Child custody refers to a court’s determination of which parent will have physical and/or legal custody of a child. Child custody is often one of the most contentious issues in a divorce or separation in Pennsylvania, and there are many myths about child custody.
Child custody is always awarded to the mother
While it is true that mothers have historically been awarded child custody more often than fathers, this is changing. In recent years, courts have been increasingly awarding joint or shared custody to both parents. Additionally, there are many factors that a court will consider when making a custody determination, and the gender of the parent is not necessarily one of them. Some of the most common ones include the child’s age, the parents’ relationship with the child, and each parent’s ability to provide for the child.
Fathers always have to pay child support
It’s also true that fathers are typically the ones who are ordered to pay child support, but this is not always the case. You may be ordered to pay child support even if you have joint or shared custody of your child. The amount of child support that you’ll have to pay will depend on a number of factors, including your income, the needs of the child and the custody arrangement.
Child custody is always decided by a court judge
Going to court is not always necessary to resolve child custody issues. In fact, many couples are able to reach an agreement on child custody through mediation or negotiation. A mediator is a neutral third party who can help you and your ex-partner reach an agreement on child custody. If you are unable to reach an agreement, then a judge may make the final decision for you.
If you are going through a divorce or separation, you may have come across these or other myths about child custody. It’s important to remember that while each case is unique, it’s still important to educate yourself about child custody so that you can make the best decisions for your family.
