Why Even the Most Shocking Custody Cases Come Down to the Same Standards
An interesting case has developed where modern technology meets traditional family law rules. A mother of 13 children allegedly used donor embryos and a surrogate to have twins, which she claims are her 14th and 15th children. However, in an attempt to gain custody of the children, she forged her husband’s signature on surrogacy documents and even impersonated him during court hearings to obtain a parentage order. This has resulted in several felony charges for perjury, forgery, criminal impersonation, and even attempted kidnapping. The courts are having a difficult time ruling on this case because so many of the traditional rules regarding parenting and custody are not equipped to handle cases that combine modern concepts such as surrogacy with outrageous criminal deception.
Despite the shocking nature of the allegations, the court is still required to apply the same family law principles used in every custody case. For example, courts often defer to the “best interest of the child” and seek “equitable custody arrangements.” But who exactly gets to decide what the “best interest of the child” is? Who determines if a custody arrangement is “equitable” or not? Unfortunately, family court dockets are usually filled to the brim. This means judges often have to make quick decisions on a limited set of complex facts that will impact you and your right to custody of your children for years to come.
If you are facing a child custody dispute, you owe it to yourself and your child to hire the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team. We have many years of experience helping parents get custody of their children and helping secure their bond. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or send us a private online message today.
How Pennsylvania Judges Determine Child Custody and Why Custody Matters
Courts rarely issue decisions as life-altering as child custody arrangements. These decisions are based on a multitude of factors, such as each parent’s work schedule and what parental duties each one has a history of performing. Some factors that might seem relevant, however, might not be considered. For example, the fact that one parent committed infidelity or has a reduced income will rarely, if ever, be considered when custody decisions are made. Even if one parent is convicted of a crime, the judge has the discretion to decide how the conviction affects that parent’s right to custody.
Once a child custody order is issued, both parents will need to follow its terms. For example, custody will be split between “legal custody” and “physical custody.” Physical custody refers to physically taking care of the child, while legal custody refers to making legal decisions for the child. This distinction is important because while both parents might share physical custody of their child, only one parent might be given the ability to make important medical or educational decisions on behalf of the child.
The LLF Law Firm Family Law Team Helps Pennsylvania Parents Get Custody of their Kids
Custody orders in Pennsylvania will determine what legal rights and responsibilities you have towards your child for years to come. Parents need to take early action to ensure that the court’s decision truly considers “the best interest of the child” and that they can make future decisions about their child’s upbringing. That is why Pennsylvania parents need to contact the LLF Law Firm today so we can leverage our many years of experience to help you and your family get the best possible outcome. Give our Family Law Team a call at 888.535.3686 or message us online.