siblings and extended family
- The proximity of each parent’s residence
- The child’s preference, depending on age and maturity
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
These factors help the court develop a custody arrangement that best supports the child’s development and maintains meaningful relationships with both parents whenever possible.
Types of Custody Arrangements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania recognizes several forms of custody, which may be awarded independently or in combination:
Legal Custody
Legal custody grants the right to make major decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including education, medical care, and religious instruction. In many cases, even when physical custody is not equally shared, both parents maintain shared legal custody.
Physical Custody
Physical custody determines where the child primarily resides and which parent handles day-to-day care. This can be structured as:
- Primary physical custody – when the child lives predominantly with one parent
- Shared physical custody – when the child spends substantial time with both parents
- Partial physical custody – allows a parent to have the child for certain periods
- Supervised custody – requires a third party to oversee visits when safety concerns exist
Montgomery County courts often favor shared custody arrangements when feasible, allowing children to maintain strong relationships with both parents.
Our Approach to Child Custody Cases
Our Montgomery County child custody lawyers take a thoughtful, personalized approach to each case, recognizing that no two family situations are identical. We work closely with you to:
- Evaluate your specific circumstances and goals
- Develop a customized legal strategy aligned with your children’s needs
- Gather relevant evidence supporting your position
- Represent you in custody negotiations and court proceedings
- Draft clear, comprehensive custody agreements
- Modify existing custody orders when circumstances change
We emphasize negotiation and mediation whenever possible, helping parents reach amicable agreements that spare children the stress of prolonged litigation. However, when litigation becomes necessary, our trial-experienced attorneys advocate powerfully for your parental rights in Montgomery County courtrooms.
Handling Complex Custody Issues
Our legal team has extensive experience navigating complicated custody matters that require specialized knowledge and sensitivity, including:
- High-conflict custody disputes
- Relocation cases where a parent wishes to move with the child
- Custody evaluations involving mental health professionals
- Cases involving allegations of abuse or neglect
- Grandparent and third-party custody rights
- International custody matters
- Custody issues involving children with special needs
- Substance abuse concerns affecting parenting ability
- Custody enforcement and contempt proceedings
The Custody Process in Montgomery County
Child custody cases in Montgomery County typically follow a structured process designed to encourage resolution at each stage:
- Filing a custody complaint – initiating the legal process with the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas
- Custody conciliation – meeting with a court-appointed conciliator who helps identify areas of agreement and disagreement
- Mediation – working with a neutral third party to reach a mutually acceptable custody arrangement
- Custody evaluation – if ordered by the court, a mental health professional evaluates the family and makes recommendations
- Pretrial conference – final opportunity to settle before trial
- Custody trial – presenting evidence and testimony before a judge, who will issue a final custody order
Our attorneys guide you through each step, ensuring you understand the process and are prepared for each phase of your custody case.
Why Choose Our Montgomery County Child Custody Lawyers
For over 65 years, Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. has served families in Montgomery County with dedication and skill. When you choose our firm, you benefit from:
- Deep knowledge of Montgomery County family courts and local procedures
- A team approach that leverages the diverse expertise of our attorneys
- Compassionate support during emotionally challenging times
- Clear communication throughout your case
- Strategic advocacy focused on achieving your custody goals
- A commitment to minimizing conflict while protecting your parental rights
We recognize that custody decisions affect your family for years to come, and we approach each case with the care and attention it deserves.
Contact Our Montgomery County Child Custody Attorneys
If you are facing a custody dispute in Montgomery County, we invite you to contact our family law team to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. We serve clients throughout the county, including Norristown, Lansdale, King of Prussia, Pottstown, and surrounding communities.
To schedule a consultation with one of our experienced child custody lawyers, call (215) 822-7575 or complete our online contact form today. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and work toward a custody arrangement that serves your children’s best interests while protecting your parental rights.
