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The Best Custody Lawyers in Erie, PA
If you are seeking custody of minor children or need to modify an existing custody order, trust our custody law experts at Marsh Law in Erie, PA.
Custody proceedings are amongst the most difficult that any family will have to endure. Trust our experienced custody lawyers to guide you through this process. Our custody lawyers have extensive experience in:
- Establishing custody orders
- Modification of custody orders
- Relocation of one parent
- Grandparent custody rights
- School Choice
- Medical Decision Making
- Emergencies requiring an immediate change to the custody order.
Our custody lawyers offer extensive experience in Pennsylvania custody law, such as recent changes in:
- New forms of custody
- Child support guidelines
- Collection of child support across the state line
- Custody disputes between residents of different states
- Factors used in classifying property as marital or separate after divorce
About the Erie County Custody Process
In Erie County, the custody process begins with the filing of custody petition. After a custody petition is filed, a custody conciliation conference is scheduled. This conference is intended to be like mediation and is an opportunity for the parties to come to an agreement regarding custody. If the parties are unable to agree on a custody arrangement, then the case will proceed to the next level. Cases for partial or supervised custody will proceed to a hearing in front of a custody master (a lawyer appointed by the Court to hear these types of cases). Cases for primary custody or relocation are scheduled for a custody trial in front of a judge. The custody master or judge will hear from the parents, witnesses, and possibly even the child, and will make the decision that he or she believes to be in the best interest of the child.
Unfortunately, custody proceedings rarely end with just a single hearing. It is common for custody issues to continue until the child turns eighteen, and for parties to return to court several times to address custody.
Contact Marsh Law today to talk to our experts in custody law.
