Allentown Child Custody Lawyer

Guiding Allentown Parents and Caregivers Through Custody Conflicts

Child custody disputes in Allentown can touch every part of a family’s life. Parents and grandparents are asked to make major decisions about where a child will live, how time will be shared, and how important choices will be made, often while emotions are already running high. At Madsen Law Offices, we help families in Allentown and throughout Lehigh County move through the custody process with a clear plan and steady guidance.

We represent mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers in many different situations: divorce, separation, never-married parents, cases involving Children & Youth Services, and situations where a child is already living with a relative. Whether you are seeking your first custody order, trying to change an existing schedule, or dealing with someone who will not follow the order, we work to protect your relationship with your child and your role in their life.

Our attorneys understand both Pennsylvania custody law and how cases are handled in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown. We focus on practical solutions that fit your child’s needs, your work schedule, and your family’s day-to-day life in the Allentown area.

Child Custody Issues We Handle for Allentown Families

No two Allentown custody cases look the same. Some are focused on safety, substance use, or domestic conflict; others center on school schedules, work shifts, or a parent’s move to another area. At Madsen Law Offices, we handle a broad range of custody matters for families in Allentown and nearby communities such as Whitehall, Emmaus, and Salisbury Township, including:

• Filing new custody complaints for parents who are divorcing, separating, or who have never been married
• Petitions to modify custody when an existing order no longer works due to changes in jobs, schools, or safety concerns
• Petitions for contempt when the other parent is not following the custody order or repeatedly disrupting the schedule
• Relocation cases where a parent wants to move with a child away from Allentown or out of Lehigh County
• Custody disputes involving protection from abuse (PFA) orders or domestic violence allegations
• Cases involving Lehigh County Children & Youth Services (CYS) or other child welfare investigations
• Grandparent, stepparent, and third-party custody or visitation when someone other than a parent is seeking time with a child
• Emergency and special relief petitions when there are immediate concerns about a child’s safety or stability
• Custody issues that overlap with divorce, child support, PFAs, or juvenile/CYS cases

Custody rarely stands alone. When there are related issues, we look at the whole picture so that decisions in one case do not create problems in another.

How Child Custody Cases Move Through the Lehigh County Courts

Pennsylvania’s custody rules apply statewide, but the way your case moves forward in practice depends on local procedures. Most Allentown custody matters are heard at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, located in Allentown. From the first filing to a final order, there are several common stages.

Starting a Custody Case in Allentown

A custody case usually begins with one of the following filings in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas:

• A Custody Complaint to request an initial custody order
• A Petition to Modify Custody if an existing order needs to be changed
• A Petition for Contempt if the other party is not following the current order

The court requires specific forms, such as background information and a proposed parenting plan. At Madsen Law Offices, we prepare and file these documents for you so the case is properly set up under Lehigh County rules.

Custody Conferences and Early Resolutions

Many Allentown-area custody cases begin with a custody conference. A conference officer or similar court professional meets with the parties (and their attorneys) to:

• Identify the main issues in dispute
• Explore possible schedules and parenting arrangements
• Determine what will need to be decided by a judge if no agreement is reached

Children are usually not present for this meeting. Reaching a reasonable agreement at or near the conference can save time, stress, and cost. We help you prepare for this step so you can clearly explain your concerns and your proposed schedule.

Hearings, Trials, and Changes After an Order

If your case does not resolve at the conference stage, it may move to a judge. The judge can schedule pre-trial conferences, require parenting classes or counseling, and set deadlines for exchanging evidence and witness lists. In higher-conflict cases, the court may also consider supervised visitation, co-parent counseling, or other services.

If there is still no agreement, the court will hold a custody trial. At trial, both sides can present testimony from parents, relatives, professionals, and other witnesses, along with documents such as school records, medical records, and written communications. The judge applies Pennsylvania’s “best interests of the child” standard, which includes many factors related to safety, stability, and each parent’s involvement.

After an order is in place, life can continue to change. New jobs, changing school districts, medical issues, and ongoing problems with the other party may all support a request to modify or enforce the order. We continue to advise and represent Allentown clients when it is time to seek changes or enforcement.

Why Local Lehigh County Experience Matters in Allentown Custody Cases

Two custody cases that look similar on paper can move very differently depending on the county, the assigned judge, and local practice. Lehigh County has its own rules, forms, and scheduling patterns that are important to understand. Having a firm that regularly handles cases in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas can help you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Local experience is especially important when:

• Your case involves Lehigh County CYS, local schools, or mental health providers in and around Allentown
• There are related PFAs or criminal cases in nearby Magisterial District Courts that may affect custody
• You need realistic guidance about how judges in Lehigh County tend to approach your type of dispute
• You need referrals to local resources such as co-parenting programs, counselors, or supervised visitation providers

At Madsen Law Offices, we combine detailed knowledge of Pennsylvania custody law with practical experience in how Allentown-area cases are actually handled in Lehigh County.

Our Approach to Allentown Child Custody Cases

Every family has unique needs, but our approach follows a clear structure that we adapt to your circumstances.

Listening and Defining Priorities

We begin by listening to your story. We discuss your child’s routine, school and activities in and around Allentown, and any safety or communication problems you are facing. Together, we identify short-term concerns (such as immediate schedules) and long-term priorities (such as stability, schooling, and safety).

Building the Factual Record

Custody decisions are based on facts. We help you organize important information, including text messages, emails, calendars tracking time with your child, school and medical records, and any other documentation that may help the court see the full picture. Early organization makes it easier to respond to court deadlines and conferences.

Seeking Practical Solutions

Many Allentown custody cases can be resolved through negotiation and the conference process. We look for solutions that fit your child’s needs, your work schedule, and practical realities like transportation and school pick-ups. When it is safe and reasonable, we aim to settle disputes without needing a full trial.

Prepared for Litigation When Needed

When agreement is not possible, we prepare to present your case in court. That includes preparing your testimony, organizing exhibits, planning questions for witnesses, and anticipating how the judge might view the facts. We represent parents and caregivers in contested hearings, including cases involving relocation, CYS involvement, and third-party custody claims.

Support After the Order

Your case does not end when a custody order is signed. We continue to advise Allentown clients on what to do if the other parent violates the order, if major changes occur, or if problems continue. When needed, we help file and pursue modifications or enforcement actions.

Courts and Agencies Allentown Families May Encounter

If you live in Allentown, your custody case will usually move through the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown. Along the way, you may interact with:

• The Family Court division of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
• Custody conference officers or similar court professionals
• Lehigh County Children & Youth Services (CYS), if there is an open investigation or support case
• Local counselors, co-parenting programs, and supervised visitation providers serving the Allentown area

At Madsen Law Offices, we explain who each of these players is, what they do, and how to prepare for each step so you are not walking into court or a meeting unsure of what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions About Allentown Child Custody

Where will my Allentown child custody case be heard?

Most Allentown child custody cases are filed in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas in Allentown. Your case will usually start with a custody conference and may later be scheduled before a judge for further hearings or a trial. We help you determine the correct filing location and guide you through each step at the courthouse.

How long does a custody case take in Lehigh County?

The length of a custody case depends on how contested it is, the court’s schedule, and whether parents can reach agreements early in the process. Some Allentown cases resolve around the time of the first custody conference, while others may require additional conferences, evaluations, or a trial, which can take longer. We discuss realistic timelines with you and keep you updated as your case progresses.

What if the other parent is not following our Lehigh County custody order?

If the other parent is ignoring the order, blocking visits, or frequently late with exchanges, you can ask the court to enforce the order. This is often done by filing a Petition for Contempt or similar motion in Lehigh County. We assist Allentown clients in documenting problems and presenting them to the court in an organized, effective way.

Can grandparents or relatives in Allentown seek custody or visitation?

In some situations, grandparents, stepparents, or other relatives may be allowed to file for custody or time with a child. For example, if a child has been living with a relative, or if a grandparent has played a major caregiving role, the court may recognize the right to ask for involvement. We review your circumstances under Pennsylvania law and explain what options may be available.

Will the court consider my child’s wishes in an Allentown custody case?

Judges can consider a child’s preferences, especially as the child gets older, but they must also look at many other “best interests” factors. Whether and how the court hears from a child depends on the child’s age, maturity, and the judge’s view of what is appropriate in your case. We explain how this is typically handled in Lehigh County and how it may relate to your situation.

Talk With an Allentown Child Custody Lawyer

If you are facing a child custody case in Allentown or anywhere in Lehigh County, you do not have to handle it on your own. At Madsen Law Offices, we help parents, grandparents, and other caregivers understand their options and build a plan that keeps the child’s needs at the center of the case.

To speak with an Allentown child custody lawyer, call 484-548-0529 to schedule a confidential consultation. Our office is located at 680 Wolf Avenue, Easton, PA 18042, a short drive from Allentown, and we proudly serve families throughout Allentown, Lehigh County, and the entire Lehigh Valley.