Spivak Law Firm

Based in Pittsburgh, PA

412-344-4900

Spivak Law Firm is BBB Accredited

Pgh Custody Lawyer

Child Custody Tips For Memorial Day Weekend

While holidays offer parents an opportunity for quality time with their children, they also often involve issues such as fitting a vacation around the other parent’s schedule and giving up some time for the other’s sake.

Here are some valuable tips to help you have a great holiday:

  • Stick to the plan: If you agreed to a parenting or custody plan, you should try to stick to it as much as possible.
  • Plan ahead: Avoid misunderstandings and disagreements about who has the kids by discussing it with your ex in advance.
  • Maintain contact: Regardless of whether your child is with you or the other parent, it is vital for the child to stay connected with the parent who is not present.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, and PFA hearings.

To speak with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody Schedules

If you and your ex have a child custody order but follow a completely different schedule, you should consider updating your order.

For instance, your order stipulates that you have your children every other weekend, but you and your ex actually share custody of the children on a week on/week off arrangement.

You may think there is no need to update your current order, since you and your ex are following a schedule without issue. But if conflict arises, your ex could revert back to the custody order and withhold the children from you.

Based in Pittsburgh, Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, equitable distribution, and Protection From Abuse (PFA). To speak with an experienced child custody attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody: Parenting Together

Under Pennsylvania law, the standard for determining child custody schedules is “the best interest of the child.”

Your judge may be hesitant to grant shared custody in high-conflict cases, so it is important to try and work together with the other parent. Demonstrate to the judge that the two of you communicate well enough to facilitate exchanges and ensure the welfare of your child.

Unless there has been a history of domestic abuse, it will also work against your custody case if the judge finds that you discourage your child from fostering a relationship with the other parent. If it is time for the custody exchange and your child does not want to leave, encourage them to go and that they will have a good time.

To speak with an experienced child custody lawyer, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody for Dads

Do courts always give Moms custody?

No. Times have changed; the children do not automatically go to Moms after separation. In many cases, judges award shared custody schedules or even award Dads primary physical custody.

Pennsylvania courts decide custody in the best interests of the children by weighing sixteen factors. Among the factors, your judge will consider the level of conflict between you and your ex, the distance between your residences, and your respective work schedules. But gender preference is not among the sixteen factors.

Under Pennsylvania law, Dads have as many rights as Moms to the custody of their children. In Allegheny County, judges commonly award shared custody schedules that provide each parent equal time with the kids.

To speak with an experienced child custody lawyer, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody: 3 Tips for Parents

Children thrive on routine. A shift in the family dynamic can be difficult for children.

You and your ex may follow a consistent child custody schedule, but shuttling back and forth between two homes can be confusing for the children.

To help your children adjust between exchanges, consider the following three tips:

  • Give the children a chart of the custody schedule;
  • Remind the children ahead of time when an exchange will take place; and
  • Remind the children when they will see you next.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation in all family law matters with a special focus on child custody and child support. To speak with an experienced child custody attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Factors for Creating a Child Custody Schedule

You and your ex are best positioned to create a child custody schedule, particularly because you know what will be in your child’s best interests. The following factors are important to consider when creating a custody schedule:

  • The age of the child;
  • Medical, educational, and social needs of the child;
  • Sibling relationships;
  • The child’s school schedule;
  • The child’s extracurricular activity schedule;
  • Your work schedule;
  • Your ex-spouse’s work schedule;
  • The distance for exchanges;
  • Your ability to communicate effectively with your ex-spouse.

Even though you may agree on a schedule with your ex, it is critical that you fully understand your rights before entering into a custody agreement. It’s possible that you are agreeing to a schedule that will substantially restrict your rights as a parent.

To speak with an experienced child custody attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Pennsylvania Expands Child Custody Laws

Pennsylvania has enacted a new law that expands the right of third parties to seek custody of a child.

Current law restricts custody actions to parents and grandparents. Under the new law, which will take effect in July 2018, any individual may seek custody of a child so long as it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that:

  • The individual assumed or is willing to assume responsibility for the child;
  • The individual has a sustained, substantial and sincere interest in the welfare of the child;
  • Neither parent has any form of care or control of the child.

The change in the law is expected to open the door to many new custody complaints by people who may not be physically related to the child but played a significant role in their upbringing and development.

Spivak Law Firm handles all area of family law with a special focus on child custody. To schedule a consultation with an experienced child-custody lawyer, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody and Positive Messaging

How can we get children to be honest?

This question takes on even more importance when a child’s safety depends on knowing the truth, as in criminal cases involving child abuse.

Harsh punishments like spanking do not deter children from lying, according to recent scientific studies.

Positive messaging is the key to fostering honest behavior. Experts recommend emphasizing the benefits of honesty.

For instance, witnessing others receiving praise for honesty promotes honest behavior. Studies have also shown that children are less likely to lie after promising to tell the truth.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law and criminal defense with a special focus on child custody and domestic abuse. To schedule a consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody Schedules

Parents can often agree on the best type of custody arrangement for their families. In such cases, a child custody schedule can be helpful.

A typical child custody schedule includes:

  • A daily schedule with the days and times that each parent has custody.
  • Details about who transports the child and where exchanges will occur.
  • Information about how you will communicate with your ex.
  • A schedule for sharing birthdays and vacation times.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate representation in all child-custody matters.

To discuss the custody arrangement that best fits your family’s needs, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody Exchanges

Child custody exchanges can be hectic and tense, especially when you and your ex are passing the children’s personal items back and forth.

If possible, make the process easier for yourself and your children by doubling up on everyday items. Consider having your own car seat, diaper bag, and set of clothes for the children.

This not only makes packing for exchanges easier, but it will also help the children to adjust well in each home, while minimizing conflict at each exchange.

To speak with an experienced child custody lawyer, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.