How do I get a divorce in PA?

How do I get a divorce in PA?

How to File for Divorce in PA: Steps, Fees & FormsMeet the Residency Requirement. For the residency requirements, either spouse has to have lived in PA for at least six months before you can file a divorce complaint. Choose a Fault-Based or No-Fault Divorce. File Complaint to Begin Divorce Proceedings. Serve Your Spouse.

How do I file for emergency custody in Delaware County PA?

An Emergency Petition for Custody, Partial Custody or Visitation must be filed in person at the Office of Judicial Support. The filing party will be required to present the Emergency Petition to the District Court Administrator’s Office which will forward it to a judge.

What is emergency custody in PA?

Pennsylvania gives parents an opportunity to bring their emergency immediately before a judge by filing a Petition for Special Relief. In some counties, you may be able to see a judge the same day. In other counties you may need to wait up to 5 days.

How do I file for full custody in PA?

There is no such thing as filing for full custody in Pennsylvania. There are only two types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody is the right and responsibility to make healthcare, educational and other welfare decisions for the children of the marriage.

What is considered an unfit parent in PA?

What makes a parent unfit in PA? Any records proving mental or physical condition that makes the parent incapable of providing care for their child as well as criminal charges and drug use count as strong evidence to show that the parent is not fit to be awarded the custody.

Is PA a 50/50 custody State?

Pennsylvania allows for parents to share custody of a minor child after a divorce, and in some cases, that custody is split equally, 50/50. In these situations, the higher-earning parent usually pays child support to the lesser-earning parent for the child’s care.

What age in PA can a child decide which parent to live with?

At the age of fourteen (14), children are free to choose which parent to live with.

What age can a child refuse visitation in PA?

At What Age Can My Child Refuse Visitation? Contrary to popular belief, there is no specific age at which a child can refuse to see a parent or comply with a custody order. In fact, Pennsylvania law defines a “child” as an unemancipated individual under 18 years of age.

Can a 9 year old stay home alone in PA?

In Pennsylvania, there is no set age limit that allows a child to be legally left home alone. However, if a parent decides to leave a child home alone, that child is still the parent’s responsibility. It is ultimately up to the parents to decide whether they think their child is mature enough to stay home alone.

Who has custody if parents aren’t married in PA?

Legal and physical custody can be shared by the parents or one parent can be granted sole custody of their child. Single parents have the same custody rights as married or divorced parents. That is, both the father and mother of a child are presumed to have equal parental rights over the child.

Do unmarried parents have equal rights?

As a rule, unmarried mothers are granted primary right to custody of their children. This means she has complete authority to make any major and minor decisions regarding her child’s welfare. A mother with legal and physical custody is responsible for decisions regarding: Home residence.

Is PA a mom State?

How Your Rights as Unmarried Parents Differ From Married Parents. If you and your child’s other parent are married at the time of the birth, Pennsylvania law assumes you are the mother and father. You do not have to take any additional steps to prove your biological and legal relationship to your child.

Who has custody if there is no agreement?

If there is no custody order, both parents have an equal right to custody, and either can lawfully take physical possession of the child at any time. However, taking the child away without the other parent’s consent can be held against you in court if that action was not reasonable.

Do moms have more rights than dads?

Although many people assume that moms have more child custody rights than dads, the truth is, U.S. custody laws don’t give mothers an edge in custody proceedings. However, the fact is that no custody laws in the U.S. give mothers a preference or additional rights to custody of their children.

What do judges look at when deciding custody?

Judges must decide custody based on “the best interests of the child.” The “best interests of the child” law requires courts to focus on the child’s needs and not the parent’s needs. The law requires courts to give custody to the parent who can meet the child’s needs best .

How do I prove I am a better parent in court?

Prove You’re the Better ParentThe physical well-being of the child: For example, focus on your child’s routine, sleeping habits, eating schedule, and after-school activities. The psychological well-being of the child: For example, making sure that the child has access to liberal visitation with the other parent.