Child Custody Attorneys in Pittsburgh
Child custody is the center of our practice. We help parents across Southwestern Pennsylvania build parenting plans that work, change orders that no longer fit, and present their case clearly when a judge has to decide.
Every custody case is about a child’s daily life, and we treat it that way. We learn your family’s routines and concerns, explain how Pennsylvania courts decide custody, and prepare every case as if it is headed to a hearing. You get a straight answer about where you stand and regular updates at every step. Contact us at (412) 712-0011 to talk with a custody attorney.
Custody Cases We Handle
New Custody Cases and Parenting Plans
We file custody complaints and build parenting plans that cover the school year, holidays, summers, exchanges, and decision-making, so both parents know what to expect.
Custody Modifications
Orders that worked when a child was three may not work at thirteen. We help parents change custody when work schedules, school needs, or family circumstances change.
Relocation
Pennsylvania has a specific process when a parent wants to move in a way that affects the other parent’s time. We help parents give proper notice, respond to a proposed move, and present the relocation factors to the court.
Contested Custody Hearings
When parents cannot agree, a judge decides. We gather the evidence, prepare witnesses, and present your case clearly at the hearing.
Custody Cases Involving Safety Concerns
When abuse, substance use, or other safety issues are part of the picture, we address them directly, including related Protection From Abuse cases.
Grandparent Custody
Grandparents may have standing to seek custody or partial custody in some situations. We help grandparents understand their options and next steps.
Enforcing Custody Orders
When the other parent ignores an order, we can ask the court to enforce it and address repeated violations.
Types of Custody in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania divides custody into two parts. Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about a child’s education, health care, and religion. Physical custody is where the child lives and spends time. Legal custody can be shared or held by one parent. Physical custody can be shared, primary, partial, or supervised, depending on the child’s needs.
How Pennsylvania Courts Decide Custody
Every custody decision turns on the best interests of the child. Pennsylvania law lists the factors a judge must weigh, and recent changes, including Kayden’s Law in 2024 and a 2025 revision of the custody factors, put child safety first. Judges give substantial weight to factors involving safety and abuse. Other factors include each parent’s role in the child’s daily care, the child’s need for stability, the child’s relationships with family members, each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, and, depending on age and maturity, the child’s preference. Pennsylvania law does not favor mothers or fathers. We help parents build their case around the factors that matter most in their situation.
The Custody Process
Most cases begin with a complaint for custody or a petition to modify an existing order. Many counties require parents to attend a parenting education program and a conference before a judge hears the case. Many cases resolve at that stage with a written agreement that becomes a court order. If parents cannot agree, the case moves to a hearing where each side presents evidence. We explain each step and the local procedures in Allegheny County and the surrounding counties we serve.
Talk With a Pittsburgh Custody Attorney
Your child’s schedule, safety, and stability are worth getting right. Contact us at (412) 712-0011 or through our online form to talk with a custody attorney about your family.
Custody Questions We Hear Often
At what age can a child decide which parent to live with in Pennsylvania?
There is no set age. A judge considers a child’s preference based on the child’s maturity and judgment and the reasons behind it. An older child’s well-reasoned preference usually carries more weight, but it is one factor among many.
Do mothers get preference in Pennsylvania custody cases?
No. Pennsylvania law states that neither parent receives preference based on gender. Courts focus on the child’s best interests, including safety, each parent’s caregiving role, and the child’s needs.
Can I change a custody order?
Yes. Either parent can ask the court to modify a custody order, and the court decides based on the child’s current best interests. Common reasons include a parent’s move, a change in work schedules, a child’s changing needs, or safety concerns. If both parents agree, the change can often be made by a written agreement entered as a court order.
What happens if the other parent does not follow the custody order?
You can file a petition for contempt. The court can order make-up time, fines, counsel fees, or other sanctions, and repeated violations can support a change in custody. Keep a written record of each missed exchange or violation.
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Facing a family law matter in Pennsylvania? Raver Rawlings Law Group provides compassionate and experienced legal counsel during challenging times. We offer confidential consultations to discuss your unique situation and explore your options. Contact us today to schedule a convenient appointment.