a user-friendly guide to… pennsylvania’s new child custody law · one individual to assume...

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

“TheGeneralAssemblydeclaresthatitisthepublicpolicyofthisCommonwealth,wheninthebestinterestofthechild,toassureareasonableandcontinuingcontactofthechildwithbothparentsafteraseparationordissolutionofthemarriageandthesharingoftherightsandresponsibilitiesofchildrearingbybothparentsandcontinuingcontactofthechildwithgrandparentswhenaparentisdeceased,divorcedorseparated.”§5301.

Repealedandnotreplaced. TheDeclarationofPolicywasremovedfromthebillinitsseconditeration(PN3705).Forguidanceininterpretingthestatute,looktothebodyofthetext.

Difference

Definitions

Abusetobeconsidered:Presentandpastviolentorabusiveconductwhichmayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,abusiveconductasdefinedinthePFAAct.§5303(a)(3).

Abusetobeconsidered:Abuseistobeconsidered“[a]sdefinedinsection6102(relatingtodefinitions).”§5322

TheformercustodylawallowedthecourttoconsiderformsofabusenotcoveredbyPFAAct.ThenewlawlimitsabusetothePFAAct’sdefinitionofabuse.

Definitions

OtherDefinition

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.)

Difference

Definitions(con

OtherDefinition

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).

Difference

AwardsofC

ustody

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.)

Difference

Enforcement:Inawardingcustody,thecourtshallspecifythetermsandconditionsoftheawardinsufficientdetailtoenableapartytoenforcethecourtorderthroughlawenforcementauthorities.§5323(f).

Enforcement:Thenewlawrequiresthecourttodraftanorderwithsufficientdetailtoallowlawenforcementtoenforcetheorder.

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.)

Difference

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.

Difference

Factors

Safety–W

eighted

“[T]hecourtshallconsidereachparentandadulthouseholdmember’spresentandpastviolentorabusiveconductwhichmayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,abusiveconductasdefined[inthePFAAct].”§5303(a)(3).Thisisoneofthreemainarticulatedfactors.

Inorderinganyformofcustody,thecourtshalldeterminethebestinterestofthechildbyconsideringallrelevantfactors,givingweightedconsiderationtothosefactorswhichaffectthesafetyofthechild,includingthefollowing...”§5328(a)(emphasisadded).16factorsareenumerated,includingarangeofconsiderations.Factors(2),(8),&(13)allspecificallyrefertoabuseordomesticviolence.

Thenewcustodylawrequiresthecourttogive“weightedconsideration”tofactorsaffectingthesafetyofthechild.Theformercustodylawfocusedthecourt’sattentiononabuseasoneofthreeprimaryconsiderationsDiscussionofeachfactoranditsrelevancetosafetyfollows.

Factors

(1)–

tinuingCon

“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.

Difference

Factors

(2)‐A

“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.

Difference

Factors

(3)‐Paren

“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

“(4)Theneedforstabilityandcontinuityinthechild’seducation,familylifeandcommunitylife.”§5328(a)(4).

Factor(4)isalsoapredictivefactor,andrequiresthecourttodecidewhichpartywill,inthefuture,provideforstabilityandcontinuityinthechild’slife.Thiswasnotanexplicitfactorintheoldlaw,butcourtsmadehistoricallybasedpredictionsoffutureconductunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw.

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.

Difference

Factors

(8)–Con

tinuingCon

“Inmakinganorderforcustody,partialcustodyorvisitationtoeitherparent,thecourtshallconsider,amongotherfactors,whichparentismorelikelytoencourage,permitandallowfrequentandcontinuingcontactandphysicalaccessbetweenthenon‐custodialparentandthechild.”§5303(a)(1).Thisisoneofthreemainarticulatedfactors.

“(8)Theattemptsofaparenttoturnthechildagainsttheotherparent,exceptincasesofdomesticviolencewherereasonablesafetymeasuresarenecessarytoprotectthechildfromharm.”§5328(a)(8).

Factor(8)explicitlypreventsthecourtfromconsideringattemptstoturnachildagainstanotherparentwheresafetymeasuresarenecessarytocareforthechild.Theformerlawconsideredattemptstoturnachildagainstanotherparentaspartoftheirdeterminationofwhichparentwasmorelikelytoencouragefrequentandcontinuingcontact.

Factors

elationshipw/Parent

“(9)Whichpartyismorelikelytomaintainaloving,stable,consistentandnurturingrelationshipwiththechildadequateforthechild’semotionalneeds.”§5328(a)(9).

Factor(9)wasnotanexplicitfactorintheformerlaw,butcourtshaveconsideredstability/consistencyunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw,whichallowedthecourtstoconsider“anyfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”

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

“(11)Theproximityoftheresidencesoftheparties.”§5328(a)(11).

Factor(11)wasnotanexplicitfactorintheformerlaw.Inthepast,courtsconsideredthefactorunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw,whichallowedthecourtstoconsider“anyfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”

Difference

Factors

(12)–AvailabilityofCare

“(12)Eachparty’savailabilitytocareforthechildorabilitytomakeappropriatechild‐carearrangements.”§5328(a)(12).

Factors

(13)–Con

tinuingCon

“Inmakinganorderforcustody,partialcustodyorvisitationtoeitherparent,thecourtshallconsider,amongotherfactors,whichparentismorelikelytoencourage,permitandallowfrequentandcontinuingcontactandphysicalaccessbetweenthenoncustodialparentandthechild.”§5303(a)(1).Thisisoneofthreemainarticulatedfactors.

“(13)Thelevelofconflictbetweenthepartiesandthewillingnessandabilityofthepartiestocooperatewithoneanother.Aparty’sefforttoprotectachildfromabusebyanotherpartyisnotevidenceofunwillingnessorinabilitytocooperatewiththatparty.”§5328(a)(13).

Factor(13)directlyacknowledgesthatcourtsmaynotconsiderlackofcooperationagainstapartywhentheallegedlackofcooperationisaresultofeffortstoprotectthechildfromabuse.Theformerlawconsideredwhichparentwasmorelikelytoencouragefrequentandcontinuingcontact,butdidnotspecificallyidentifyconflictaspartofthatconsideration.

Difference

Factors

(14)–Drug/Alcoh

“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthosearticulatedinthestatute.

“(14)Thehistoryofdrugoralcoholabuseofapartyormemberofaparty’shousehold.”§5328(a)(14).

Factors

(15)–M

ental/PhysicalH

“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthethreearticulatedinthestatute.

“(15)Thementalandphysicalconditionofapartyormemberofaparty’shousehold.”§5328(a)(15).

Factor(15)wasnotanexplicitfactorintheoldlaw.Inthepast,courtsconsideredthefactorunderthecatchalllanguageoftheformerlaw,whichallowedthecourtstoconsider“anyfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”

Difference

Factors

(16)–Catchall

“Inmakinganorderforcustodyorpartialcustody,thecourtshallconsiderchildpreference,aswellasanyotherfactorwhichlegitimatelyimpactschild’sphysical,intellectualandemotionalwellbeing.”§5303(a)(1).*Caselawexpandedrelevantfactorstoincludearangeofconsiderationsbeyondthethreearticulatedinthestatute.

“(16)Anyotherrelevantfactor.”§5328(a)(16).

Factor(16)providesthesamecatchallconsiderationasprovidedintheformerlaw.

derNeu

trality

Noprovisionincludedinstatute. “(b)GenderNeutral.Thecourtshallbegenderneutralinmakingadeterminationundersubsection(a).Nopartyshallreceivepreferencebasedsolelyupongenderinanyawardgranted.”§5328(b).

Thenewlawincludesanewgenderneutralityprovision.Thisisacodificationofconstitutionalcaselawprohibitinggenderbiasanddiscrimination.

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

Difference

Factors

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.)

Difference

Factors(con

parents(con

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).

Difference

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.)

Difference

inalCONVICTIONS(con

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.

Difference

inalCONVICTIONS

Subseq

uentCou

nseling

Noprovisionincustodystatute. “(1)Atanytime...thecourtmayrequireanotherevaluationtodeterminewhetherfurthercounselingisnecessary.

(2)Ifthecourtawardscustodytoapartywhocommittedanoffense...orwhosharesahouseholdwithanindividualwhocommittedanoffense...thecourtmayrequiresubsequentevaluationsontherehabilitationoftheoffendingindividualandthewell‐beingofthechildsubsequenttotheorder.”

§5329(e).

Thenewlawgivesthecourtspecificauthoritytorequiresubsequentevaluationsorongoingcounseling.

inalCONVICTIONS

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).

Difference

inalCONVICTIONS

erated

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).

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.

Difference

inalCHARG

ConsiderationofCrim

inalCha

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.

Difference

inalCHARG

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.

Difference

inalCHARG

ES(con

erationofCriminalCharges(con

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.

Difference

rentingPlan

ission

“Thecourt,initsdiscretion,mayrequiretheparentstosubmittothecourtaplanfortheimplementationofanycustodyordermadeunderthissubchapter.Upontherequestofeitherparentorthecourt,thedomesticrelationssectionofthecourtorotherpartyoragencyapprovedbythecourtshallassistintheformulationandimplementationoftheplan.”§5306.Proposedconsentordersmustbesubmittedtocourt.Pa.R.Civ.P.1915.7.

“Inacontestedcustodyproceeding,thecourtmayrequirethepartiestosubmitparentingplansforthecareandcustodyofthechildtoaidthecourtinresolvingthecustodydispute.Aparentingplanandthepositionofapartyassetforthinthatparentingplanshallnotbeadmissibleasevidencebyanotherparty.”§5331.

Liketheformerlaw,thenewlawdoesnotrequireaparentingplan.Thenewlawgivesthecourtdiscretiontoorderaparentingplanincontestedcustodyproceedings.Thenewlawdoesnotprovideforassistancefromthecourtinformulatingtheplanbeyondofferingaformforpartiestouse.Theformerlawpreviouslyrequiredthat,uponrequest,assistancewithformulatingtheplanwouldbeprovided.

Difference

rentingPlan

Conten

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.

Difference

Inform

ationa

lProgram

Theformercustodylawhadnoprovisionsregardinginformationalprograms.Pa.R.C.P.1915.3allowsthateducationalprogramscanbeusedtomeetthecourt’s45days“initialcontact”rule.

“(a)Thecourtmaydirectthepartiestoattendinformationalprogramsconcerningparentalduties.

(b)…Subsequentproceedingsandtheentryofanyorderordecreeshallnotbedelayedbecauseofthelackofparticipationinanyinformationalprogrambyoneoftheparties.

(c)Thecourtmayordercoststoparties.”§5332.

ThenewlawreflectscurrentpracticeinmanyPennsylvaniacounties.

“Thecourtmayrequireparentstoattendcounselingsessionsandmayconsidertherecommendationofcounselorspriortoawardingsoleorsharedcustody….”§5305.

“(a)Thecourtmay,aspartofcustodyorder,requirepartiestoattendcounselingsessions.(b)…Insituationsinvolvingabuse,thecourtmayorderindividualcounselingfortheabuserbutmaynotorderthepartiestoattendjointcounseling.(c)…Eachparty’sparticipation…shallbeverifiedbythecounselor.(d)Thecourtmayorderpartytopayallorpartofcounselingcosts.”§5333.(emphasisadded)

Unliketheexistinglaw,thenewlawspecificallyprohibitsthecourtfromorderingavictimofabusetoparticipateinjointcounseling.

Difference

rdianAdLitem

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.

Difference

rdianAdLitem

Powers&Duties/Presen

nofFindingstoth

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.)

Difference

rdianAdLitem(con

Powers&Duties/Presen

nofFindingstoth

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).

Difference

unselforth

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.

Difference

AccesstoRecords/In

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.

Difference

AccesstoRecords/In

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.

Difference

location

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.

Difference

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.

Difference

location

Factors(con

(6)Whethertherelocationwillenhancethegeneralqualityoflifeforthepartyseekingrelocation,including,butnotlimitedto,financialoremotionalbenefitoreducationalopportunity.

(7)Whethertherelocationwillenhancethegeneralqualityoflifeforthechild,including,butnotlimitedto,financialoremotionalbenefitoreducationalopportunity.

(8)Thereasonsandmotivationofeachpartyforseekingoropposingrelocation.

(9)Thepresentandpastabusecommittedbyapartyormemberoftheparty’shouseholdandwhetherthereisacontinuedriskofharmtothechildoranabusedparty.

(10)Anyotherbestinterestfactor.”§5337(h)(emphasisadded).

Difference

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.

Difference

location

Notice‐G

enerally(con

(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).

Difference

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.

Difference

location

Objectio

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.

Difference

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.

Difference

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.

Difference

unselFees/Co

sts/Expe

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.

Difference

ppointed

ChildCustodyHealthCa

reorBe

havioralHealthPractition

“Nopartytoachildcustodymatterinwhichthecourthasappointedalicensedhealthcareorbehavioralhealthpractitionertoassistthecourtbyconductinganexaminationorevaluation…maybepermittedtofileacomplaintagainstthepractitionerwiththepractitioner’sStatelicensingboardpriortothefinalagreementororderbeingissuedandfor60daysthereafter.”§5315.

“Nopartytoachildcustodymatterinwhichthecourthasappointedalicensedhealthcareorbehavioralhealthpractitionertoassistthecourtbyconductinganexaminationorevaluation…maybepermittedtofileacomplaintagainstthepractitionerwiththepractitioner’sStatelicensingboardpriortothefinalagreementororderbeingissuedandfor60daysthereafter.”§5340.

Thelanguageinthenewlawisidenticaltotheformerlaw.Thenewsectionwasrenumberedforconsistency.

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