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A User-Friendly Guide to…
Pennsylvania’s New Child Custody Law
February 24, 2011
This guide is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information on child custody law.Nothing in this publication is to be construed as the rendering of legal advice. Readers areresponsibleforobtainingsuchadvicefromtheirownlegalcounsel. Thispublicationis intendedforeducationalandinformationalpurposesonly.Theguide isa training resourcedevelopedandproducedby thePennsylvaniaCoalitionAgainstDomesticViolence,andmayonlybereproducedordistributedwithexpresswrittenpermissionofPCADV.Ifyouwould like to request training inyourarea,oryouare inneedof technicalassistanceondomesticviolenceissues,pleasecontact:
PennsylvaniaCoalitionAgainstDomesticViolence3605VartanWay,Suite101Harrisburg,PA17110717.671.4767–888.235.3425www.pcadv.org
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 - Page 2 of 49
SAFETYASAPRIORITYINCHILDCUSTODYCASES DOMESTICVIOLENCEISPREVALENTINCUSTODYDISPUTES
Inthe20%ofcaseswhereparentsneedcourtinterventiontodecidecustodyforthem,domesticviolenceisprevalent;familiesinthesecontestedcustodycasespresentthecourtwithissuesofdomesticviolenceupto75%ofthetime.JanetJohnstonetal.,AllegationsandSubstantiationsofAbuseinCustody‐DisputingFamilies,43FAM.CT.REV.284(2005).
ABUSIVEPARTNERSABUSECHILDREN
According to theAmericanPsychologicalAssociation, “40%‐60%ofmenwhoabusewomenalso abuse children.” Whenoneformofabuseofafamilymemberispresentitisimportanttolookforandpreventabuseofotherfamilymembers.AM.PSYCH.ASS’N,VIOLENCEANDTHEFAMILY:REPORTOFTHEAMERICANPSYCHOLOGICALASSOCIATIONPRESIDENTIALTASKFORCEONVIOLENCEANDTHEFAMILY80(1996).
AFTERSEPARATION,CHILDRENAREATRISK
Post-separation risks to children include: Exposure to threats or acts of violence towards the mother Underminingmother‐childrelationships Physicalorsexualabuseofthechildbythebatterer Children[emulate]thebattererasarolemodel Rigid,authoritarianparenting;neglectfulorirresponsibleparenting Psychologicalabuseandmanipulation Abduction Exposuretoviolenceinthebatterer’snewrelationshipNAT’LCOUNCILOFJUVENILE&FAMILYCT.JUDGES,OFFICEOFJUVENILEJUSTICE&DELINQUENCYPREVENTION,CHILDREN’SEXPOSURETODOMESTIC
VIOLENCE:GUIDETORESEARCHANDRESOURCES59(2006).
Theabusermayattacktheotherparentwhenhe/shevisitsthechildren,continuetomakethreatsorverballyand/oremotionallyabusethechildrenevenwhentheabuser’scontactwiththechildrenisinasupervisedfacility.AM.PSYCH.ASS’N,VIOLENCEANDTHEFAMILY:REPORTOFTHEAMERICANPSYCHOLOGICALASSOCIATIONPRESIDENTIALTASKFORCEONVIOLENCEANDTHEFAMILY40‐41(1996).
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 - Page 3 of 49
Theabusermaythreatentoharmorkidnapthechildreninanefforttoregaincontrolovertheotherparent.Thisbehaviormaybedirectedatrestoringtherelationship,oritmaybeaimedatgeneratingfearanddistress.Althoughthreatstoabductarenotalwayscarriedout,theeffectistocausefearandanxietyinboththethreatenedparentandthechild.AM.PSYCH.ASS’N,VIOLENCEANDTHEFAMILY:REPORTOFTHEAMERICANPSYCHOLOGICALASSOCIATIONPRESIDENTIALTASKFORCEONVIOLENCEANDTHEFAMILY40‐41(1996).
CHILDRENREACTTODOMESTICVIOLENCE
Abusecommitteddirectlyagainstachild,orviolencecommittedinthechild’spresence,canmakeachildmorevulnerabletoavariety of adverse consequences. Changes may occur in behavior, school performance, eating and sleeping habits, physicalsymptomsand/orfriendships.Signscaninclude:
Drugandalcoholuse “Perfect”behaviorwhileinthepresenceoftheabuser Actingliketheparentorattemptingtoprotectotherfamilymembers Angertowardoneorbothparents Abusivebehaviortowardoneparent,usuallytheat‐riskparentSeeNAT’LCOUNCILOFJUVENILE&FAMILYCT.JUDGES,AJUDICIALGUIDETOCHILDSAFETYINCUSTODYCASES,BENCHCARD1(2008).
COURTSCANMINIMIZETHEHARMTOCHILDREN
Emotionalabusecanbeasdamagingasphysicalabuse indestroying thechild’s self‐confidenceandself‐esteem.Being in thepresenceofoffensiveandabusivebehaviorisnotinthebestinterestofthechild.Researchshowsthatchildrenwhohavebeensubjectedorexposedtoviolenceintheirhomeshaveabetterchanceofminimizingtheharmsustainedtothemifallsystemsintervene,maximizing theirexposure tosupportive roleswithcaringadults,especially thenon‐violentparent,andminimizingtheexposuretotheviolenceanditsaccompanyingbehaviors.NAT’LCOUNCILOFJUVENILE&FAMILYCT.JUDGES,AJUDICIALGUIDETOCHILDSAFETYINCUSTODYCASES,BENCHCARD1(2008).
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 4 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
EffectiveDate
“Aproceedingundertheformerprovisions
of23Pa.C.S.Ch.53whichwascommencedbeforetheeffectivedateofthissectionshallbegovernedbythelawineffectatthetimetheproceedingwasinitiated.”H.B.1639,Section4.“Thisactshalltakeeffectin60days.”H.B.1639,Section5.
Act112wassignedonNovember17,2010.Thelawbecameeffective60dayslater,onJanuary22,2011.TheformercustodylawwillgovernanyactioncommencedbeforeJanuary22,2011.H.B.1639,Section4.Act112iscodifiedat23Pa.C.S.§5322‐40.
Declaration
ofP
olicy
“TheGeneralAssemblydeclaresthatitisthepublicpolicyofthisCommonwealth,wheninthebestinterestofthechild,toassureareasonableandcontinuingcontactofthechildwithbothparentsafteraseparationordissolutionofthemarriageandthesharingoftherightsandresponsibilitiesofchildrearingbybothparentsandcontinuingcontactofthechildwithgrandparentswhenaparentisdeceased,divorcedorseparated.”§5301.
Repealedandnotreplaced. TheDeclarationofPolicywasremovedfromthebillinitsseconditeration(PN3705).Forguidanceininterpretingthestatute,looktothebodyofthetext.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 5 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Definitions
Abu
se
Abusetobeconsidered:Presentandpastviolentorabusiveconductwhichmayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,abusiveconductasdefinedinthePFAAct.§5303(a)(3).
Abusetobeconsidered:Abuseistobeconsidered“[a]sdefinedinsection6102(relatingtodefinitions).”§5322
TheformercustodylawallowedthecourttoconsiderformsofabusenotcoveredbyPFAAct.ThenewlawlimitsabusetothePFAAct’sdefinitionofabuse.
Definitions
OtherDefinition
s
TypesofCustodyLegalCustody:“righttomakemajordecisionsaffectingthebestinterestsoftheminorchild.”PartialCustody:“righttotakepossessionofachildawayfromthecustodialparent…”PhysicalCustody:“actualphysicalpossession/controloverchild”SharedCustody:“orderawardingsharedlegal/physicalorboth…”Visitation:“righttovisitachild.Thetermdoesnotincludetherighttoremoveachildfromthecustodialparent’scontrol.”§5302.
TypesofCustody:LegalCustody:“righttomakemajordecisionsonbehalfofthechild.”SharedLegalCustody:“rightofmorethanoneindividualtolegalcustodyofthechild.”SoleLegalCustody:“rightofoneindividualtoexclusivelegalcustodyofthechild.”PhysicalCustody:“physicalpossession&controlofthechild.”PartialPhysicalCustody:“righttoassumephysicalcustodyofthechildforlessthanmajorityoftime.”PrimaryPhysicalCustody:“righttoassumephysicalcustodyofthechildforamajorityofthetime.”SharedPhysicalCustody:“rightofmorethanoneindividualtoassumephysicalcustodyofthechild,eachhavingsignificantperiodsofphysicalcustodywiththechild.”§5322(A).(cont.)
TypesofCustodyLiketheformercustodylaw,thenewcustodylawdefinesthevarioustypesofcustody.Thenewlawdelineatesbetweenphysicalandlegalcustodyandnolongerdefinestheterm“visitation."Theconceptofvisitationisnowencompassedintheterm“supervisedphysicalcustody.”Childrenandyouthserviceagenciesarenotconsideredan“agency”forthepurposeofmonitoringparent/childinteractionduringperiodsofsupervisedphysicalcustody(seedefinitionforagency).OtherDefinitions:Agency:Thenewlawaddsthedefinitionofagency,whichexcludeschildrenandyouthserviceagencies.(cont.)
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 6 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Definitions(con
t.)
OtherDefinition
s(con
t.)
TypesofCustody:(cont.)SolePhysicalCustody:“rightofoneindividualtoexclusivephysicalcustodyofthechild.”SupervisedPhysicalCustody:“[c]ustodialtimeduringwhichanagencyoranadultdesignatedbythecourtoragreeduponbythepartiesmonitors…interaction.”OtherDefinitions:Agency:“Anyorganization,society,institution,courtfacilityorotherentitywhichprovidesforthecareofachild.Thetermdoesnotincludeacountychildrenandyouthservicesagency.”(emphasisadded)ParentalDuties:“Includesmeetingthephysical,emotionalandsocialneedsofthechild.”Relocation:“[C]hangeinresidenceofthechildwhichsignificantlyimpairstheabilityofanonrelocatingpartytoexercisecustodialrights.”§5322(A).
Relocation:Thenewcustodylawnowprovidesforadefinitionofrelocation.(Seechartbelow–Relocation).ParentalDuties:‘Parentalduties’isalsoanewdefinitioninthecustodylaw.Forapplicationofthedefinition,seechartbelow–Factor(3).
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 7 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
AwardsofC
ustody
Type
sofAwards/Reasonsfo
rAwards
Thereisnospecificsectionoutliningtypesofcustodyintheformerlaw.Partial,physicalorsharedcustodyorvisitationisavailableinanycombinationthatthecourtbelieveswillservethebestinterestsofthechild.§5302‐5304.
TypesofAwards:• Sharedphysicalcustody• Primaryphysicalcustody• Partialphysicalcustody• Solephysicalcustody• Supervisedphysicalcustody• Sharedlegalcustody• Solelegalcustody.§5323(a).InterimAward:“Thecourtmayissueaninterimawardofcustodytoapartywhohasstanding…"§5323(b).ReasonsforAward:“Thecourtshalldelineatethereasonsforitsdecisionontherecordinopencourtorinawrittenopinionororder.”§5323(d).SafetyConditions:“[I]fthecourtfindsthatthereisanongoingriskofharmtothechildoranabusedpartyandawardsanyformofcustodytoapartywhocommittedtheabuseorwhohasahouseholdmemberwhocommittedtheabuse,thecourtshallincludeinthecustodyordersafetyconditionsdesignedtoprotectthechildortheabusedparty.”§5323(e).(cont.)
TypesofAwards:Thenewlawdelineatesthepossiblecombinationsofcustodyawards.Thenewlawalsocodifiesthecourt’sabilitytoissueaninterimcustodyawardpursuanttoRule1915.13(specialrelief).CourtOrder/ReasonsforAwards:Thenewlawrequiresthecourttostatethefactorsitconsideredwhenenteringafinalordereitherinopencourt,intheorder,orinawrittenopinion.Thiswasnotarequirementintheformercustodylaw.SafetyConditions:Thenewlawrequiresthecourttoincludesafetyprovisionstoprotectthechildandtheabusedpartyifthereisanongoingriskofharmtoeitherthechildortheabusedparty.(Seechartbelow‐AbuseAsaFactor).(cont.)
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 8 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
(con
t.)
(con
t.)
Enforcement:Inawardingcustody,thecourtshallspecifythetermsandconditionsoftheawardinsufficientdetailtoenableapartytoenforcethecourtorderthroughlawenforcementauthorities.§5323(f).
Enforcement:Thenewlawrequiresthecourttodraftanorderwithsufficientdetailtoallowlawenforcementtoenforcetheorder.
Stan
ding
Thereisnospecificsectionprovidingstandingforparentsorinlocoparentis.GrandparentStanding:Whenaparentisdeceased,thechild’sgrandparentorgreat‐grandparentsmayseek“reasonablepartialcustodyorvisitationorboth.”ThecourtmaygrantsuchpartialcustodyorvisitationifitisinBIOCandwillnotinterferewiththeparent‐childrelationship.Courtistoconsidertimespentwiththegrandorgreat‐grandparents.§5311.Ifthechild’sparentsaredivorced,grandparentsorgreat‐grandparentsmayseekpartialcustodyorvisitation.Sameconsiderationsaswhenparentdeceased.§5312(emphasisadded).(cont.)
Specificallydefineswhohasstanding.Includesaparent,apersoninlocoparentistothechild,oragrandparentwhoisnotinlocoparentis(iftheadditionalrequirementsexplainedbelowaremet).§5325(1)‐(3).GrandparentStanding:Physical/LegalCustody:Grandparentswhoarenotinlocoparentishavestandingtofileforanyformofphysical/legalcustodyif:(i)therelationshipbeganwiththeconsentofaparentorunderacourtorder,(ii)thegrandparentassumesoriswillingtoassumeresponsibilityforthechild,and(iii)oneofthefollowingconditionsismet:1)thechildisdependentunder42Pa.C.S.Ch.63(juvenilematters);2)“thechildissubstantiallyatriskduetoparentalabuse,neglect,drugoralcoholabuseorincapacity”;or3)thechildresidedwiththegrandparentforatleast12monthsandisremovedfromhomebyparents(ifgrandparentfilesforcustodywithinsixmonthsofremoval).§5324(3)(emphasisadded).(cont.)
Thenewlawspecificallydefineswhohasstanding,includinginlocoparentis,thusincorporatinginlocoparentisdoctrinefromcaselaw.Thenewlawdoesnotdefineinlocoparentis.Caselawwillstillgovernthistypeofstanding.GrandparentStanding:Physical/LegalCustody:Thenewlawreturnsgrandparentstandingforanyformofphysicalorlegalcustodytothepre‐Baxterinterpretation.R.M.v.Baxter,777A.2d446(Pa.2001).Agrandparentmustmeetallthreecriteriatohavestandingtopetitionforlegalorphysicalcustody.(cont.)
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 9 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Stan
ding
Ifthechildhasresidedwiththegrandparentsfor12monthsormoreandisremovedbytheparents,grandparentsmayseekreasonablepartialcustodyorvisitation.CourtshallgrantifBIOCandwillnotinterferewithparentchildrelationship.§5313(a)(emphasisadded).ThePa.Sup.Ct.heldthatgrandparentshaveautomaticstandingbasedonthegrammaticalconstructionofthestatute.Grandparentmayseekphysicalandlegalcustody;automaticstandingderivedfromtheBaxtercase.R.M.v.Baxter,777A.2d446(Pa.2001).
GrandparentStanding:Partial/SupervisedPhysicalCustody:Grandparentshavestandingtoseekpartialphysicalcustodyorsupervisedphysicalcustodyif(1)aparent(grandparent’schild)is
deceased,(2)parentsareseparatedatleastsix
months,or(3)childresidedwithgrandparentfor12
months(ifactionfiledwithin6mo.ofremoval).
§5325(emphasisadded).
GrandparentStanding:Partial/SupervisedPhysicalCustody:Liketheformerlaw,thenewlawgivesgrandparentsstandingforpartial/supervisedphysicalcustodywhereaparentisdeceasedorthechildresidedwiththegrandparentsfor12months(iffiledwithin6mo.oflivingwithgrandparent).Thenewlawadds,“wheretheparents…areseparatedforatleastsixmonths,”replacingtheformerlaw’sstandingforgrandparentswhereparentsaredivorced.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 10 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Factors
Safety–W
eighted
“[T]hecourtshallconsidereachparentandadulthouseholdmember’spresentandpastviolentorabusiveconductwhichmayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,abusiveconductasdefined[inthePFAAct].”§5303(a)(3).Thisisoneofthreemainarticulatedfactors.
Inorderinganyformofcustody,thecourtshalldeterminethebestinterestofthechildbyconsideringallrelevantfactors,givingweightedconsiderationtothosefactorswhichaffectthesafetyofthechild,includingthefollowing...Ӥ5328(a)(emphasisadded).16factorsareenumerated,includingarangeofconsiderations.Factors(2),(8),&(13)allspecificallyrefertoabuseordomesticviolence.
Thenewcustodylawrequiresthecourttogive“weightedconsideration”tofactorsaffectingthesafetyofthechild.Theformercustodylawfocusedthecourt’sattentiononabuseasoneofthreeprimaryconsiderationsDiscussionofeachfactoranditsrelevancetosafetyfollows.
Factors
(1)–
Con
tinuingCon
tact
“Inmakinganorderforcustody,partialcustodyorvisitationtoeitherparent,thecourtshallconsider,amongotherfactors,whichparentismorelikelytoencourage,permitandallowfrequentandcontinuingcontactandphysicalaccessbetweenthenon‐custodialparentandthechild.”§5303(a)(2).Thisisoneofthreemainarticulatedfactors.
“(1)Whichpartyismorelikelytoencourageandpermitfrequentandcontinuingcontactbetweenthechildandanotherparty.”§5328(a)(1).
Factor(1)inthenewcustodylawuseslanguagefromtheformercustodylaw.Essentially,factor(1)reiteratesoneofthethreemainarticulatedfactorsfromtheformerbestinterestsanalysis.Inthenewlaw,factor(1)isoneof16factorsinthenewlaw,asopposedtooneofthreefactorsintheformerlaw.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 11 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Factors
(2)‐A
buse
“Thecourtshallconsidereachparentandadulthouseholdmember’spresentandpastviolentorabusiveconductwhichmayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,abusiveconductasdefinedinthePFAAct.”§5303(a)(3).Thisisoneofthreemainarticulatedfactors.*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthosespecificallyarticulatedinthestatute.
“(2)Thepresentandpastabusecommittedbyapartyormemberoftheparty’shousehold,whetherthereisacontinuedriskofharmtothechildoranabusedpartyandwhichpartycanbetterprovideadequatesafeguardsandsupervisionofthechild.”§5328(a)(2)(emphasisadded).AbuseDefined:“Asdefinedinsection6102[ofthePFAAct](relatingtodefinitions).”§5322.
ScopeofConsideration:Factor(2)ofthenewlawspecificallyrequiresthecourttoconsidertheriskofharmtoboththechildandtheabusedparent.ConsiderationofAbuse:Thenewlawrequirescourtstoconsiderpresentandpastabusebyapartyorbyahouseholdmember.Thisisthesameastheoldlaw.Thenewlawgoesontodirectthecourttodeterminewhetherthatabusepresentsacontinuedriskofharmtoeitherthechildortheabusedparty.Ifso,thecourtmustdecidewhichpartywouldadequatelyprotectandsafeguardthechildfromfurtherabuse.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 12 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Factors
(3)‐Paren
ting
“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthosespecificallyarticulatedinthestatute.
“(3)Theparentaldutiesperformedbyeachpartyonbehalfofthechild.”§5328(a)(3).ParentalDutiesDefined:“Includesmeetingthephysical,emotionalandsocialneedsofthechild.”§5322.
Factor(3)requiresthecourttoexplorewhichpartyhashistoricallymetthephysical,emotional,andsocialneedsofthechildasawaytopredicttheirfuturebehavior.Thiswasnotanexplicitfactorintheoldlaw,butcourtsdidmakepredictionsaboutfutureabilitytoparentbasedonpastbehaviorunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw,whichallowedthecourtstoconsider“anyfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”
Factors
(4)–Stability/Co
ntinuity
“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthosespecificallyarticulatedinthestatute.
“(4)Theneedforstabilityandcontinuityinthechild’seducation,familylifeandcommunitylife.”§5328(a)(4).
Factor(4)isalsoapredictivefactor,andrequiresthecourttodecidewhichpartywill,inthefuture,provideforstabilityandcontinuityinthechild’slife.Thiswasnotanexplicitfactorintheoldlaw,butcourtsmadehistoricallybasedpredictionsoffutureconductunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 13 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Factors
(5)&(6
)–Family
“[T]hecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.§5303(a)(1).CaseLaw:Itispolicythatsiblings,includinghalf‐siblings,aretoberaisedtogetherabsentcompellingreasons.SeeSaintzv.Rinker,902A.2d509,513(Pa.Super.Ct.2006).
“(5)Theavailabilityofextendedfamily.”§5328(a)(5).“(6)Thechild’ssiblingrelationships.”§5328(a)(6).
Factors(5)&(6)werenotexplicitfactorsintheformerlaw.Butundertheformerlaw,courtsconsideredtheavailabilityoffamily&siblingrelationshipsunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlawaswellasbroadpublicpolicyconsiderations.(Saintz,902A.2dat513).
Factors
(7)–ChildPreference
Thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference§5303(a)(1).“Evenifthehouseholdsarenotequivalentlysuitableforrearingthechild,thechild’spreferenceisafactorthatmustbecarefullyconsidered…,keepinginmindthechild’smaturity&intelligence,aswellasthereasonsforchild’spreference.Wearemindfulthatthechild’spreferenceisnotcontrolling&thatthetrialjudgeisinthebestpositiontodeterminetheweighttobegiventhechild’spreference.”Johnsv.Cioci,865A.2d931(Pa.Super.Ct.1993).
“(7)Thewell‐reasonedpreferenceofthechild,basedonthechild’smaturityandjudgment.”§5328(a)(7).
Boththeformerandthenewcustodylawincludeconsiderationofthechild’spreference.Factor(7)makestheaddedrequirementthatchildpreferencesbeconsideredonlywhen“well‐reasoned.”Previously,appellatecourtsheldthatachild’spreferencewasconsideredinthecontextoftheirmaturityandintelligenceandweightedaccordingly.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 14 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Factors
(8)–Con
tinuingCon
tact
“Inmakinganorderforcustody,partialcustodyorvisitationtoeitherparent,thecourtshallconsider,amongotherfactors,whichparentismorelikelytoencourage,permitandallowfrequentandcontinuingcontactandphysicalaccessbetweenthenon‐custodialparentandthechild.”§5303(a)(1).Thisisoneofthreemainarticulatedfactors.
“(8)Theattemptsofaparenttoturnthechildagainsttheotherparent,exceptincasesofdomesticviolencewherereasonablesafetymeasuresarenecessarytoprotectthechildfromharm.”§5328(a)(8).
Factor(8)explicitlypreventsthecourtfromconsideringattemptstoturnachildagainstanotherparentwheresafetymeasuresarenecessarytocareforthechild.Theformerlawconsideredattemptstoturnachildagainstanotherparentaspartoftheirdeterminationofwhichparentwasmorelikelytoencouragefrequentandcontinuingcontact.
Factors
(9)R
elationshipw/Parent
“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthosespecificallyarticulatedinthestatute.
“(9)Whichpartyismorelikelytomaintainaloving,stable,consistentandnurturingrelationshipwiththechildadequateforthechild’semotionalneeds.”§5328(a)(9).
Factor(9)wasnotanexplicitfactorintheformerlaw,butcourtshaveconsideredstability/consistencyunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw,whichallowedthecourtstoconsider“anyfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 15 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Factors
(10)–DailyNeeds
“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsider…anyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthosespecificallyarticulatedinthestatute.
“(10)Whichpartyismorelikelytoattendtothedailyphysical,emotional,developmental,educationalandspecialneedsofthechild.”§5328(a)(10).
Factor(10)wasnotanexplicitfactorintheformerlaw,butcourtshaveconsideredthefactorinthepastunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw,whichallowedthecourtstoconsider“anyfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”
Factors
(11)‐Proxim
ity
“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthosespecificallyarticulatedinthestatute.
“(11)Theproximityoftheresidencesoftheparties.”§5328(a)(11).
Factor(11)wasnotanexplicitfactorintheformerlaw.Inthepast,courtsconsideredthefactorunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw,whichallowedthecourtstoconsider“anyfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 16 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Factors
(12)–AvailabilityofCare
“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthosespecificallyarticulatedinthestatute.
“(12)Eachparty’savailabilitytocareforthechildorabilitytomakeappropriatechild‐carearrangements.”§5328(a)(12).
Factor(12)wasnotanexplicitfactorintheformerlaw.Inthepast,courtsconsideredthefactorunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw,whichallowedthecourtstoconsider“anyfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”
Factors
(13)–Con
tinuingCon
tact
“Inmakinganorderforcustody,partialcustodyorvisitationtoeitherparent,thecourtshallconsider,amongotherfactors,whichparentismorelikelytoencourage,permitandallowfrequentandcontinuingcontactandphysicalaccessbetweenthenoncustodialparentandthechild.”§5303(a)(1).Thisisoneofthreemainarticulatedfactors.
“(13)Thelevelofconflictbetweenthepartiesandthewillingnessandabilityofthepartiestocooperatewithoneanother.Aparty’sefforttoprotectachildfromabusebyanotherpartyisnotevidenceofunwillingnessorinabilitytocooperatewiththatparty.”§5328(a)(13).
Factor(13)directlyacknowledgesthatcourtsmaynotconsiderlackofcooperationagainstapartywhentheallegedlackofcooperationisaresultofeffortstoprotectthechildfromabuse.Theformerlawconsideredwhichparentwasmorelikelytoencouragefrequentandcontinuingcontact,butdidnotspecificallyidentifyconflictaspartofthatconsideration.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 17 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Factors
(14)–Drug/Alcoh
olUse
“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthosearticulatedinthestatute.
“(14)Thehistoryofdrugoralcoholabuseofapartyormemberofaparty’shousehold.”§5328(a)(14).
Factor(14)wasnotanexplicitfactorintheformerlaw.Inthepast,courtsconsideredthefactorunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw,whichallowedthecourtstoconsider“anyfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”
Factors
(15)–M
ental/PhysicalH
ealth
“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthethreearticulatedinthestatute.
“(15)Thementalandphysicalconditionofapartyormemberofaparty’shousehold.”§5328(a)(15).
Factor(15)wasnotanexplicitfactorintheoldlaw.Inthepast,courtsconsideredthefactorunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw,whichallowedthecourtstoconsider“anyfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 18 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Factors
(16)–Catchall
“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthethreearticulatedinthestatute.
“(16)Anyotherrelevantfactor.”§5328(a)(16).
Factor(16)providesthesamecatchallconsiderationasprovidedintheformerlaw.
Gen
derNeu
trality
Noprovisionincludedinstatute. “(b)GenderNeutral.Thecourtshallbegenderneutralinmakingadeterminationundersubsection(a).Nopartyshallreceivepreferencebasedsolelyupongenderinanyawardgranted.”§5328(b).
Thenewlawincludesanewgenderneutralityprovision.Thisisacodificationofconstitutionalcaselawprohibitinggenderbiasanddiscrimination.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 19 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Presum
ptions
Noprovisionincludedinstatute. BetweenParents:
“Inanyactionregardingthecustodyofthechildbetweentheparentsofthechild,thereshallbenopresumptionthatcustodyshouldbeawardedtoaparticularparent.”§5327(a).BetweenParents&ThirdParty:“Inanyactionregardingthecustodyofthechildbetweenaparentofthechildandanonparent,thereshallbeapresumptionthatcustodyshallbeawardedtotheparent.Thepresumptioninfavoroftheparentmayberebuttedbyclearandconvincingevidence.”§5327(b).
Thenewlaw’spresumptionfortheparentsoveranythirdparty(includinggrandparents)wasnotintheformercustodystatute.ThepresumptioninfavorofparentsovergrandparentsisconsistentwithTroxelv.Granville,530U.S.914(2000),theUnitedStatesSupremeCourtcasethatpreventedcourtsfrominterferingwithafitparent’sfundamentalrighttomakedecisionsregardingtheirchildren,andacodificationofPennsylvaniaappellatejurisprudence.SeeJordanv.Jackson,876A.2d443(Pa.Super.Ct.2005).Seebelow–FactorsforGrandparentsSeeabove–Standing
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 20 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Factors
Grand
parents
GrandparentPartialCustody/Visitation:Whenaparentisdeceasedorparentsaredivorced,…thecourtmaygrantsuchpartialcustodyorvisitationifitisinBIOCandwillnotinterferewiththeparent‐childrelationship.Courtistoconsidertimespentwiththegrandorgreat‐grandparents.§§5311,5312.Ifthechildhasresidedwiththegrandparentsfor12monthsormoreandisremovedbytheparents,grandparentsmayseekreasonablepartialcustodyorvisitation.CourtshallgrantifitisintheBIOCandwillnotinterferewithparentchildrelationship.§5313(a).(cont.)
GrandparentPartialCustody/Visitation:Step1–Standing(seechartabove)Step2–16FactorBIOCAnalysis(seeabove)Step3–AdditionalFactors:Grandparentsandgreat‐grandparents“(1)Inorderingpartialphysicalcustodyorsupervisedphysicalcustody[whereaparent(s)isdeceasedorseparated/divorced]thecourtshallconsiderthefollowing:(i)theamountofpersonalcontactbetweenthechildandthepartypriortothefilingoftheaction;(ii)whethertheawardinterfereswithanyparent‐childrelationship;and(iii)whethertheawardisinthebestinterestofthechild.(2)Inorderingpartialphysicalcustodyorsupervisedphysicalcustodytoaparent’sparentorgrandparent[whenthechildresidedwiththegrandparentfor12ormoremonths]thecourtshallconsiderwhethertheaward:(i)interfereswithparent/childrelationship;and(ii)isinthebestinterestofthechild.”§5328(c).(cont.)
GrandparentPartialCustody/Visitation:Thenewlawrequiresthecourttoconsiderthesamefactorsastheformerlaw(BIOC&nointerferencewithparent/childrelationship,andtimespentwiththegrandparent),butaddsthatthesefactorsarealsoconsideredwhenthechild’sparentshavebeenseparatedfor6monthsormore.Whenawardingpartialcustodyorvisitationtoagrandparentwherethechildlivedwiththegrandparentfor12months,theconsiderationsintheformerlawmirrortheconsiderationsinthenewlaw(BIOC&nointerferencewithparent/childrelationship).Thenewlawrequiresthegrandparenttofileforcustodywithin6monthsofthechildleavingtheirresidence.(cont.)
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 21 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Factors(con
t.)
Grand
parents(con
t.)
GrandparentPhysical/LegalCustody:IfitisintheBIOCnottobeincustodyofeitherparent&itisintheBIOCtobeincustodyofthegrandparent,thecourtmayawardphysicalandlegalcustodytothegrandparent.Thisappliestoagrandparent:(1)whohasgenuinecare/concernforchild;(2)relationshipbeganw/parent’sconsent;(3)assumedparentalrole/responsibilities(12mo).§5313.
GrandparentPhysical/LegalCustody:Step1–Standing(seechartabove)Step2–16FactorBIOCAnalysis(seeabove)*MustovercomepresumptionforParent.
GrandparentPhysical/LegalCustody:Providedagrandparenthasstanding&canovercomeparentalpresumption,thenewlawrequiresthecourttoreviewbasedonthe(16)bestinterestfactors.Tohavestanding,thegrandparentisrequiredtomeetthefactorsfromtheformerlaw((1)relationshipbeganw/consentofparents,(2)grandparenthasgenuinecare/concern,and(3)eitherchildisdependent(42Pa.C.S.Ch63),thereisasubstantialriskofharmtothechild,orthechildresidedw/grandparentfor12mo).
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 22 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Crim
inalCONVICTIONS
ConsiderationofCriminalCon
victions:Initia
lEvaluation&Cou
nseling
“Ifaparenthasbeenconvictedoforhaspleadedguiltyornocontesttoanoffensesetforthbelow,thecourtshallconsidersuchcriminalconductandshalldeterminethatsuchparentdoesnotposeathreatofharmtothechildbeforemakinganorderofcustody,partialcustody,orvisitationtothatparent.…Inmakingadetermination,partialcustodyorvisitation…thecourtshallappointaqualifiedprofessionaltoprovidecounselingtoanoffendingparentandshalltaketestimonyfromthatprofessional…Counseling…shallincludeaprogramoftreatmentorindividualtherapydesignedtorehabilitateaparentwhichaddresses,butisnotlimitedto,issuesregardingphysicalandsexualabuse,domesticviolence,thepsychologyoftheoffenderandtheeffectsofabuseonthevictim.”§5303(b).(cont.)
“Whereapartyseeksanyformofcustody,thecourtshallconsiderwhetherthatpartyormemberofthatparty’shouseholdhasbeenconvictedoforhaspleadedguiltyornocontesttoanyoftheoffensesinthissectionoranoffenseinanotherjurisdictionsubstantiallyequivalenttooffensesinthissection.Thecourtshallconsidersuchconductanddeterminethatthepartydoesnotposeathreatofharmtothechildbeforemakinganyorderofcustodytothatparent.”§5329(a).(cont.)
Evaluation:Liketheformerlaw,thenewlawrequiresthecourttoprovideforanevaluationofanycustodypetitionerconvictedofcertaincrimes(seechartbelow–enumeratedconvictions)priortoawardinganyformofcustodytoensurethattheoffendingpartydoesnotposeathreattothechild.Unliketheformerlaw,thenewlawdoesnotspecifyevaluatorqualificationsanddoesnotprovideforhowtheevaluator’srecommendationswillbeprovidedtothecourt.Theformerlawrequiredthecourttotaketestimonyfromtheevaluatorandtherulesprohibitedanyreportsfrombeingconsideredunlessproperlyadmittedintoevidence.(cont.)
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 23 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Crim
inalCONVICTIONS(con
t.)
ConsiderationofCriminalCon
victions:Initia
lEvaluation&Cou
nseling(con
t.) SeeRamerv.Ramer,914A.2d894
(Pa.Super.Ct.2006)(Courthasanaffirmativedutytodetermineparentdoesnotposeathreatofharm).Pa.R.Civ.P.1915.8–Thecourtmayorderthechild(ren)/partytosubmitto&fullyparticipateinanevaluationbyanappropriateexpert.…Noreportsshallbe…consideredunless&untiladmittedbythecourt.Evaluatorsubjecttocross‐examination.
“Thecourtshallprovideforanevaluationtodeterminewhether:(1)thepartyorhouseholdmemberwho
committedanoffense…posesathreattothechildand
(2)counselingisnecessaryforthatpartyorhouseholdmember.”
§5329(c)(emphasisadded).“(1)Wherethecourtdetermines...that
counselingisnecessary,itshallappointaqualifiedprofessionalspecializingintreatmentrelatingtotheparticularoffensetoprovidecounselingtotheoffendingindividual.
(2)Counselingmayincludeaprogramoftreatmentorindividualtherapydesignedtorehabilitatetheoffendingindividualwhichaddresses,butisnotlimitedto,issuesregardingphysicalandsexualabuse,thepsychologyoftheoffenderandtheeffectsonthevictim.”
§5329(d).
Counseling:Unliketheformerlaw,whichrequiredconvictedoffenderstoundergocounseling,thenewlawprovidesthatcounselingisdiscretionarywiththecourt,afteranevaluationismade.Also,thenewlawnolongerrequirescounselingpriortoanyawardofcustody.Afteranevaluation,anoffendermaybegrantedaccesstoachildbeforereceivinganyrelevantcounseling.Liketheformerlaw,thenewlawrequiresthecourttoappointa“qualifiedprofessionalspecializingintreatmentrelatingtotheparticularoffense.”Butunliketheformerlaw,thenewlawprovidesdiscretionforwhatthecounselingwilladdress,including,butnotlimitedto,physicalandsexualabuse,domesticviolence,thepsychologyoftheoffender,anditseffectonthevictim.HouseholdMembers:Thenewlawaddshouseholdmembersaspersonswhosecriminalconvictionhistorymustbeconsidered.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 24 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Crim
inalCONVICTIONS
Subseq
uentCou
nseling
Noprovisionincustodystatute. “(1)Atanytime...thecourtmayrequireanotherevaluationtodeterminewhetherfurthercounselingisnecessary.
(2)Ifthecourtawardscustodytoapartywhocommittedanoffense...orwhosharesahouseholdwithanindividualwhocommittedanoffense...thecourtmayrequiresubsequentevaluationsontherehabilitationoftheoffendingindividualandthewell‐beingofthechildsubsequenttotheorder.”
§5329(e).
Thenewlawgivesthecourtspecificauthoritytorequiresubsequentevaluationsorongoingcounseling.
Crim
inalCONVICTIONS
Costs
Noprovisionincustodystatute.“Apartywhoiswithoutfinancialresourcestopaythecostsoflitigationisentitledtoproceedinformapauperis.”Pa.R.Civ.P.240.
“Thecourtmayorderapartytopayallorpartofthecostsofthecounselingandevaluations.”§5329(f).
Thenewlawallowsthecourttoplacethecostofcounseling&evaluationontheparties.However,Rule240ofthePennsylvaniaRulesofCivilProcedure(InFormaPauperis)isstillvalidandmaywaivethecostsassociatedwithcivillitigationforindigentlitigants.Pa.R.Civ.P.240;Cramerv.Zgela,969A.2d621(Pa.Super.Ct.2009).
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 25 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Crim
inalCONVICTIONS
Enum
erated
Offen
ses
18Pa.C.S.Ch.25(criminalhomicide).18Pa.C.S.§2910(kidnapping).18Pa.C.S.§2902(unlawfulrestraint).18Pa.C.S.§3121(rape).18Pa.C.S.§3122.1(statutorysexualassault).18Pa.C.S.§3123(involuntarydeviatesexualintercourse).18Pa.C.S.§3124.1(sexualassault).18Pa.C.S.§3125(aggravatedindecentassault).18Pa.C.S.§3126(indecentassault).18Pa.C.S.§3127(indecentexposure).18Pa.C.S.§4302(incest).18Pa.C.S.§4304(endangeringwelfareofchildren).18Pa.C.S.§5902(b)(prostitutionandrelatedoffenses).18Pa.C.S.§6312(sexualabuseofchildren).
18Pa.C.S.Ch.25(criminalhomicide).*18Pa.C.S.§2702(aggravatedassault).*18Pa.C.S.§2706(terroristicthreats).*18Pa.C.S.§2709.1(stalking).18Pa.C.S.§2901(kidnapping).18Pa.C.S.§2902(unlawfulrestraint).*18Pa.C.S.§2903(falseimprisonment).*18Pa.C.S.§2910(luringachildintoamotorvehicleorstructure).18Pa.C.S.§3121(rape).18Pa.C.S.§3122.1(statutorysexualassault).18Pa.C.S.§3123(involuntarydeviatesexualintercourse).18Pa.C.S.§3124.1(sexualassault).18Pa.C.S.§3125(aggravatedindecentassault).18Pa.C.S.§3126(indecentassault).18Pa.C.S.§3127(indecentexposure).*18Pa.C.S.§3129(sexualintercoursewithanimal).*18Pa.C.S.§3130(conductrelatingtosexoffenders).*18Pa.C.S.§3301(arsonandrelatedoffenses).18Pa.C.S.§4302(incest).(cont.)
Thelistofconvictionsconsideredundertheoldlawwasexpanded.Newconvictionsareitalicizedandmarkedwithan*asterisk.Itisimportanttonotethatformercustodylawconsideredaseparatelistofchargesandconvictions.Thenewlawallowsthefulllistofcrimestobeconsideredregardlessofwhethertheparentwasultimatelyconvicted.(seebelow).Keepinmindthatconvictionsandchargesaretreateddifferently.TheonlynoncriminalconvictionincludedinthenewlawisPFAviolations(23Pa.C.S.§6114–contemptforviolationofaPFAorderoragreement).
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 26 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
18Pa.C.S.§4304(endangeringwelfareofchildren).*18Pa.C.S.§4305(dealingininfantchildren).18Pa.C.S.§5902(b)(prostitutionandrelatedoffenses).*18Pa.C.S.§5903(c)or(d)(obsceneandothersexualmaterials&performances).*18Pa.C.S.§6301(corruptionofminors).18Pa.C.S.§6312(relatingtosexualabuseofchildren).*18Pa.C.S.§6318(relatingtounlawfulcontactwithminor).*18Pa.C.S.§6320(relatingtosexualexploitationofchildren).*Section6114(contemptforviolationoforderoragreement).(23Pa.C.S.§6114)*Former75Pa.C.S.§3731(drivingunderinfluenceofalcoholorcontrolledsubstance).*75Pa.C.S.Ch.38(drivingafterimbibingalcoholorutilizingdrugs).*Section13(a)(1)oftheControlledSubstance,Drug,DeviceandCosmeticAct–totheextentthatitprohibitsmanuf.,sale,delivery,holding,offeringforsaleorpossessionofanycontrolledsubstanceordrugordevice.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 27 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Crim
inalCHARG
ES
ConsiderationofCrim
inalCha
rges
Aparentwhohasobtainedinformationrelatingtoacriminalchargeforanoffenseonthelistfiledagainsttheotherparentmaymoveforatemporarycustodyordertomodifyanexistingcustody,partialcustodyorvisitationorder.Thetemporarycustodyormodificationhearingshallbescheduledexpeditiously.Inevaluatinganyrequestfortemporarycustodyormodificationofacustody,partialcustodyorvisitationorder,thecourtshallconsiderwhethertheparentwhoisorhasbeenchargedwithanoffenselistedbelowposesariskofharmtothechild.§5303(b.1).
“Apartywhohasobtainedinformation[relatingtoavailabilityofcriminalchargeinfoinchildcustodyproceeding]orotherwiseaboutachargefiledagainsttheotherpartyforanoffenselistedundersection5329(a)[considerationofconvictions]maymoveforatemporarycustodyorderormodificationofanexistingcustodyorder.Thecourtshallholdthehearing…inanexpeditiousmanner.”§5330(a).“[T]hecourtshallconsiderwhetherthepartywhoisorhasbeenchargedwithanoffense…posesariskofphysical,emotionalorpsychologicalharmtothechild.§5330(b).“Failuretoeitherapplyforinformationunder42Pa.C.S.§1904oractunderthissectionshallnotprejudiceanypartyinacustodyproceeding.”§5330(c).
Thenewlawdoesnotspecificallydefinetheparametersofcontactbetweentheoffenderandthechildpriortotheevaluation.Nosubstantivechangesweremadeto42Pa.C.S.§1904.Thenewlanguagespecificallyprovidesthatthecourtmustconsiderphysical,emotionalorpsychologicalharmtothechild.Thisvariesfromtheexistinglanguage,whichrequiresthecourttoconsiderwhethertheparentposesariskofharmtothechild.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 28 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Crim
inalCHARG
ES
Enum
erationofCriminalCharges
18Pa.C.S.Ch.25(criminalhomicide).18Pa.C.S.§2702(aggravatedassault).18Pa.C.S.§2706(terroristicthreats).18Pa.C.S.§2709.1(stalking).18Pa.C.S.§2901(kidnapping).18Pa.C.S.§2902(unlawfulrestraint).18Pa.C.S.§2903(falseimprisonment).18Pa.C.S.§3121(rape).18Pa.C.S.§3122.1(statutorysexualassault).18Pa.C.S.§3123(involuntarydeviatesexualintercourse.18Pa.C.S.§3124.1(sexualassault).18Pa.C.S.§3125(aggravatedindecentassault).18Pa.C.S.§3126(indecentassault).18Pa.C.S.§3127(indecentexposure).18Pa.C.S.§3301(arsonandrelatedoffenses).18Pa.C.S.§4302(incest).18Pa.C.S.§4304(endangeringwelfareofchildren).18Pa.C.S.§6312(sexualabuseofchildren.23Pa.C.S.§6114(contemptforviolationoforderoragreement).
18Pa.C.S.Ch.25(criminalhomicide).18Pa.C.S.§2702(aggravatedassault).18Pa.C.S.§2706(terroristicthreats).18Pa.C.S.§2709.1(stalking).18Pa.C.S.§2901(kidnapping).18Pa.C.S.§2902(unlawfulrestraint).18Pa.C.S.§2903(falseimprisonment).*18Pa.C.S.§2910(luringachildintoamotorvehicleorstructure).18Pa.C.S.§3121(rape).18Pa.C.S.§3122.1(statutorysexualassault).18Pa.C.S.§3123(involuntarydeviatesexualintercourse).18Pa.C.S.§3124.1(sexualassault).18Pa.C.S.§3125(aggravatedindecentassault).18Pa.C.S.§3126(indecentassault).18Pa.C.S.§3127(indecentexposure).*18Pa.C.S.§3129(sexualintercoursewithanimal).*18Pa.C.S.§3130(conductrelatingtosexoffenders).18Pa.C.S.§3301(arsonandrelatedoffenses).18Pa.C.S.§4302(incest).*18Pa.C.S.§4303(concealingdeathofchild).(cont.)
Thelistofchargesconsideredbythecourtwasexpandedandmirrorstheenumeratedconvictions.(Seeabove).Newchargesconsideredunderthisprovisionareitalicizedandmarkedwithan*asterisk.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 29 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Crim
inalCHARG
ES(con
t.)
Enum
erationofCriminalCharges(con
t.)
18Pa.C.S.§4304(endangeringwelfareofchildren).*18Pa.C.S.§4305(dealingininfantchildren).*18Pa.C.S.§5902(b)(prostitutionandrelatedoffenses).*18Pa.C.S.§5903(c)or(d)(obsceneandothersexualmaterials&performances).*18Pa.C.S.§6301(corruptionofminors).18Pa.C.S.§6312(relatingtosexualabuseofchildren).*18Pa.C.S.§6318(relatingtounlawfulcontactwithminor).*18Pa.C.S.§6320(relatingtosexualexploitationofchildren).23Pa.C.S.§6114(contemptforviolationoforderoragreement).*Former75Pa.C.S.§3731(drivingunderinfluenceofalcoholorcontrolledsubstance).*75Pa.C.S.Ch.38(drivingafterimbibingalcoholorutilizingdrugs).*Section13(a)(1)oftheControlledSubstance,Drug,DeviceandCosmeticAct–totheextentthatitprohibitsmanuf.,sale,delivery,holding,offeringforsaleorpossessionofanycontrolledsubstanceordrugordevice.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Pa
rentingPlan
s
Subm
ission
toth
eCo
urt
“Thecourt,initsdiscretion,mayrequiretheparentstosubmittothecourtaplanfortheimplementationofanycustodyordermadeunderthissubchapter.Upontherequestofeitherparentorthecourt,thedomesticrelationssectionofthecourtorotherpartyoragencyapprovedbythecourtshallassistintheformulationandimplementationoftheplan.”§5306.Proposedconsentordersmustbesubmittedtocourt.Pa.R.Civ.P.1915.7.
“Inacontestedcustodyproceeding,thecourtmayrequirethepartiestosubmitparentingplansforthecareandcustodyofthechildtoaidthecourtinresolvingthecustodydispute.Aparentingplanandthepositionofapartyassetforthinthatparentingplanshallnotbeadmissibleasevidencebyanotherparty.”§5331.
Liketheformerlaw,thenewlawdoesnotrequireaparentingplan.Thenewlawgivesthecourtdiscretiontoorderaparentingplanincontestedcustodyproceedings.Thenewlawdoesnotprovideforassistancefromthecourtinformulatingtheplanbeyondofferingaformforpartiestouse.Theformerlawpreviouslyrequiredthat,uponrequest,assistancewithformulatingtheplanwouldbeprovided.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 31 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Pa
rentingPlan
s
Conten
tsofP
lan
Noprovisioninformercustodystatute.
“(b)Contents.‐‐Aparentingplanshallincludethefollowing:(1)Thescheduleforpersonalcareand
controlofthechild,includingparentingtime,holidaysandvacations.
(2)Theeducationandreligiousinvolvement,ifany,ofthechild.
(3)Thehealthcareofthechild.(4)Child‐carearrangements.(5)Transportationarrangements.(6)Aprocedurebywhichproposedchanges,
disputes&allegedbreachesofthecustodyordermaybeadjudicatedorotherwiseresolvedthroughmediation,arbitration,orothermeans.
(7)Anymatterspecifiedbythecourt.(8)Anyothermatterthatservesthebest
interestofthechild.”§5331(b).Aparentingplanformisprovidedinthestatuteandmustbeused(insubstantiallythesameform)byanypartyrequiredtosubmitaplan.§5331(c).
Therequiredcontentsofaparentingplanwerenotenumeratedintheformerlaw.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Inform
ationa
lProgram
s
Theformercustodylawhadnoprovisionsregardinginformationalprograms.Pa.R.C.P.1915.3allowsthateducationalprogramscanbeusedtomeetthecourt’s45days“initialcontact”rule.
“(a)Thecourtmaydirectthepartiestoattendinformationalprogramsconcerningparentalduties.
(b)…Subsequentproceedingsandtheentryofanyorderordecreeshallnotbedelayedbecauseofthelackofparticipationinanyinformationalprogrambyoneoftheparties.
(c)Thecourtmayordercoststoparties.Ӥ5332.
ThenewlawreflectscurrentpracticeinmanyPennsylvaniacounties.
Coun
selin
g
“Thecourtmayrequireparentstoattendcounselingsessionsandmayconsidertherecommendationofcounselorspriortoawardingsoleorsharedcustody….”§5305.
“(a)Thecourtmay,aspartofcustodyorder,requirepartiestoattendcounselingsessions.(b)…Insituationsinvolvingabuse,thecourtmayorderindividualcounselingfortheabuserbutmaynotorderthepartiestoattendjointcounseling.(c)…Eachparty’sparticipation…shallbeverifiedbythecounselor.(d)Thecourtmayorderpartytopayallorpartofcounselingcosts.”§5333.(emphasisadded)
Unliketheexistinglaw,thenewlawspecificallyprohibitsthecourtfromorderingavictimofabusetoparticipateinjointcounseling.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Gua
rdianAdLitem
App
ointmen
t&CostA
llocatio
nAppointmentofGALisgenerallyreservedforthosecaseswhereachild’sinterestmaybeadverselyaffected,likeadoption.TheSuperiorCourthassaidthatdespitebitternessbetweenparents,bothparentsarefocusedonwhat’sbestforthechildincustodydisputes.Itisuptothecourttodiscernchild’sbestinterestbecausebothpartiesandthecourtarefocusedonchild’sbestinterests.ThusappointmentofGALisnotproper,absentextraordinarycircumstances.Bitternessbetweenparentsisnotenough.C.W.v.K.A.W.,774A.2d745(Pa.Super.Ct.2001).Independencycases,thecourtappointsaGALwhenachildistakenintoprotectivecustodyorwhenadependencypetitionisfiled.Pa.R.J.P.1151(A),(D).
Appointment:“Thecourtmayonitsownmotionorthemotionofapartyappointaguardianadlitemtorepresentthechildintheaction.Thecourtmayassessthecostuponthepartiesoranyofthemorasotherwiseprovidedbylaw.Theguardianadlitemmustbeanattorneyatlaw.”§5334(a).Abuse:“Ifsubstantialallegationsofabuseofthechildaremade,thecourtshallappointaguardianadlitemforthechildif:(1)counselforthechildisnotappointed;or(2)thecourtissatisfiedthattherelevantinformationwillbepresentedtothecourtonlywithsuchappointment.”§5334(c).Cost:“Thecourtmayorderapartytopayallorpartofthecostsofappointingcounselforthechild.”§5335(d).
Appointment:Incontrasttocaselaw,whichreservesGALappointmentforextraordinarycircumstances,thenewlawgivesthecourtdiscretiontoappointaGAL–eithersuasponteoronthemotionofeitherparty.Qualifications:ThenewlawrequirestheGALtobealicensedattorney.Abuse:ThenewlawalsorequiresthecourttoappointaGALwhensubstantialallegationsofchildabusearemadeandwherethecourtfindsthattheassistanceofaGALisnecessarytomakeitsfinalorder.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Gua
rdianAdLitem
Powers&Duties/Presen
tatio
nofFindingstoth
eCo
urt
AppointmentofGALisgenerallyreservedforthosecaseswhereachild’sinterestmaybeadverselyaffected,likeadoption.SuperiorCourthassaidthatdespitebitternessbetweenparents,incustodycases,bothparentsarefocusedonwhat’sbestforthechild.Courthastodiscernchild’sbestinterestsincebothpartiesandthecourtarefocusedonchild’sbestinterests,appointmentofGALisnotproper,absentextraordinarycircumstances;bitternessbetweenparentsisnotenough.C.W.v.K.A.W.,774A.2d745(Pa.Super.Ct.2001)(emphasisadded).Independencycases,thecourtappointsaGALwhenachildistakenintoprotectivecustodyorwhenadependencypetitionisfiled.Pa.R.J.P.1151A&D.
PowersandDuties:“Theguardianadlitemshallbechargedwithrepresentationofthelegalinterestsandthebestinterestsofthechildduringtheproceedingsandshalldoallofthefollowing:(1)…meetwiththechild…(2)begivenaccesstorelevantcourt
records,reportsofexamination…,psychologicalandschoolrecords
(3)Participateinallproceedings.(4)Conductsuchfurtherinvestigation
necessarytoprotectthebestinterestsofthechild.
(5)Interviewpotentialwitnesses,includingthechild’sparentsandcaretakers…The[GAL]may[examine,cross‐examine&presentevidence]…
(6)Makerecommendationsinawrittenreporttothecourt…includinganyservicesnecessarytoaddressthechild’sneeds&safety.Thecourtshallmakethewrittenreportpartoftherecordsoitcanbereviewedbytheparties.Thepartiesmayfilewrittencommentsregardingthecontentsofthereport.
(cont.)
PowersandDuties‐GALReport/CrossExamination:ThenewlawallowstheGALtosubmitawrittenreporttothecourt.ItstatesthataGALmaynottestify,butmaymakelegalargumentbasedonrelevantevidencethatshallbesubjecttoexamination.Aswritten,thenewlawallowsaGALtosubmitareporttothecourtthat,withoutcross‐examinationbytheparties,canbereliedonbythecourtinitsfinaldetermination.ThenewlawonlyrequiresexaminationwheretheGALmakeslegalargumentbasedonrelevantevidenceincourt,notonthecontentsofawrittenreport.BasedonCyranv.Cyran,566A.2d878(Pa.Super.Ct.1989),theprovisionprohibitingtestimonybytheGALmayunconstitutionallyinfringeontheparent’srighttodueprocess.InCyran,thecourtadoptedfacts,recommendations,andconclusionsfromanevaluator’sreport,butdidnotallowtheparentstocross‐examinewithregardtothecontentsofthereport.Onappeal,thecourtheldthat“[a]childcustodylitiganthasa(cont.)
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Gua
rdianAdLitem(con
t.)
Powers&Duties/Presen
tatio
nofFindingstoth
eCo
urt(cont.)
(7)Explaintheproceedingstothechild…(8)Advisethecourtofthechild’swishes[totheextentappropriate]…[differencesbetweentherecommendationsandchild’swishesdonotcreateaconflictofinterest.]”
§5334(b).(emphasisadded).GALTestimony:“A[GAL]maynottestifyexceptasauthorizedby[theProf’lRulesofConduct3.7],butmaymakelegalargumentbasedonrelevantevidencethatshallbesubjecttoexaminationbytheparties.”§5334(d).Pa.R.Prof’lConduct3.7(a)–“Alawyershallnotactasadvocateatatrialinwhichthelawyerislikelytobeanecessarywitnessunless:(1)Thetestimonyrelatestoanuncontested
issue;(2)testimonyrelatestothenatureand
valueoflegalservices…(3)disqualification…wouldworksubstantial
hardshipontheclient.”
Dueprocessrighttoin‐courtexaminationoftheauthorofreportsadversetolitigants.”Cyran,566A.2dat879(citingRobinsonv.Robinson,478A.2d800(Pa.Super.Ct.1984));seealsoOttoliniv.Barrett,954A.2d610(Pa.Super.Ct.2008).
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Co
unselforth
eCh
ild
SeeGALdiscussionabove–ThereisnoexistingcustodystatuteauthorizingGALorattorneyforthechild.TheRulesofCivilProcedureallowthecourttoappointanattorneyforthechild“onitsownmotionorthemotionofaparty.”TheRulesalsoallowthecourttoassignthecostofchild’scounselontheparties.Pa.R.Civ.P.1915.11.
Appointment:“Thecourtmayappointcounseltorepresentthechildifthecourtdeterminesthattheappointmentwillassistinresolvingissuesinthecustodyproceeding.Ifachildhaslegalcounselandaguardianadlitem,counselshallrepresentthelegalinterestsofthechildandtheguardianadlitemshallrepresentthebestinterestsofthechild.”§5335(a).Abuse:“Substantialallegationsofabuseofthechildconstituteareasonablebasisforappointingcounselforthechild.”§5335(b).CrossExamination:“Counsel…shallnotbesubjecttoexaminationunlesssuchcounseltestifiesinthematter.”§5335(c).Costs:“Thecourtmayorderapartytopayallorpartofthecostsofappointingcounselforthechild.”§5335(d).
Thenewlawcreatesauthorityforcourttoappointanattorneyforthechildwhoisthesubjectofacustodycaseandallowsthecourttoassesscostsforchild’sattorneyoneitheroneorbothparties.Theformerlawdoesnotcontainthesameauthority;however,theRules(1915.11)doprovidethatappointmentmaybeallowedifnecessarytoascertainthechild’sinterests.ThenewlawissimilartothecurrentRulesofCivilProcedure(1915.11)becauseeachallowsthecourttoappointcounselsuasponteoronmotionofaparty.ButaswithGALappointment,thenewlawspecificallystatesthat“substantialallegations”ofchildabuseprovidesasufficientlyreasonablebasisformakingsuchanappointment.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
AccesstoRecords/In
fo.
Gen
erally
Generally,“eachparentshallbeprovidedaccesstoallthemedical,dental,religiousorschoolrecordsofthechild,theresidenceaddressofthechildandoftheotherparent,andanyotherinformationthecourtdeemsnecessary.”§5309(a).
“Apartygrantedsoleorsharedlegalcustody…shallbeprovidedaccessto(i)medical,dental,religiousandschoolrecordsofthechild;(ii)theaddressofthechildandanyotherparty;(iii)andanyotherinformationthecourtdeemsnecessaryorproper.”§5336(a)(1).“Accesstoanyrecordsorinformationpertainingtothechildmaynotbedeniedsolelybasedupontheparent’sphysicalcustodyschedule.”§5336(a)(2).“Uponrequest,aparent,partyorentitypossessinganyinformation[re:medical,religiousorschoolrecords]shallprovideittoanypartygrantedsoleorsharedlegalcustody.”§5336(a)(3).
Existinglawdidnotsaywheretheinformationwastobeobtainedorwhowastoprovideinformation.However,thelanguageinthenewlawindicatesthataparentorentityshallprovideinformationuponrequest.Thenewlawalsoprovidesthataccesstoanyrecordsorinformationpertainingtothechildmaynotbedeniedsolelybasedupontheparent’sphysicalcustodyschedule.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
AccesstoRecords/In
fo.
Exceptions
CourtOrder:“Thecourt,initsdiscretion,maydeterminenottoreleaseanypartorpartsoftheinformation….butindoingsomuststateitsreasonfordenialontherecord.”§5309(b).ConfidentialInformation:“Thecourtshallnotorderthattheaddressofashelterforbatteredspousesandtheirdependentchildrenorotherwiseconfidentialinformationofadomesticviolencecounselorbedisclosedtothedefendantorhiscounseloranypartytotheproceedings.”§5309(c).
ConfidentialInformation:“Thecourtshallnotorderthedisclosureofanyofthefollowinginformationtoanyparentorpartygrantedcustody:(1)Theaddressofavictimofabuse.(2)Confidentialinformationfromanabuse
counselororshelter.(3)Informationprotected[bytheaddress
confidentialityprogram].(4)Informationindependentlyprotected
fromdisclosurebythechild’srighttoconfidentiality[undertheMentalHealthProceduresAct]…oranyotherstatute.”
§5336(b).OtherInformation:“Thecourtmaydeterminenottoreleaseinformation…,inwhichcaseitshallstatethereasonforitsdenialontherecord.”§5336(c).
Thenewlawaddstotheinformationprotectedfromdisclosure.Thenewlawincludesmedicalrecordprotection(asprovidedinotherstatutes)andAddressConfidentialityProgram(ACP)information.TheseadditionalprotectionsareindeferencetotheprotectionsprovidedinHIPPA,theMentalHealthProceduresAct,andACP,23Pa.C.S.§6701etseq.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Re
location
App
licability/Scope
Existingcustodylawdoesnotaddressrelocation.Rather,relocationlawandprocedureisderivedfromGruberanditsprogeny.Gruberv.Gruber,583A.2d434(Pa.Super.Ct.1990).(Seebelow–RelocationFactors).
RelocationDefined:“Relocation–Achangeinaresidenceofthechildwhichsignificantlyimpairstheabilityofanonrelocatingpartytoexercisecustodialrights.”§5322.Generally:“Norelocationshalloccurunless:(1)everyotherpersonwithcustodyrights…consents;or(2)thecourtapprovestheproposedrelocation.”§5337(b).
Unliketheformerlaw,thenewlawdefinesrelocationandprohibitsanyrelocationunlessallinterestedparties’consentorthecourtapprovestherelocationinaccordancewiththerestoftherelocationprovisions.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Re
location
Factors
Existingcustodylawdoesnotaddressrelocation.Rather,relocationlawandprocedureisderivedfromGruberanditsprogeny.Gruberprovidesthattherelocatingparentmustshowthefollowing:(1)Themovewill“substantiallyimprovethequalityoflifeforthecustodialparentandthechildrenandisnottheresultofmomentarywhim;”(2)Therelocatingparent’smotivesaregood;and(3)Reasonablealternativeopportunitiesexistforvisitation.Thecourtpresumesthatbenefitsofthemovetothecustodialparentwillflowtothechildren.Gruberv.Gruber,583A.2d434(Pa.Super.Ct.1990).
Factors:“Thecourtshallconsiderthefollowingfactors,givingweightedconsiderationtothosefactorswhichaffectthesafetyofthechild:(1)Thenature,quality,extentof
involvementanddurationofthechild’srelationshipswiththepartyproposingtorelocateandwiththenonrelocatingparty,siblingsandothersignificantpersonsinchild’slife.
(2)Theage,development,needsofthechildandthelikelyimpactrelocationwillhaveonthechild’sphysical,educationalandemotionaldevelopment,takingintoconsiderationanyspecialneedsofthechild.
(3)Thefeasibilityofpreservingtherelationshipbetweenthenonrelocatingpartyandchildthroughsuitablecustodyarrangements,consideringthelogisticsandfinancialcircumstancesoftheparties.
(4)Thechild’spreference….(5)Whetherthereisanestablishedpattern
ofconductofeitherpartytopromoteorthwarttherelationshipofthechildandtheotherparty.
(cont.)
Thenewrelocationfactorsaresignificantlydifferentfromtheexistingrelocationjurisprudence.ItaddsmanyfactorstothosearticulatedinGruber.Safety:Thenewlawrequiresthecourttogive“weightedconsideration”tofactorsaffectingthechild’ssafety.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Re
location
(con
t.)
Factors(con
t.)
(6)Whethertherelocationwillenhancethegeneralqualityoflifeforthepartyseekingrelocation,including,butnotlimitedto,financialoremotionalbenefitoreducationalopportunity.
(7)Whethertherelocationwillenhancethegeneralqualityoflifeforthechild,including,butnotlimitedto,financialoremotionalbenefitoreducationalopportunity.
(8)Thereasonsandmotivationofeachpartyforseekingoropposingrelocation.
(9)Thepresentandpastabusecommittedbyapartyormemberoftheparty’shouseholdandwhetherthereisacontinuedriskofharmtothechildoranabusedparty.
(10)Anyotherbestinterestfactor.Ӥ5337(h)(emphasisadded).
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Re
location
Notice‐Gen
erally
Theexistinglawhasnostatutorynoticerequirementforrelocation.
Thepartyproposingtherelocationmustnotifyeveryotherindividualwhohascustodyrightstothechild.§5337(b). Anycustodyordershallincludenotice
ofaparty’sobligationsundersection5337(relatingtorelocation).§5323(c).
“Thissectionappliestoanyproposedrelocation.”§5337(a).
Time/MethodofService:Notice,bycertifiedmailwithreturnreceiptrequested,mustbegiveneither60daysbeforerelocationorwithin10daysofthedatethepartyknowsoftherelocation.§5337(c).ContentsofNotice:Exceptasprovidedbysection5336(relatingtoaccesstorecordsandinformation),thefollowingmustbeincludedwiththenotice…:
(i)addressofthe…newresidence(ii)mailingaddress…(iii)namesandagesoftheindividualsinthenewresidence…(iv)hometelephonenumberofthe
…newresidence(cont.)
Thenewlawcontainsadvancenoticeprovisionsthatwerenotrequiredundertheformercustodylaw.Thenewcustodylawrequiresthatanyorderforcustodyincludenoticeofeachparty’srelocationobligations–includingtheobligationtogivenoticetoanypartywithrightstocustodyofthechildinadvanceofanyrelocation.Thenewlawrequiresthenoticetocontaininformationpertinenttothemove,unlessprotectedbyconfidentialityornecessaryforthesafetyofthechildortheparties.(Seeabove‐§5336,RecordsandInformation/Exceptions).Thepetitionermustnotifyallpartiesoftheirobligationtofileacounter‐affidavitwithin30daystopreservetheirrighttoobjecttotherelocation.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Re
location
(con
t.)
Notice‐G
enerally(con
t.)
(v)nameofthenewschooldistrictandschool
(vi)dateoftheproposedrelocation(vii)reasonsfortheproposedrelocation,
(viii)proposalforarevisedcustodyschedule
(ix)otherinformationwhichthepartyproposingtherelocationdeemsappropriate
(x)counter‐affidavit…whichcanbeusedtoobjecttotheproposedrelocationandthemodificationofacustodyorder.
(xi)Awarningtothenonrelocatingpartythatifthenonrelocatingpartydoesnotfileanobjectionwiththecourtwithin30afterreceiptofthenotice,thepartyshallbeforeclosedfromobjectingtotherelocation.Thestatutealsoliststheinformationthatmustbepartofthenotice.
§5337(c)(3)(emphasisadded).“If…information…isnotknownwhenthenoticeissentbutislaterknowntothepartyproposingtherelocation,thenthatpartyshallpromptlyinformeveryindividualwhoreceivednotice.”§5337(c)(4)(emphasisadded).
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Re
location
Notice‐Failureto
Provide
Notice
Theexistinglawhasnostatutorynoticerequirementforrelocationanddoesnotpenalizepartiesforfailuretoprovideadvancenotice.
FailuretoProvideNotice:“Thecourtmayconsiderafailuretoprovidereasonablenotice…as:(1)afactorinmakingadetermination…;(2)afactorindeterminingwhethercustody
rightsshouldbemodified;(3)abasisfororderingthereturnofthe
childtothenonrelocatingpartyiftherelocationhasoccurredwithoutreasonablenotice;
(4)Sufficientcausetoorderthepartyproposingtherelocationtopayreasonableexpensesandcounselfeesincurredbythepartyobjecting…;and
(5)Groundforcontemptandtheimpositionofsanctions…;”
§5337(j).“Anyconsiderationofafailuretoprovidereasonablenotice…shallbesubjecttomitigationifthecourtdeterminesthatsuchfailurewascausedinwhole,orinpart,byabuse.”§5337(k)(emphasisadded).
FailuretoProvideNotice:Thenewlawauthorizesthecourttodrawnegativeinferencesfromaparty’sfailuretoprovidenoticetoanonrelocatingparty.Wherethecourtfindsthattherelocationwas–inwholeorinpart–theresultofabuse,theconsequencesforfailuretoprovidenoticemustbediminished.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Re
location
Objectio
ns
Theexistinglawhasnoexplicitprocedureforobjectingtoproposedrelocation.
FailuretoObject:“Apartyentitledtoreceivenoticemayfile…anobjection…andseekatemporaryorpermanentordertopreventtherelocation.…Ifthepartyobjectstoeitherrelocationormodification…ahearingshallbeheld.Theobjectionshallbemadebycompletingandreturningacounter‐affidavit.…Anobjection…shallbefiledwiththecourtwithin30daysofreceiptoftheproposedrelocation.”§5337(d).“Ifapartywhohasbeengivenpropernoticedoesnotfile…anobjectiontotherelocationwithin30daysafterreceiptofthenoticebutlaterpetitionsthecourtforreviewofthecustodialarrangements,thecourtshallnotaccepttestimonychallengingtherelocation.”§5337(d)(4).“Ifnoobjectionsarefiled,therelocatingpartyshallfileanaffidavitconfirmingthatpropernoticewasgiven,apetitiontoconfirmtherelocationdetailsandmodifyanyexistingorder,andaproposedorder.”§5337(e).
FailuretoObject:Ifapartyfailstoobjectwithin30days,theyareprohibitedfromprovidingtestimonychallengingtherelocationatthehearing.Whereapartydoesnotobject,therelocatingpartymayfileanaffidavitconfirmingthatnoticewasprovidedandmaypetitionthecourttomodifytheexistingorderortoadoptaproposedorder.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Re
location
Hearing
Nostatutoryhearingrequirementforrelocation.InPlowmanv.Plowman,theSuperiorCourtexplainedthatthetrialcourtmustconductanevidentiaryhearingapplyingGruberfactorsbeforethemoveor,ifthereareexigentcircumstances,thecourtmustconductthehearingwithinareasonabletimeafterthemove.Plowmanv.Plowman,597A.2d701(Pa.Super.Ct.1991).
Hearing:Generally,“thecourtshallholdanexpeditedfullhearingontheproposedrelocationafteratimelyobjectionhasbeenfiledandbeforerelocationoccurs.”“Thecourtmay,onitsownmotion,holdanexpeditedfullhearingontheproposedrelocationbeforetherelocationoccurs.”“Ifthecourtfindsthatexigentcircumstancesexist,thecourtmayapprovetherelocationpendinganexpeditedfullhearing.”§5337(g).BurdenofProof:“Thepartyproposingtherelocationhastheburdenofestablishingthattherelocationwillservethebestinterestsofthechild…”§5337(i).
ThehearingrequirementsinthenewlawaregenerallyconsistentwiththerequirementssetforthinPlowman.LikePlowman,thenewprovisionsrequireanexpeditedhearingpriortorelocationbutallowthecourttoapproverelocationpendingtrialwhereexigentcircumstancesarepresent.Thenewlawprovidesforthecourttoholdahearingonitsownmotion.ThisisanexpansionofPlowman.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Mod
ification
SubjecttoUCCJEA,anorderenteredbyacourtinPennsylvaniamaymodifytheordertooneofsharedcustody.Alsoprovidesthatcustodyproceedingsduringmilitarydeploymentsareexemptedfromthisprovision.§5310.Caselawprovidesthatnosubstantialchangeincircumstancesisnecessarytoseekamodificationofcustodyorder.Thecourtshouldinquireintothechild’sbestinterestsregardlessofwhethercircumstanceschanged.Karisv.Karis,544A.2d1328(Pa.1988).
Uponpetition,acourtmaymodifyacustodyordertoservethebestinterestofthechild.ThisissubjecttoUCCJEAjurisdictionalrequirements.§5338.
Thenewlawdoesnotmentionanexceptionformilitarydeployment;however,custodyrestrictionsduringmilitarydeploymentsarecoveredinaseparatesectionofthePennsylvaniaConsolidatedStatutes,51Pa.C.S.§4109.ThenewlawcodifiescaselawpermittingmodificationwhenitservestheBIOC,withouttheneedforchangedcircumstances,providedthejurisdictionalrequirementsoftheUCCJEAaremet.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
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FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
Co
unselFees/Co
sts/Expe
nses
Nothinginthecustodystatuteauthorizesthecourttoawardfeesorotherexpenses.However,otherstatutorylawauthorizesanawardofcounselfeestoonepartywheretheotherparticipant’sactionswere“dilatory,obdurateorvexatious,”42Pa.C.S.§2503(7),orwhereaparty’sconductincommencingthecasewas“arbitrary,vexatious,orinbadfaith.”42Pa.C.S.§2503(9).SeeHollerv.Smith,928A.2d330(Pa.Super.Ct2007)(upholdinganawardofcounselfeesduetovexatiousconduct).
“Acourtmayawardreasonableinterimorfinalcounselfees,costsandexpensestoapartyifthecourtfindsthattheconductofanotherpartywasobdurate,vexatious,repetitiveorinbadfaith.”§5339.
Thenewlawprovidesforspecificmonetaryreliefinthecustodystatuteandaddstheword“repetitive”tothestandard.
Pennsylvania Custody Law Comparison Chart
*For exact language, refer to the official statute. Nothing in this chart constitutes legal advice. Contact PCADV for permission to distribute. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 1-888-235-3425 - www.pcadv.org - 2011 – Page 49 of 49
FormerCustodyLaw Act112 EffectiveUntil1.21.11 Effectiveasof1.22.11
Difference
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urtA
ppointed
ChildCustodyHealthCa
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“Nopartytoachildcustodymatterinwhichthecourthasappointedalicensedhealthcareorbehavioralhealthpractitionertoassistthecourtbyconductinganexaminationorevaluation…maybepermittedtofileacomplaintagainstthepractitionerwiththepractitioner’sStatelicensingboardpriortothefinalagreementororderbeingissuedandfor60daysthereafter.”§5315.
“Nopartytoachildcustodymatterinwhichthecourthasappointedalicensedhealthcareorbehavioralhealthpractitionertoassistthecourtbyconductinganexaminationorevaluation…maybepermittedtofileacomplaintagainstthepractitionerwiththepractitioner’sStatelicensingboardpriortothefinalagreementororderbeingissuedandfor60daysthereafter.”§5340.
Thelanguageinthenewlawisidenticaltotheformerlaw.Thenewsectionwasrenumberedforconsistency.
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