Pennsylvania Custody and Visitation Schedule – Governing Laws and Statutes
Title 23 of the Consolidated Statutes of Pennsylvania contains the applicable laws and regulations relating to child custody. These statutes are the custody authority in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and should be taken very seriously by parents. The entire custody procedure is based on these laws and for the court to confirm a custody order, these rules must be followed. The laws have a major impact on creating a child custody and visitation schedule because this is the part of the custody agreement that allocates time to the mother and father. Since this is an essential part of custody arrangements, the laws are very specific about certain conditions that the custody schedule must meet. Here are some of the details in the law that can help guide parents as they create their visitation schedule.
Chapter 53 in Title 23 of the Consolidated Statutes states very clearly that any custody decision must be made with the best interest of the child in mind. This is absolutely important for parents to remember when making their custody and visitation schedules. Time must be divided between the parents in such a way that the child can continue to develop and maintain a relationship with the father and mother. Pennsylvania law has decided that it is in the best interest of the child to remain involved with both parents.
The court will base each decision on what is best for the child. A custody and visitation program will not be approved or accepted if it does not appear to benefit the child or meet her needs. Some of the factors, found in Chapter 53, that the court considers in determining the best interest of the child are: the character of the parents, the child’s current living situation, parenting skills, whether the parents allow the child has access to the other parents, and whether there has been a history of abuse or violence. Parents should think about these factors when making their custody schedule. For example, the court is unlikely to approve a schedule where one parent suggests that the other parent is not given time. This is not in the best interest of the child and reflects poorly on parenting skills.
If a joint custody schedule is in the best interest of the child, the court will order it. This is more likely to happen if the parents agree and come up with a plan together. Title 23 uses the term co-parenting to refer to parents who share legal custody, physical custody, or both. Parents in a joint custody arrangement do not have to spend exactly the same amount of time with the children.
If parents follow these rules and statutes when creating their visitation schedule, they will find that the schedule will be approved by the court with little or no hassle. You can also help them make a schedule that works best for the children.