Top Lancaster, PA Child Custody Lawyers Near You

Lancaster Child Custody Information

Are You Having Difficulty Visiting Your Grandchildren?

If you fear that you will not be allowed to see your grandchildren because their parents are divorcing or perhaps one parent is remarrying or moving away, call and speak with a Lancaster grandparent visitation attorney. Your lawyer will advise you of your rights and the possibility of establishing scheduled visitation with your grandchildren.

Grandparent Visitation Rights Under the Law

Though legal circumstances vary by state, in general grandparents face a difficult battle to obtain visitation with their grandchildren when the parents object to the visits. The burden is on grandparents to prove their relationship with the children is established and beneficial, and that the grandparents won't harm the children while they are in their care. However, the law is changing every day and increasingly recognizing the importance, tradition, and value of having grandparents in children's lives.

Best Time to Seek Legal Help

No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.

Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

• What is the usual process to resolve my case? How long will it take to resolve this?
• What are likely outcomes of a case like mine? What should I expect?

An experienced lawyer should be able to communicate a basic "road map" on how to proceed. The lawyer should be able to walk you through the anticipated process, key considerations, and potential pitfalls to avoid. Once you've laid out the facts of your situation to the lawyer, he/she should be able to frame expectations and likely scenarios to help you understand your legal issue.

Points to Consider Before Hiring a Lawyer

Experience. Regardless of the type of legal matter you need help with, an experienced attorney will usually be able to get you better results.

Competence. Determine an attorney's expertise by asking about their track record for the issue you need help with resolving.

Fit. There are plenty of good attorneys out there; make sure you find one you are comfortable working with.

Common legal terms explained

Pro se - This Latin term refers to representing yourself in court instead of hiring professional legal counsel. Pro se representation can occur in either criminal or civil cases.

Statute - Refers to a law created by a legislative body. For example, the laws enacted by Congress are statutes.

Subject matter jurisdiction - Requirement that a particular court have authority to hear the claim based on the specific type of issue brought to the court. For example, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court only has subject matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy filings, therefore it does not have the authority to render binding judgment over other types of cases, such as divorce.

Lead Counsel Rated Attorneys

Lead Counsel's objective process independently verifies attorney records, conferring with state bars across the country and conducting annual reviews to confirm that the attorney practices in the legal categories as indicated, possesses a valid bar license, and is eligible to practice in the specific jurisdiction.