Whether you are divorcing your spouse or breaking off a relationship with an unmarried co-parent, there will be custody arrangements to settle. This can be the most acrimonious part of your decoupling because you both want to preserve close relationships with the kids.
Read on for some important facts regarding child custody here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
No specific age for children’s preferences
The courts gauge the maturity and comprehension of each child (as well as other factors) before taking any custody preferences into account when handing down their rulings. A mature 10-year-old might be able to voice their preference, while an immature 14-year-old might not.
Courts consider possible parental alienation
One of the cruelest things that a co-parent can do is run the children’s other parent down or otherwise alienate the kids’ affection for their father. Doing that could make the court view you as unfit to have custody (or even possibly require supervised visitation).
Are the children safe?
Any parent who has demonstrated violence against their spouse or partner is unlikely to be awarded custody by the courts. This is especially true if the parent lashed out at the kids, too, or allowed them to witness the assaults on their co-parents.
Can the parents adequately supervise the kids?
Toddlers and teenagers certainly have different needs, but both require parental supervision to keep them safe and out of trouble. Make sure that you can demonstrate the ability to properly parent and supervise your children.
Remember, too, that parental behavior can affect child custody rights. Make sure that you present the best version of yourself to the courts.