Resolve Your Child Custody And Support Issues
When a child is involved in a custody battle, it’s a trying time for both the child and the parents. You can trust Don J. Solomon and his team to put your case together and fight for you and your child in the courtroom. Every decision – no matter how minor – must be made keeping the child in mind.
Get in touch with us today.
Don J. Solomon can help you with your child custody case and help you get child support, alimony and anything else required for your child’s best interests. Call 215-883-7179 to schedule an appointment.
Comprehensive Services
- Custody and visitation agreements
- Custody and support modifications
- Child abduction
- Medical treatments
- Domestic assault petitions
- Help during parental alienation
What You Should Know About Child Custody In Pennsylvania
Child custody cases involve important decisions about where a child will live, how parents will share time and who will make major decisions. If you have a custody case, it helps to know what to expect and how the local process works.
What is the mandatory custody conciliation process in Montgomery County?
Filing a custody complaint starts a mandatory dispute resolution process. Parents generally must complete a Mediation Orientation and the “Our Children First” parenting seminar before attending a Custody Conciliation Conference. A custody conciliator who is appointed by the court leads the conference and helps parents work toward an agreement. The conference takes place at the courthouse or, in some cases, online.
During the conference, parents can discuss parenting schedules, holidays and legal custody. If they reach an agreement, the conciliator prepares a proposed order for a judge to sign. If they cannot agree, the conciliator may recommend temporary terms. The case can then move forward to a formal hearing before a judge.
What happens if my co-parent refuses to follow our Montgomery County custody order?
If your co-parent does not follow a Montgomery County custody order, you can ask the court to enforce it. You must file a Petition for Contempt of Court with the Montgomery County Family Court. This brings the violation before a judge. You have the burden of showing that a clear custody order was in place, the other parent knew about it and willfully violated it without a valid legal excuse, such as an emergency.
If the court finds the other parent in civil contempt, the judge may order make-up parenting time or require the parent to pay your attorney’s fees. The judge may also impose fines or, in serious cases, order jail time. These remedies may apply when a parent refuses to follow the custody schedule or complete a required child exchange in Hatboro.
Where are child custody cases officially filed and heard for Hatboro residents?
Because Hatboro is in Montgomery County, residents generally file custody cases through the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas in Norristown. The Family Court Division handles these cases at the county courthouse.
Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, the state generally has home-state jurisdiction when the child lived there with a parent for a minimum of six months back-to-back before the custody action was filed.
To start a custody case, a parent must file a scheduling order, a Complaint for Custody and a required Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification form with the Prothonotary’s Office in Norristown. The case then moves through the Montgomery County court system.
If you are facing a custody dispute in Pennsylvania, knowing the local process can help you prepare for what comes next. An experienced lawyer can explain your options and help you through the Montgomery County custody process.
Helping You Get Through Your Divorce
Don J. Solomon understands that divorce is a delicate situation, and we’ll understand your situation first, before determining the best course of action. With experience and easy accessibility, Don J. Solomon is ready to fight for the best possible outcome for you. Discuss your divorce case with us today.