Title 23, DOMESTIC RELATIONS

In addition to situations set forth in section 5324 (relating to standing for any form of physical custody or legal custody), grandparents and great-grandparents may file an action under this chapter for partial physical custody or supervised physical custody in the following sit…

Any rights to seek physical custody or legal custody rights and any custody rights that have been granted under section 5324 (relating to standing for any form of physical custody or legal custody) or 5325 (relating to standing for partial physical custody and supervised physical…

(a) Between parents.--In any action regarding the custody of the child between the parents of the child, there shall be no presumption that custody should be awarded to a particular parent. (b) Between a parent and third party.--In any action regarding the custody of the child be…

(a) Factors.--In ordering any form of custody, the court shall determine the best interest of the child by considering all relevant factors, giving substantial weighted consideration to the factors specified under paragraphs (1), (2), (2.1) and (2.2) which affect the safety of th…

(a) Offenses.--Where a party seeks any form of custody, the court shall consider whether that party or member of that party's household has been convicted of or has pleaded guilty or no contest to any of the offenses in this section or an offense in another jurisdiction substanti…

(a) Information sharing.--In accordance with section 6340(a)(5.1) (relating to release of information in confidential reports), where a party seeks any form of custody, subject to the examination of the parties, the court shall determine: (1) With respect to child abuse under Cha…

(a) Expedited hearing.--A party who has obtained information under 42 Pa.C.S. § 1904 (relating to availability of criminal charge information in child custody proceedings) or otherwise about a charge filed against the other party for an offense listed under section 5329(a) (relat…

(a) Purpose.--In a contested custody proceeding, the court may require the parties to submit parenting plans for the care and custody of the child to aid the court in resolving the custody dispute. A parenting plan and the position of a party as set forth in that parenting plan s…

(a) Attendance.--The court may direct the parties to attend informational programs concerning parental duties. (b) Process not delayed.--Subsequent proceedings and the entry of any order or decree shall not be delayed because of the lack of participation in any informational prog…

(a) Attendance.--The court may, as part of a custody order, require the parties to attend counseling sessions. (b) Abuse.--In situations involving abuse, the court may order individual counseling for the abuser but may not order the parties to attend joint counseling. (c) Verific…

(a) Appointment.--The court may on its own motion or the motion of a party appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child in the action. The court may assess the cost upon the parties or any of them or as otherwise provided by law. The guardian ad litem must be an attorney at…

(a) Appointment.--The court may appoint counsel to represent the child if the court determines that the appointment will assist in resolving the issues in the custody proceeding. If a child has legal counsel and a guardian ad litem, counsel shall represent the legal interests of …

(a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c): (1) A party granted sole or shared legal custody under section 5323 (relating to award of custody) shall be provided access to: (i) the medical, dental, religious and school records of the child; (ii) the address o…

(a) Applicability.--This section applies to any proposed relocation, including relocation subject to 51 Pa.C.S. Ch. 46 (relating to uniform deployed parents custody and visitation). (b) General rule.--No relocation shall occur unless: (1) every individual who has custody rights t…

(a) Best interest of the child.--Upon petition, a court may modify a custody order to serve the best interest of the child. (b) Applicability.--Except as provided in 51 Pa.C.S. Ch. 46 (relating to uniform deployed parents custody and visitation), this section shall apply to any c…

Under this chapter, a court may award reasonable interim or final counsel fees, costs and expenses to a party if the court finds that the conduct of another party was obdurate, vexatious, repetitive or in bad faith. This section may not apply if that party engaged the judicial pr…

No party to a child custody matter in which the court has appointed a licensed health care or behavioral health practitioner to assist the court by conducting an examination or evaluation of the parties involved or making a recommendation concerning a child custody agreement or o…