Child Custody and Support

For couples with children, resolving child custody and support issues will be the most critical area in your divorce. In all cases, the goal of a child custody agreement is to determine what will be in the best interest of the child.

The family law attorneys at Saidis, Sullivan & Rogers are equipped to handle child custody and support issues for parents entering into a divorce and parents who have never been married. We handle all aspects of child custody and support agreements, including:

• Legal custody issues
• Physical custody issues
• Parenting plans
• Child support
• Paternity Issues

Two Types of Custody

The courts will determine two different types of custody in all cases:

Physical custody deals with where your child will live. One parent may be awarded primary physical custody, and there are cases where joint physical custody is granted. The courts generally evaluate the following factors when determining physical custody:

• Which parent is most likely to allow the child frequent and continuing contact with the non-custodial parent
• The ability of each parent to meet the child's needs
• The role of one parent as primary care-giver
• The work schedule of the parties and their proximity to one another
• The preference of the child

Legal custody determines which parent will have authority over decisions regarding the child's education, medical care, religious upbringing and other important daily decisions. Usually, both parents will be awarded joint legal custody. However, this decision will always be based on what is in the best interest of the child.

Child Support

The state of Pennsylvania has established Guidelines for determining child support. The Pennsylvania Support Guidelines proceeds on the principle that your children should receive the same percentage of each parent's income as if both parents were still married. The amount of support will be based on the net incomes and earning capacities of each spouse and special needs and circumstances of the parties and their children.

Pennsylvania law requires both parents to provide support for their children until they are 18 years old and graduate from high school. The age for this support may be extended beyond 18 for special circumstances, such as a child with a disability.

Saidis, Sullivan & Rogers Can Help

Our attorneys have experience in virtually every child custody and support situation. We know the law and we know how to apply it to make sure that your custody agreement meets your needs and is in the best interest of your children.

Our attorneys also understand the importance of maintaining as cordial a relationship as your child's other parent can have, since you will have to communicate over issues involving your children for years to come. We try our hardest to keep the process amicable, since ultimately the people who will suffer most in a contentious custody battle are your children. However, when necessary, we will provide the assertive representation necessary to protect the best interests of you and your children.

For those people who desire to resolve their custody and child support issues more amicably, we also offer mediation and collaborative law services.

Please contact our experienced child custody attorneys today to schedule a child custody consultation. We have two offices serving Camp Hill, Carlisle, West Shore, Lemoyne, Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Cumberland County and Central Pennsylvania areas.