Changing the name of a child usually requires court approval but there are exceptions to this rule. For example, a separate petition is not required in an adoption proceeding to change the child’s name. Where court approval is required, a Petition must be filed. The petitioner has the burden of proving that the proposed name […]

Co-parenting counseling is a therapeutic service that can help individuals communicate effectively in a separated family or divorce to benefit the children. This service is not a magical quick fix but rather a process whereby parents or caregivers work with a trained mental health professional to learn how to communicate in a way that focuses […]

If you receive a letter from Children and Youth Services notifying you that you are suspected of child abuse, it is completely natural to panic. You will likely be petrified of what may happen as a result of receiving such a letter. The first thing that you should do when you receive such a letter […]

If parents are unable to reach an agreement on custody of their children, a judge will hear all relevant evidence in your case and make a decision as to what custody schedule is in the best interests of the child. In ordering any form of custody, the judge is required consider the following factors, while […]

In R.S. v. T.T., 2015 Pa. Super. 72 (Pa. Super. 2015), the Superior Court considered whether the trial court properly awarded Mother primary physical custody of a child entering full-day school. The parents had previously shared physical custody of the child since he was very young. Additionally, the parents lived 14 miles apart. Mother primarily […]

Pennsylvania law requires that ever person who files a child custody action complete and file a Criminal Record Abuse History Verification with the custody action. You will need to disclose certain criminal or abuse history concerning yourself and any other adult living in your household. A blank verification form must be attached to the Custody […]