Pennsylvania Child Custody Laws

Pennsylvania Child Custody Issues & Resources

Pennsylvania Child Custody


In Pennsylvania, joint (shared) or sole child custody may be awarded based on the best interests of the child, and upon a consideration of the following factors:

  • which parent is more likely to encourage, permit, and allow frequent and continuing contact, including physical access between the other parent and the child; and

  • whether either parent has engaged in any violent, criminally sexual, abusive, or harassing behavior.

An award of shared child custody may be awarded by a Pennsylvania court when it is in the best interests of the child, upon application of one or both parents, or when they have agreed, or at the court's discretion.

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