This chapter of Pennsylvania law governs child custody disputes, defining key terms such as physical and legal custody, parental duties, and relocation. It clarifies the rights and responsibilities of parents and guardians involved in custody arrangements. The law aims to ensure the child's best interests are prioritized in custody decisions.
Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about a child's health, education, and religious upbringing.
Physical custody involves the child's actual physical possession, while legal custody involves decision-making rights for the child's welfare.
Relocation is a change in the child's residence that significantly impacts a non-relocating parent's ability to exercise custodial rights.
An agency is any organization or institution providing care for a child, excluding county children and youth social service agencies.