Pennsylvania Attorneys For Child Custody Cases

Last updated on February 2, 2026

Whether your child custody case is happening as in the context of divorce or not, you can count on the attorneys at Schimizzi Law, LLC to invest time, thoughtfulness and energy into pursuing a parenting plan that will work well for your family. or Your child custody arrangement can have a major impact on your life and your kids’ lives. There is nothing more important than your child’s happiness and well-being.

Our child custody lawyers help parents navigating both contested and uncontested custody issues. In addition to custody decisions as part of a divorce, we can help resolve custody decisions between unmarried parents, help with establishing paternity, or help to modify custody arrangements that are no longer serving your families.

Our child custody attorneys can provide the guidance you need to make sense of your options and make good decisions. We want you to feel good about the parenting plan, and we will work hard to ensure that your rights as a parent – and the best interests of your kids – are reflected in the custody arrangement.

Our Approach To Child Custody Cases

When children are involved, our priority is protecting their best interests while preserving stability for your family. We work to achieve custody arrangements and parenting plans that emphasize safety, consistency, and realistic co‑parenting solutions, and we gather the evidence and prepare the arguments needed to support those goals in or out of court.

At the same time we aim to minimize conflict — pursuing amicable resolutions when appropriate and litigating decisively when necessary. We know how emotionally charged custody issues are; you’ll find us responsive, reassuring, and focused on practical outcomes that serve both your child’s needs and your long‑term peace of mind.

Child Custody Basics In Pennsylvania

It’s good to be aware of the types of custody arrangements. There are two broad categories of custody in Pennsylvania:

• Physical custody refers to the physical placement of the children and the parenting time schedule.
• Legal custody refers to the decision-making authority of each parent.

Joint custody is typically the favored arrangement in Pennsylvania. However, custody is ultimately based on the best interests of the children. When courts make determinations of what type of custody arrangement is in the best interests of the children, they will look at factors such as:

• Each parent’s capacity to provide for the children in a loving, supportive manner
• Each parent’s ability to address the children’s needs, including any special needs
• The children’s stability with regard to housing, education, extracurricular activities, extended family members and other sources of support
• The ability of each parent to foster the children’s positive relationship with the other parent
• Any history of drug abuse, alcohol abuse or domestic violence

In many cases, it may be possible and preferable to reach an agreement about a suitable custody arrangement. Our child custody attorneys can help you pursue an agreement, if appropriate. We can also represent you in court if needed.

Custody Considerations For Unmarried Parents In Pennsylvania

Custody issues involving unmarried parents raise unique legal questions that must be addressed early in the process. Unlike divorce-related custody cases, parental rights are not always automatically established when parents were never married.

Before custody can be resolved, legal parentage may need to be confirmed. This is commonly done through voluntary acknowledgment or formal court proceedings to establish paternity. Once paternity is legally recognized, both parents gain standing to seek custody and parenting time.

For unmarried parents, courts still apply the same best-interests-of-the-child standard. Custody decisions focus on stability, safety and each parent’s ability to support the child’s emotional and physical needs. Our attorneys help unmarried parents clarify their rights, establish enforceable custody orders, and create parenting plans that provide structure and consistency for their children.

Custody Modifications, Relocations And Emergency Orders

Life changes may warrant revisiting an existing parenting plan. Parenting plans often need adjustment as children grow and family circumstances change. Courts will consider custody modifications when there has been a material change affecting the child’s well-being. Our attorneys can help you navigate custody modifications such as relocations.

Common reasons to seek a modification include changes in work schedules, relocation for employment, concerns about a child’s safety, evolving educational or medical needs, or ongoing conflict that makes the current arrangement unworkable. Relocation cases require special court approval and must demonstrate that the move serves the child’s best interests.

In urgent situations, emergency custody orders may be appropriate. These temporary orders are typically requested when a child faces immediate risk due to neglect, substance abuse, domestic violence or other serious concerns. Emergency relief allows the court to act quickly while a full hearing is scheduled. Our attorneys assess whether emergency action is warranted and prepare the necessary filings to protect the child without delay.

Enforcing Child Custody Orders

When one parent fails to follow a custody order, enforcement may be necessary to restore stability. Courts expect compliance with parenting schedules, decision-making authority and communication requirements.

Steps toward enforcement may include documenting violations, attempting resolution through counsel or filing a petition with the court. Available remedies can include make-up parenting time, modification of the existing order, counseling requirements or findings of contempt.

In serious cases, the court may impose fines or other sanctions to compel compliance. Our attorneys help parents pursue enforcement in a focused manner that prioritizes the child’s needs while holding the noncompliant party accountable.

What’s Best for Your Child? A Compassionate Child Custody Attorney Can Help You Determine the Answer

At Schimizzi Law, LLC, you will find the supportive guidance you need to address any custody concerns. Learn more about how our child custody lawyers can help you. You can send our team an email or call our office in Greensburg at 724-972-4524.