Blog: Family Law

4/6/25

3 Parenting Issues That Can Easily Cause Co-Parenting Conflict

The intense emotions that are inspired by a failed romantic relationship or marriage can make it difficult to cooperate with one's ex. Even when parents set their own feelings aside and focus on their children, they may find themselves disagreeing on key issues. Here are three common issues that can easily trigger conflict in co-parenting relationships: 1. Discipline and Parenting Styles Different parenting styles can lead to significant disagreements. One parent might be more lenient,...

5/23/24

Can I adopt my spouse’s child?

Stepparents often form deep emotional bonds with their spouse’s children, leading many to consider stepparent adoption. This legal process solidifies the relationship between the stepparent and the child, granting the stepparent full parental rights. Criteria to legally adopt Stepparent adoption is a legal procedure that establishes the stepparent as the child’s legal parent, effectively severing ties with one biological parent. In Pennsylvania, you must fulfill certain criteria to adopt your spouse’s child. First, you must...

4/15/24

3 reasons a parent may need to file an emergency petition

Resolving custody matters is often a lengthy process. Those going through a breakup or divorce may wait months for a hearing in front of a family law judge. Even those with existing custody orders may need to wait quite some time for a modification hearing to review proposed changes to the custody arrangement. Not all families have the luxury of waiting numerous months to resolve custody issues. There are some scenarios in which a parent...

1/18/24

3 ways mobile technology can cause co-parenting conflicts

Parents who divorce or break up have to find a way to share responsibility for their children and divide time with them. It can be so difficult to navigate matters related to financial support and parenting time that people may overlook other issues. For example, there are many day-to-day decisions that parents have to cooperate with each other to address as they raise their children cooperatively. Parents manage everything from a child’s education to their...

12/15/23

The importance of a positive support system during legal challenges

Navigating legal challenges can be a daunting experience, and the support system you choose to surround yourself with plays a crucial role in how you manage the complexities of legal proceedings. By understanding the dynamics of emotional support, you can strive to mitigate the impact legal proceedings can have on your well-being. The role of a positive support system In times of legal turmoil, your family can become a Engaging with a professional therapist...

11/8/23

Reviewing grandparents’ rights in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, grandparents may seek child custody and visitation rights of their grandchildren under certain circumstances. They can also pursue collaborative methods such as alternative dispute resolutions to reach an agreement with the child’s parents. Reviewing the state laws about grandparent visitation can help you determine the next steps to preserve this important relationship. Child custody vs. visitation Grandparents can petition for physical and legal custody of their grandchild only in certain circumstances. In...

10/21/23

Keeping cool during divorce and custody matters

Tensions run high, and frustration, anger or sadness can easily overwhelm you during divorce or child custody. During this challenging time, keeping your composure may be crucial in the evolution of your case and its eventual outcome. Your ability to Address internal conflict Recognizing the emotional toll divorce and custody matters can have on your mental well-being is essential. Ignoring or bottling your feelings can result in emotional outbursts. Work to understand the roots...

8/18/23

What benefits can parents get from parental coordination services?

Shared custody arrangements in Pennsylvania, even when created by a court order, can potentially cause intense conflict between parents. The adults in a family may have a very hard time cooperating with one another and working out the details of an effective co-parenting relationship after a divorce or non-marital split. Parents may argue during custody exchanges or even disagree about basic aspects of co-parenting like their schedule and division of parental authority. Sometimes, families have...

4/3/19

Getting Your Family Back On Track After Bankruptcy

Written By Jennifer Pell There were 773,375 Utilize meditation When you file for bankruptcy, every asset you own comes under scrutiny and this can disgruntle the family set up. It, therefore, comes as little surprise that a Ramsey Solutions survey found that money problems are the second most common reason why couples divorce. Thankfully, attending mediation is an effective way for all parties to voice how they’re feeling in an impartial environment. In 2016,...

2/21/19

Blending Families: Try These Tips for a Smooth Transition

Written By Jennifer Pell Sixty-five percent of remarriages Before everyone moves in together, you and your partner should sit down and agree together on how your new, blended household will run. First and foremost, it is important that Safety First Safety is the first thing to address when moving into a new home. Especially if you have younger children, you and your partner will need to Make It Legal As you combine households,...