Grandparents often play a vital role in children’s lives, and may step in when a parent is unable to care for their children on their own. In Pennsylvania, courts always consider the best interests of a child when determining custody. It is unfortunate but due to the opioid epidemic, more grandparents have assumed the role of caregiver for their grandchildren. In 2018, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a bill that addresses several issues surrounding child custody, including and expansion of who can file for custody of a child and clarification of the circumstances in which grandparents can seek custody of a grandchild. As with all other child custody matters, courts look to determine “the best interests of the child”. Grandparents’ Custody Rights The new law works to resolve the issues raised by a 2016 Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that limited the ability of grandparents to seek custody of their grandchildren. It also opens the door for other third parties such as friends, neighbors, or other relatives to file for legal custody. Whether you are a grandparent or another party who is seeking custody of a child, it is essential to seek the counsel experienced family law attorneys who understand how the system works. Grandparents may file for custody of a child under the following circumstances:
The Court’s Role in Determining Custody Although keeping children with their biological parents is considered ideal, if this is not possible a court will try to determine which type of arrangement will best serve the child. Courts consider the following factors before awarding visitation or custody:
This blog was originally posted at https://carosella.com/when-can-grandparents-seek-custody-of-a-grandchild/
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