Lebanon Child Custody Hearing Attorney
In January, 2011, Pennsylvania's legislature passed a new law addressing important issues of child custody. The new law affects the way a child custody case proceeds through the courts, and it could impact your ability to have contact with your children.
At Montgomery & Zimmerer, L.L.C., we have thorough knowledge of the new custody law and we are ready to help you navigate through it. If you are a parent, your right to physical or legal custody may be different now than it would have been before the new law was enacted. If you are a third party, such as a grandparent who is seeking parenting time, the new law affects you as well. Whatever your situation, you can rely on us. We will work hard to help you achieve your goals.
To arrange a consultation with our experienced Lebanon child custody lawyers, please call (717) 459-4228 or toll free (888) 364-8169. You can also contact our law office online.
Some of the Most Important Features of the New Law
There are many ways that the new child custody law may affect you and your kids. Two of the most important are:
Criminal convictions: Courts have to consider past criminal offenses of parents who are seeking custody. The new law requires courts to consider convictions of any member of the parent's household as well (such as a boyfriend or girlfriend). Before custody is awarded, a court hearing will be needed to determine that the child would be safe in the household. The list of offenses has been expanded, and now includes:
- Violent crimes, like assault and battery or domestic violence
- Drug offenses
- DUI
- Child endangerment
- Sex crimes
Relocation: A parent who wants to move away with the child now has to take a number of specific steps, especially if the move is out of state or would make it difficult for the other parent to have contact with the child. Before the court will modify the custody order the parent has to fill out forms and give certain information to the court.
There are many other ways that the new law might impact you, and our lawyers are here to answer any questions you have and represent you at any hearings that are necessary.
Our Central Pennsylvania Divorce Lawyers Are Here to Listen and Help
The client-centered family law practice of Montgomery & Zimmerer, L.L.C., is our profession as well as our passion. On the heels of experience in other law firms, we founded our firm with the goal of focusing on people and their problems above all. Your family law needs are the reason we are here.
To schedule a consultation, please call (717) 459-4228 or toll free (888) 364-8169. You can also contact our Manheim law firm online.
