Few legal issues are more emotional or impactful than those involving the custody of your children. At Kinney Law, we bring more than 30 years of litigation experience to every custody case—ensuring your rights are protected and your children’s best interests are prioritized. Whether you are seeking an initial custody order, modifying an existing arrangement, or addressing complex disputes, we are here to guide you every step of the way.  In addition to decades of custody litigation, Tim Kinney also raised his own son in a shared custody arrangement. As a result,  he personally understands and appreciates the unique challenges child custody involves for all families.

Types of Custody in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania law (23 Pa.C.S. § 5322), custody between parents is divided into two categories:

• Legal Custody: The right to make major decisions on behalf of the child, including education, healthcare, and religion.
• Physical Custody: The actual physical possession and care of the child.

Each type may be shared or sole, depending on the circumstances of the case. Custody arrangements may also include partial, supervised, or temporary custody.

How Custody Decisions Are Made

The guiding principle in Pennsylvania custody law is the best interest of the child, as outlined in 23 Pa.C.S. § 5328. Courts consider 16 statutory factors, including but not limited to:

• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable, nurturing home
• The child’s relationship with siblings and other family members
• History of abuse or criminal behavior
• Willingness of each parent to cooperate and foster the child’s relationship with the other parent
• The child’s preferences, depending on age and maturity
• Each parent’s availability and involvement in the child’s life

Kinney Law helps you understand how these factors apply in your case and builds a persuasive argument aligned with your child’s best interests.  We will work with you to develop the best parenting plan for your unique family situation, and then work tirelessly to achieve and implement it.

The Kinney Law Advantage in Custody Cases

• Strategic Case Building: We collect and present evidence tailored to the statutory factors, including witness testimony, documentation, and expert custody evaluations where necessary.
• Trial Experience: Tim Kinney has represented parents in a wide range of custody matters—from simple parenting agreements to high-conflict disputes requiring litigation. His knowledge of Westmoreland County court practices ensures effective representation at every stage.
• Custom-Tailored Agreements: Where possible, we help parents create parenting plans that are practical, enforceable, and focused on long-term family stability.
• Constant Communication: You will have 24/7 access to your case updates and documents via our secure Client Portal, along with direct attorney contact.
• Personal Passion: Tim Kinney raised his own child in a shared custody arrangement, and considers child custody to be one of the most important aspects of any parent’s life.  He has focused on child custody matters his entire career as a family lawyer, and offers a wealth of personal and professional knowledge to assist you in navigating your child custody matter.

Modifications and Enforcement

Life changes—and so can custody needs. Whether you are seeking to modify an existing order due to relocation, schedule changes, safety concerns, or need help enforcing a current order, Kinney Law is ready to help.

Begin the Custody Process with Confidence

When your children’s future is at stake, you need a knowledgeable, assertive attorney on your side. At Kinney Law, we advocate tirelessly to protect your parental rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your family.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward securing your custody rights.