| AAML Fellow · Across from the Courthouse
Lancaster Child Custody Attorneys
Lancaster Child Custody Attorneys
A custody case shapes where your child lives, who makes decisions, and the relationship you will have with them for years. Speak with attorneys who know the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, the judges, and the local process, and who will fight zealously to protect your rights as a parent.
A custody case shapes where your child lives, who makes decisions, and the relationship you will have with them for years. Speak with attorneys who know the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, the judges, and the local process, and who will fight zealously to protect your rights as a parent.
- AAML Fellow on the family law team
- 75+ Reviews · 4.7 Star Average
A Firm Commitment to Trust.
75+
Reviews
4.7 Star Average
Reviews
4.7 Star Avg.
20+
Years Representing
Lancaster Families
Years Serving
Lancaster Families
40+
Years Combined
Family Law Experience
1
Block From the
County Courthouse
Block from the
Lancaster County Courthouse
75+
Reviews
4.7 Star Average
20+
Years Representing
Lancaster Families
40+
Years Combined
Family Law Experience
1
Block From the
County Courthouse
Three reasons families choose us.
Family law is personal. The lawyer you hire shapes how the next chapter of your life looks. Here is what you get when you work with our team.
Family law is personal. The lawyer you hire shapes how the next chapter of your life looks.
01
Local Expertise
Deep knowledge of Pennsylvania family law and the Lancaster County courts. Our office sits across from the courthouse, and we appear in those courtrooms regularly. Your case is built on the rules, judges, and procedures that actually decide it.
Deep knowledge of Pennsylvania family law and the Lancaster County courts. Our office sits across from the courthouse, and we appear in those courtrooms regularly.
02
Aggressive Advocacy
When your custody, finances, or future are at stake, you need a lawyer who litigates, not one who just files paperwork. Our team is thorough, knowledgeable, and aggressive, and prepared to fight for you in court if that is what your case requires.
When your custody, finances, or future are at stake, you need a lawyer who litigates. Our team is thorough, knowledgeable, and prepared to fight for you in court.
03
Client-First Focus
We listen. We explain the law in plain English. We return your phone calls. You will not be passed off to a paralegal or left guessing about your next step. You get clear advice and a real plan from the attorney handling your matter.
We listen. We explain the law in plain English. We return your phone calls. You will not be passed off to a paralegal or left guessing about your next step.
Reviews from real Lancaster families.
75+ reviews · 4.7 star average. Real clients in real situations, in their own words.
“They explained every step clearly and fought hard for my children. I never felt lost or ignored during the process.”
SM
Sarah M.
google review
“Having an AAML Fellow handle my case made a real difference. The depth of knowledge was evident from day one.”
JT
James T.
google review
“Being right across from the courthouse was a huge advantage. They knew the judges, the staff, and exactly how to navigate my case.”
KR
Karen R.
google review
The lawyers handling your case.
Both founders personally handle family law matters. You speak with an attorney, not a screener.
Both founders personally handle family law matters. You speak with an attorney, not a screener.
Joseph P. McMahon
Founded Lancaster Law Group in 2013. Former Lancaster County Assistant District Attorney. Personally handles family law, criminal defense, and PFA matters.
Founded Lancaster Law Group in 2013. Former Lancaster County Assistant District Attorney with extensive courtroom experience. Personally handles family law, criminal defense, and PFA matters.
Shawnee S. Burton
Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Elected to the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section Council. Focuses on complex divorce, custody, and appellate matters.
Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the highest peer-recognized credential in family law. Elected to the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section Council. Focuses on complex divorce, custody, and appellate matters.
David A. Lewis
Decades of professional experience including business ownership, legal training, and courtroom practice. A practical perspective on the challenges clients face.
Attorney David A. Lewis brings decades of professional experience to Lancaster Law Group’s legal team. His background includes business ownership, legal training, and courtroom practice, giving him a practical perspective on the challenges clients face in family law matters.
Robert C. Wee
Extensive legal experience including military legal service and years of courtroom practice in family law matters.
Attorney Robert C. Wee brings extensive legal experience to Lancaster Law Group, including military legal service and years of courtroom practice. That background gives clients additional perspective as they face serious family law issues and work through important decisions about the future.
What we handle for Lancaster families.
From initial filings to contested hearings, modifications, and emergencies. Lancaster custody law is procedural and fact-specific, and we work through each piece with you.
Physical Custody
Primary, partial, and shared arrangements. Where your child lives and when.
Divorce
Contested and uncontested divorce, equitable distribution, alimony, business and asset division.
Legal Custody
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, and religion for your child.
Child Custody
Primary, partial, and shared custody. Modifications, emergency matters, and third-party disputes.
Custody Modifications
Changing existing orders when circumstances have materially changed.
Child Support
Calculations, deviations, modifications, and enforcement tied to your custody schedule.
Emergency Custody
Immediate relief when a child's safety or welfare is at risk.
Spousal Support
Spousal support, APL, and alimony. Clear facts and numbers, not myths and misinformation.
Relocation Disputes
Move-away cases and objections under Pennsylvania relocation law.
Property Division
Marital assets, debts, real estate, retirement accounts, and family business interests under PA law.
Third-Party Custody
Grandparent and non-parent custody and visitation rights under PA law.
Prenuptial Agreements
Drafting and reviewing prenups for clarity and enforceability before you say "I do."
Child Support
Calculations, deviations, modifications, and enforcement tied to your custody schedule.
Paternity
Establishing paternity, the legal foundation for custody and support rights.
Custody Appeals
Appeals to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Timelines are strict.
Appeals
Appeals to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania for unfavorable family law rulings. Timelines are strict.
From first call to clear plan.
A simple, predictable path from where you are now to a strategy you understand.
01
Call or submit the form
Tell us what’s going on. We’ll set a time to talk and confirm we’re a fit for your matter.
02
Sit down with an attorney
You meet with one of our family law attorneys. We listen, ask the right questions, and explain your options in plain English.
03
Walk out with a real plan
You leave with a clear understanding of the law, the likely path forward, and the next steps for your case.
01
Call or submit the form
Tell us what’s going on. We’ll set a time to talk and confirm we’re a fit for your matter.
02
Sit down with an attorney
You meet with one of our family law attorneys. We listen, ask the right questions, and explain your options in plain English.
03
Walk out with a real plan
You leave with a clear understanding of the law, the likely path forward, and the next steps for your case.
Frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions.
The questions Lancaster families ask us most often, answered honestly.
The questions Lancaster families ask us most often, answered honestly.
What is the difference between physical and legal custody?
How does a Pennsylvania court decide custody?
Can I modify an existing custody order?
Pennsylvania has spousal support (during the marriage), alimony pendente lite (during the divorce), and alimony (after the divorce). Whether alimony applies depends on the length of the marriage, the income of each spouse, earning capacity, and other factors. We will walk you through the math at the consultation and explain what the court is likely to consider.
What happens if the other parent violates the custody order?
An uncontested divorce is faster and less expensive, but you still want a divorce attorney to review the agreement. Marital settlement agreements have long-term consequences, including on retirement accounts, real estate, and tax treatment. A short consultation can prevent a costly mistake.
Do grandparents have custody rights in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Most Pennsylvania divorces involve custody and support questions. We handle the full picture, including parenting time, child support, and modifications, so you do not have to coordinate across multiple firms.
What's the difference between legal and physical custody?
Physical custody determines where your child lives and when. Legal custody determines who makes major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion. Pennsylvania courts can award these independently — you may share legal custody while one parent has primary physical custody.
Where do I file for custody in Lancaster County?
Custody complaints are filed at the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, where the child has lived for the past six months. Our office is across the street from the courthouse.
How does Pennsylvania decide custody?
Pennsylvania uses a best-interest standard that weighs stability, caregiving history, each parent’s willingness to support the relationship with the other parent, level of conflict, and any history of abuse or harmful conduct.
Can a custody order be changed?
Yes. Custody orders can be modified when there is a meaningful change affecting the child’s well-being, stability, schedule, or safety. The court applies the best-interest standard.
What if my child is in immediate danger?
Pennsylvania allows special relief filings when a child faces immediate harm. We can move quickly on emergency orders. In an active emergency, call 911 first, then contact us.
Do fathers start at a disadvantage?
No. Pennsylvania law does not favor either parent based on gender. The same factors apply to every case, and fathers may seek shared, primary, or partial custody on equal footing.
Talk to a Lancaster child custody attorney today.
A Firm Commitment to Trust
Pennsylvania family law and criminal defense, anchored in Lancaster County. Across the street from the Lancaster County Courthouse.
110 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Across from the Lancaster County Courthouse
The materials on this website are for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. Information submitted through this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. © 2026 Lancaster Law Group.
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