For families navigating the Pennsylvania court system for child custody, the process can be overwhelming—lengthy, expensive, and emotionally exhausting. The complexity often stems from the numerous factors judges must consider when determining custody arrangements. However, change may be on the way.

The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee recently advanced House Bill 378, a measure aimed at simplifying family law processes.

The bill proposes reducing the number of custody determination factors from 16 to 12. This change follows recommendations from the Joint State Government Commission Task Force on Domestic Relations Law. According to the bill’s sponsors, “the current 16 factors used by judges in making child custody determinations have redundancies…leading to confusion among families, attorneys, and even judges.” The bill seeks to provide “clarity, uniformity and judicial efficiency, creating more manageable criteria for families navigating the legal system while building upon the vital protections for children enacted under Kayden’s Law.”

The bill, which has bipartisan support, now moves to the full House for further consideration.

If you are facing a custody dispute and looking for a top family law firm in Bucks County, contact Williams Family Law for help by phone at 215-340-2207, or email us at info@bucksfamilylawyers.com.