Family Law Attorneys Focused on Child Custody & Visitation
Protecting your child’s future requires trusted legal guidance from attorneys who truly understand the Chester County family court system. At Reynolds Family Law, LLC, our attorneys bring over 30 years of combined experience handling custody matters in local courts and supporting families through difficult transitions.
We recognize the emotional challenges parents face when determining custody and visitation. Our unique combination of courtroom experience and compassionate counsel allows us to work closely with families to create custody solutions that prioritize your child’s well-being while protecting your parental rights. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we strive to secure fair, stable arrangements that serve the best interests of your child and support your family’s future.
Understanding Custody Decisions: Key Factors Courts Consider
Family Court considers a range of factors when make custody decisions, always with the goal of serving your child’s best interests and keeping your child safe. Understanding these factors can help you prepare for custody proceedings and work with your attorney to build a strong case.
Key Custody Factors in Pennsylvania
Safety
The safety of your child is the #1 priority—and always the most important factor in any custody decision. Courts will act to protect children from any risk of harm or unsafe home environments.
Ability to Meet the Child’s Needs
Courts assess which parent is more likely to provide daily care, emotional support, educational guidance, and address any special needs.
Parental Cooperation
Courts favor parents who support the child’s relationship with the other parent by encouraging visitation, communication, and shared involvement.
Child's Preference
Depending on age and maturity, the child’s custodial preference may be considered, though it is weighed alongside other factors.
Parental Fitness
Each parent’s mental and physical health, substance use history, and home environment are evaluated, including the impact of other household members.
Additional Factors May Include:
- Stability of each parent’s home environment
- Geographic proximity between households
- History of abuse or domestic violence
- Parental involvement in education and activities
- Financial resources to meet the child’s needs
Types of Custody Arrangements
Based on these factors, Chester County courts may award one or more of the following custody arrangements:
- Shared Physical Custody – Child spends significant time with both parents
- Primary Physical Custody – Child primarily resides with one parent; the other has partial physical custody
- Sole Physical Custody – Child lives exclusively with one parent (usually for safety reasons)
- Legal Custody – One or both parents have decision-making authority over the child’s education, healthcare, and major life decisions
Modifying Custody Arrangements Over Time
Family circumstances can change, and custody agreements may need to evolve as children grow and life situations shift. Common reasons for modification include:
- A parent relocating
- Significant changes in living situations or work schedules
- Evolving needs of the child
- Financial changes
- Safety or wellbeing concerns
Our experienced Chester County custody attorneys help families with both initial custody determinations and modifications. We work to ensure that your arrangement continues to protect your child’s well-being and your rights at every stage of their development.
Like children, child custody arrangements grow and change over the years. Our family law attorneys are here to help you obtain agreement modifications when the time comes. If you need the help of a Chester County child custody attorney, Reynolds Family Law can help.