During the end of a marriage, many parents in Pennsylvania and elsewhere may wish to take steps to protect the interests of their kids, but they might not always agree on how to achieve this goal. Parents who cannot come to an agreement concerning a parenting plan may find it necessary to begin preparing for a child custody hearing. Knowing what topics the court may address during this hearing could play an integral role in helping a parent better prepare to safeguard the well-being of his or her kids.
While attempting to make decisions based on what is in the best interests of a child, the court may ask questions on various topics. One such topic could pertain to the type of custody agreements each parent is seeking and how it might impact the child’s life. The court may also ask questions about the financial standings of each parent and each person’s ability to provide for the needs of his or her kids.
Another topic could involve the possible presence of a current parenting arrangement. The court may wish to evaluate any existing arrangements to determine if it aligns with the child’s interests or to see if any modifications are necessary. As communication could also prove a vital component of a parenting plan, each parent’s ability to communicate with the other party may also play a part in the process.
Child custody can be one of the toughest topics of divorce, and preparing for a day in court for similar reasons can prove an intimidating concept. Fortunately, a person in Pennsylvania does not have to face this process alone, and there are attorneys who can provide one with much-needed advice on how to prepare for what comes next. A family law attorney can advise a client on all his or her options and assist in creating a plan to seek the best outcome achievable concerning the future of his or her kids during subsequent court proceedings.