Pennsylvania May Change Child Custody Laws

Governor Ed Rendell must decide the fate of a future legislative bill that could change Pennsylvania law regarding child custody cases. Crafted by Representative Eugene DePasquale, D-York, the bill would prevent the court system from assigning custody to children solely based on their gender.  It is intended to provide equality in assigning child custody to both parents.

Instead, Pennsylvania courts would need to use other requirements when making their decision: need for continuity and stability in the child's life, who would be more likely to promote contact with the other parent, as well as access to siblings and additional family members. The bill would also include a special addendum for victims of domestic violence.

In cases where a move could be involved, the judge must consider whether relocation would enhance the child's quality of life, rather than just satisfy one parent's need to move. When cases arise for contested custody, the courts will ask both adults to submit a parenting plan to be considered.

For each custody case, judges would also be required to write a formal reason why they assigned custody to one parent over the other.

Need assistance of the child custody matter?  Contact us to get help from a Riverside family law attorney.