If you're dealing with a child custody dispute in Bucks County, the Law Offices Of Blitshtein & Weiss, P.C.’s child custody attorneys are here to help you.
We understand that child custody disputes are some of the most emotional and high-stakes legal battles a parent can face. Since 1995, we’ve helped parents, caregivers, and children navigate custody arrangements with compassion and strong legal advocacy.
Whether you're seeking sole custody, joint custody, or modifications to an existing agreement, we fight for the well-being of our clients and their children.
Contact us at (215) 364-4900 to schedule a consultation.
Who Gets Child Custody After Divorce?
In Bucks County, child custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests, not simply the wishes of either parent. Courts consider multiple factors, including each parent's ability to provide a stable home, the child’s relationship with both parents, and any history of abuse or neglect. The goal is to create a custody arrangement that supports the child’s emotional, physical, and educational well-being.
The judge will weigh factors like which parent has been the primary caregiver, each parent's willingness to cooperate, and even, in some cases, the child’s preference, though this depends on their age and maturity. The court may award joint custody if both you and the other parent are fit or primary or sole custody to one parent if it serves your child’s best interests.
Whether you’re seeking sole custody or a fair co-parenting plan, having an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and advocate for your child’s well-being.
What the Custody Lawyers at the Law Offices Of Blitshtein & Weiss, P.C. Advocate For
In child custody disputes, there is often more to consider than just your child’s living arrangements. At Law Offices Of Blitshtein & Weiss, P.C., our experienced attorneys advocate for a wide range of factors to ensure the well-being of both parents and children.
Some of what you can expect us to advocate for include:
- Parental rights: Protecting your right to make important decisions for your child’s well-being, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
- Physical custody: Advocating for the best living arrangements that promote your child's stability, safety, and quality of life.
- Legal custody: Ensuring you have a voice in major decisions affecting your child’s future, such as education and medical care.
- Child support and financial obligations: Ensuring fair and equitable child support agreements that meet your child’s needs.
- Visitation schedules: Crafting workable visitation schedules that allow both parents to maintain a healthy, ongoing relationship with their child.
What’s the Difference Between Visitation and Custody?
Visitation refers to the right of a non-custodial parent or family member, such as a grandparent, to spend time with the child. Custody, on the other hand, involves legal and physical responsibility for the child's care and decision-making. Custody can be shared or awarded to one parent, while visitation is about the time spent with the child. Custody impacts daily decisions, whereas visitation focuses on the child’s time with the non-custodial party.
Can You Alter Custody Agreements?
Either caregiver or parent can request to alter your child’s custody agreement if there has been a significant change in circumstances that affects the child’s well-being or the ability of a parent to fulfill their responsibilities. It’s important to remember that the court will always prioritize the child’s best interests when deciding on any modifications.
What Happens When You and Your Spouse Disagree on Child Support?
In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, child support is determined based on the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents' income, the needs of the child, and other factors such as healthcare, educational expenses, and custody arrangements.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on child support, there are a few steps that can help resolve the matter.
Negotiation or Mediation
If both parents are open to discussion, negotiating or mediating outside of court can be a less adversarial and more cost-effective way to reach an agreement. Your lawyer doesn’t have to be present for mediation if you don’t want them to be, but it’s still best to consult with our team before mediation to understand your situation.
Court Intervention
If you and your spouse are unable to agree on child support through negotiation or mediation, you may need to request a child support hearing. A family court judge will review the circumstances, including both parents' income, the child's needs, and other relevant factors, to make a determination. The judge’s goal is to ensure that the child’s needs are met while considering the financial capabilities of both parents.
If Both Parents Share Custody, Does Anyone Pay Child Support?
In cases of shared custody, if one parent earns significantly more than the other or has a higher financial obligation to the child, they may be ordered to pay child support to the other parent, even if custody is split equally.
This might sound unreasonable, but it’s important to remember that the goal of child support is to ensure that the child’s needs are met. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve one parent providing financial support to the other.
What Happens When Your Spouse Refuses To Pay Child Support in Bucks County?
When your spouse refuses to pay child support, it can have serious implications. Child support is a legal obligation, and failure to pay it can lead to significant consequences. As experienced child custody and support attorneys, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
Our firm can help you take immediate action by filing for enforcement through the Pennsylvania Domestic Relations Office (DRO).
This includes requesting:
- Wage garnishment
- Interception of tax refunds
- Suspension of licenses
As your attorneys, we will represent you in court to ensure your rights are protected and that your spouse complies with their child support obligations. Whether you are seeking enforcement, filing a motion for contempt, or requesting a modification of custody, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Speak With Law Offices Of Blitshtein & Weiss, P.C.’s Child Custody Lawyers Today
During the challenges of a child custody case, you need support and guidance. Allow the lawyers at the Law Offices Of Blitshtein & Weiss, P.C. to be your advocates. We’ll operate with the best interests of you and your child in mind at every juncture, ensuring a fair resolution to your dispute.
Looking for a child custody attorney in Bucks County? Contact us at (215) 364-4900.