Child Custody Hearing Tips

Summary

Not affording a lawyer doesnt mean losing a custody hearing. Courts prioritize the childs best interest, considering factors like parental duties, well-being, and stability. Legal aid and self-representation are options. You can object to a verdict and appeal within 30 days. Courts may order either parent to pay for supervised visitation costs. Document distress and use psychological reports as evidence. Remote testimony is possible with court permission. Counter hearsay with direct evidence and emphasize the ongoing effects of past behavior.

Full Conversation

Will I lose at a-custody hearing because I can’t afford a lawyer
Hello ****, not being able to afford a lawyer doesn't automatically mean you'll lose a custody hearing. The court's priority is the child's best interest. Could you please specify your location so I can provide more accurate information?
Lackawanna county jessup Pennsylvania
Hello ****, in Pennsylvania:
- Courts focus on the child's best interest.
- Factors include parental duties, well-being, stability.
- You can apply for free legal aid.
- Self-representation is allowed but not advised.
- A lawyer's absence doesn't determine custody.
Consider contacting local legal aid for assistance.
I did and they said they can’t represent me because the case isn’t serious enough
I understand your situation. You may try reaching out to pro bono legal services or law school clinics in Pennsylvania. They often handle cases that legal aid cannot. Additionally, you can consider self-representation. It's challenging but possible.
I may try for the next hearing. I want to object to this verdict if it’s not what I want
Sure ****, in Pennsylvania, you have the right to object to a court's decision. You can file a motion for reconsideration or an appeal. You should consult a legal professional to understand the process better.
How long would it take to appeal
In Pennsylvania, you have 30 days from the date of the order to file an appeal. However, the entire appeal process can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case.
Can I have the one who has to have supervised visitation pay for the fees at the court ordered center
In Pennsylvania, the court may order either or both parents to bear the costs of supervised visitation based on various factors. However, it's ultimately at the court's discretion. It may be beneficial to discuss this with a legal professional.
He wants supervised visitation and had a pfa against him and the child is in the pfa she doesn’t know him at all and is too young to understand I don’t want supervised visitation
Hi ****, in Pennsylvania, the court will consider the best interest of the child. If you feel the child's safety is at risk, you can present any evidence you have to the court. The court can then determine the type of visitation that's best for the child.
What is the ways th officer decides custody
In Pennsylvania, the court considers several factors when deciding custody:
- The child's physical, emotional, and educational needs.
- Parent's ability to meet these needs.
- Relationship between the child and each parent.
- Preference of the child (if of sufficient age and capacity).
- History of domestic violence.
- Parent's availability to care for the child.
What if the child is crying before all visits
If a child is showing distress before visits in Pennsylvania, the court may consider this as part of the child's emotional well-being. It's crucial to document these instances and present this evidence during custody hearings.
How is a good way to present a testimony against the supervised visitation
In Pennsylvania, to present a testimony against supervised visitation:
- Document instances of distress, discomfort, or fear in the child.
- Highlight any past incidents involving the other parent.
- Bring witnesses who can corroborate your statements.
- Discuss the child's well-being, safety, and emotional health.
- Consult with a legal professional for advice.
I have a psychology report on the child can I use it as evidence of her behavior and diagnosis
In Pennsylvania, a psychological report can be used as evidence in custody hearings. It can provide insight into the child's behavior and emotional state. You should submit it to the court and may need to have the psychologist testify.
Do courts take adjustment disorder seriously
Yes, Pennsylvania courts take adjustment disorder seriously. It can impact the decision on custody, as courts consider the emotional well-being of the child. The psychological report could be significant evidence in your case.
I can’t have the psychologist come in to testify what do I do
In Pennsylvania, if you can't have the psychologist testify, consider these options:
- Obtain a written statement from the psychologist.
- Use the psychological report as evidence.
- Request the court to allow the psychologist to testify remotely.
Remember to consult with a legal professional for advice.
How does one testify remotely
In Pennsylvania, remote testimony can be done via video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype. You'll need to:
- Request court permission for remote testimony.
- Ensure a stable internet connection.
- Prepare your witness for the process.
- Check the local court rules for remote testimony procedures.
Can I ask the court to let me call the baby’s psychologist during the hearing
In Pennsylvania, you may request the court to allow the psychologist to testify via phone during the hearing. However, it is at the judge's discretion. Make sure to have all necessary documents and ensure the psychologist is available and prepared.
what happens if I submit a psychologist report without their testimony
In Pennsylvania, submitting a psychologist's report without testimony is possible. However, the weight it carries can vary:
- The court may consider the report as evidence.
- Its impact might be less without the psychologist's explanation.
- The opposing party can challenge its credibility.

Always consult a legal professional for advice.
How to respond to the other side challenging a report’s credibility
In Pennsylvania, if the other side challenges the credibility of your report:
- Provide additional evidence supporting the report.
- Seek a corroborating opinion from another professional.
- Request the psychologist to provide a detailed explanation.
- Consult a legal professional for advice.
What would Adrian evidence be
To understand your question better, could you clarify who Adrian is and what their involvement in the case is?
What would additional evidence be
In Pennsylvania, additional evidence can include:
- Other professional evaluations of the child.
- Eyewitness accounts of interactions between the child and the parent.
- The child's school records, medical records, etc.
- Texts, emails, or other documentation showing the parent's behavior.
How to respond to hearsay by the opposing aide
In Pennsylvania, if the opposing side uses hearsay:
- Object immediately stating it's hearsay.
- Explain why it's hearsay if asked.
- Prepare to provide evidence contradicting the hearsay.
- Consult with a legal professional for advice.
How to provide evidence to a hearsay
In Pennsylvania, to counter hearsay:
- Provide direct evidence contradicting the hearsay.
- Present witnesses to testify against the hearsay.
- Use documented evidence (texts, emails, etc.).
- Consult a legal professional for best strategies.
What if the other side is saying my examples are the past
In Pennsylvania, past behavior is generally relevant in custody cases. If the opposing side argues your examples are from the past:
- Emphasize the ongoing effects of past behavior.
- Show patterns of behavior.
- Use recent examples if available.
- Consult a legal professional for advice.