child custody attorney

When you're looking for a local custody lawyer in Allentown, Reading, or Pottsville turn to Dutko & Chwiecko. We represent clients in custody disputes throught Berks, Lehigh, and Schuylkill Counties. Child custody disputes can turn hostile because children are the most important thing in your life. Unfortunately, some cases turn so hostile that one parent attempts to alienate the child from the other parent. At Dutko & Chwiecko, we understand that custody disputes can be troubling and stressful. We have the expertise needed to create a legal strategy that gives you the best chance of achieving your goals. Negotiation is always the first step to creating a custody schedule that benefits the child. When negotiating fails, you need a skilled trial lawyer to convince the court of your position.

Pennsylvania law requires the court to determine "the best interest of the child." To accomplish this, the judge must consider the following 16 factors:

1. Which party is more likely to encourage continuing contact between the child and the other parent.
2. Any present or past abuse committed by a party.
3. The parental duties performed by each party.
4. The need for stability in the child's education, family life, and community life.
5. The available of extended family.
6. The child's sibling relationships.
7. The well-reasoned preference of the child.
8. Attempts by one parent to turn the child against the other.
9. Which party is likely to maintain a loving, stable, consistent, and nurturing relationship with the child.
10. Which party is more likely to attend to the child's daily needs.
11. The proximity of the residences of the parties.
12. Appropriate child-care arrangements.
13. Level of conflict between the parties.
14. Histofy of drug or alocohol abuse by either party.
15. The mental and physical condition of a party.
16. Any other relevant factor.

It is the job of a skilled trial attorney to show the judge that most of the 16 factors favor their client.

In limited circumstances third-parties, grandparents, and great-grandparents may seek physical custody of a minor child. Due to the nature of the law, third-parties, grandparents, and great-grandparents should consult with an attorney to determine if they have standing to bring a custody action.

Call Dutko & Chwiecko for all your family law needs.