PA custody without court hearings?

Question

Can two parents who agree on custody arrangements have the custody agreement drawn up and legally finalized by a laywer WITHOUT having to go to court?
If so, how long would it take?
The parents are not currently married (to each other or anyone else) so there is no divorce proceedings to complete. They are just looking to get a custody agreement done and legalized without the court costs and ridiculous expense of court.
Can this be done? If so, HOW??

Answer 1

Yes. In fact, you don't need a lawyer either. We went to the local law library and asked the clerk for the appropriate document. We drew up the agreement between ourselves, had it notorized, and filed it with the clerk of courts. The only cost we had was for the copy of the document and the filing fees (which we split).
In the document, we stated what visitation each had, who's responsibility it was to provide medical coverage, how medical deductibles would be handled (50/50 including any emergency visits), how extra fees were to be done (such as school or sports fees - 50/50), what (if any) child support we agreed to, what school district to stay in (in other words-one parent could not move away and take the children), how to handle dental/vision care (again 50/50). We noted what legal routes would be taken if these were not followed by either parent. Also noted was how traveling would be handled for doc appts or school activities (we take turns), and that if I take a child to the doc, I am to notify him of the outcome (and vice/versa). We had to do an addendum regarding school notifications and how to handle discipline at each home. For example, if my daughter got grounded at Dad's, would that follow to Mom's? If a call was rcvd from school and Dad was contacted, would he handle it and then tell me or would we handle it together?
The detail seemed stupid at the time we filed but it really helped once we each had someone else in our lives. There was less chance for conflict as we each moved forward with our own lives. Things were SO much easier for the kids.
Split parentage is never easy for the kids so when you set this document up, try to think of everything you can that will make your future with them as simple and legally direct as possible.

Answer 2

I would assume someone would have to show up in court, you are correct in asking a lawyer for advice, most offer 30 minutes free, I would also assume childsupport etc would want to be written , along with who will carry the child on health care, and also Taxes, the laywer should know all this,,

I have been divorced tiwce but have not been involved in a not married child custody

Answer 3

At that age, a decide might supply it some attention. yet i think of any decide would be greater persuaded by ability of the reason of the father getting commonplace custody, and the actuality that this reason is persevering with.

Answer 4

u can but its muh easier and cheaper 2 use a lawyer