23 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Chapter 53 - Child Custody

• Chapter Notes
• Section 5321 - Scope Of Chapter
  This chapter applies to disputes relating to child custody matters.
• Section 5322 - Definitions
  (a) This chapter.--The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the...
• Section 5323 - Award Of Custody
  (a) Types of award.--After considering the factors set forth in section 5328 (relating to factors to consider when awarding custody), the court may award...
• Section 5324 - Standing For Any Form Of Physical Custody Or Legal Custody
  The following individuals may file an action under this chapter for any form of physical custody or legal custody: (1) A parent of the...
• Section 5325 - Standing For Partial Physical Custody And Supervised Physical Custody
  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...
• Section 5326 - Effect Of Adoption
  Any rights to seek physical custody or legal custody rights and any custody rights that have been granted under section 5324 (relating to standing...
• Section 5327 - Presumption In Cases Concerning Primary Physical Custody
  (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...
• Section 5328 - Factors To Consider When Awarding Custody
  (a) Factors.--In ordering any form of custody, the court shall determine the best interest of the child by considering all relevant factors, giving weighted...
• Section 5329 - Consideration Of Criminal Conviction
  (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...
• Section 5329.1 - Consideration Of Child Abuse And Involvement With Protective Services
  (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...
• Section 5330 - Consideration Of Criminal Charge
  (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)...
• Section 5331 - Parenting Plan
  (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...
• Section 5332 - Informational Programs
  (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...
• Section 5333 - Counseling As Part Of Order
  (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...
• Section 5334 - Guardian Ad Litem For Child
  (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...
• Section 5335 - Counsel For Child
  (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...
• Section 5336 - Access To Records And Information
  (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...
• Section 5337 - Relocation
  (a) Applicability.--This section applies to any proposed relocation. (b) General rule.--No relocation shall occur unless: (1) every individual who has custody rights to the...
• Section 5338 - Modification Of Existing Order
  (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...
• Section 5339 - Award Of Counsel Fees, Costs And Expenses
  Under this chapter, a court may award reasonable interim or final counsel fees, costs and expenses to a party if the court finds that...
• Section 5340 - Court-appointed Child Custody Health Care Or Behavioral Health Practitioners
  No party to a child custody matter in which the court has appointed a licensed health care or behavioral health practitioner to assist the...

Last modified: October 8, 2016