A Trusted Hazleton Child Custody Attorney

Last updated on September 4, 2024

If you are engaged in a child custody dispute in Pennsylvania, an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in your case. At Olexa & Casari, we advise parents — married or not — who must resolve custody issues. We represent parents seeking initial child custody orders as well as those in need of modifications.

From our law office in Hazleton, we advise clients in Luzerne County, Carbon County and surrounding communities in Pennsylvania.

Protecting Parental Rights And Parent-Child Relationships

In child custody as in other legal areas involving children, a family law court places the highest priority on the best interest of the child. With that firm understanding, we help parents and others such as grandparents to negotiate parenting plans. When parents cannot reach an agreement, we prepare to argue our clients’ positions in court or advise them while they pursue answers through mediation sessions.

We can help you understand and navigate issues concerning:

• Sole custody
• Shared custody
• Legal custody
• Physical custody

Let our legal team help you position your custody proposal with your children’s best interests as the focus of your parenting plan.

Protecting Grandparents’ Rights

Grandparents also often seek our services to protect their rights to be involved with the custody, care and nurturing of their grandchildren. We represent grandparents and other relatives who want to take an active role in the life of a child.

We Do This Every Day

If you are facing an issue regarding child custody, it is extremely important to seek out experienced legal representation quickly and, above all else, to choose the right lawyer. Our attorneys represent individuals regarding child custody on a daily basis and have the experience and skills to obtain the best results for our clients, as well as for the children involved. Our staff will provide you with compassionate and individual attention as we vigorously advocate to protect your rights.

When A Child And Parent Need To Relocate

Most separated and divorced parents in Pennsylvania typically have some sort of custody arrangement in place, allowing both parent access to the child and to participate in their child’s lives. However, sometimes a parent decides to move for some reason, which may be due to:

• An employment change
• Extended family needs
• Geography goals
• The desire to establish a greater distance from the other parent.

If a parent’s decision to move will affect the custody arrangement, it is important to seek the right lawyer to help you make a strong argument for the move you expect to make.

The parents must either agree to the terms of the relocation or seek a resolution in court. Attorney Michael Casari has the experience and skill to get you a positive result in such matters. Attorney Casari and our staff offer individualized attention to clients. We bring experience and skill in such matters so that you may be able to move on with your life and continue to be intricately involved with your child’s future.

What Can a Parenting Plan Cover?

When you create a parenting plan, it gives you and your co-parent a chance to consider what the future will hold. You had to make many decisions while you were married, and you still have to address many of these things as divorced parents. Putting a plan in place in advance can help this go smoothly and provide more stability for your children.

Your parenting plan may start with the basics. When will the child live with you? When will they live with your ex? What is the best place and time to make the exchanges? If you both have a work schedule and your child has a school schedule, you will likely begin by comparing these and trying to find a solution that works for all parties.

However, parenting plans can also go beyond the basics and address special concerns, including things like:

• What happens when a parent has an abrupt schedule change or does “on-call” work
• How specific holidays, like Christmas and Thanksgiving, will be divided or shared
• Whether specific members of the child’s extended family will be involved in their care
• What rules should apply to special occasions, like the child’s birthday or graduation
• How will parents handle public events like sporting games, extracurricular activities or graduation ceremonies
• How school breaks, including summer vacations and holiday breaks, will be treated
• The right of first refusal when a parent needs alternative childcare arrangements

Parents need to be on the same page regarding who has custody rights and responsibilities during these times and how to split up vacations or other trips. If you have any questions about this process, our experienced firm can help craft a parenting plan that fits your family’s lifestyle. A custom-crafted parenting plan can meet your family’s needs much better than the cookie-cutter models that you may otherwise see with a court-ordered plan.

Talk With An Attorney About Your Custody Plans

If you are a parent considering separation or divorce, it is critical that you discuss child custody options with an experienced lawyer. At Olexa & Casari, you will find the information and guidance that you need to put your best foot forward in negotiations, mediation or a trial regarding child custody and visitation.

Contact us through our online form or by telephone at 570-931-5943 to schedule a consultation about your child custody and visitation needs.