Who can get custody or visitation?
The judge will make a custody order that s/he feels is in the best interest of the child.* One or both of the child’s parents may receive custody. In Pennsylvania, grandparents can file for custody or visitation in certain circumstances. For more information, go to I am the child’s grandparent or great-grandparent. Can I get custody or visitation of the child? A non-parent who has acted in loco parentis (in place of the parent) may also receive custody or visitation. Non-parents with in loco parentis status will generally have performed the duties that a parent usually performs – such as being the primary caretaker – for a significant period of time.**** * 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5301; 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5303(a) ** 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5311; 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5313 *** 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 5104 **** See, for example, T.B. v. L.R.M., 567 Pa. 222, 786 A.2d 913 (2001)(granting visitation to lesbian partner who cared for children during relationship); S.A. v. C.G.R., 856 A.2d 1248 (2004)(involving a wife whose husband