Blog

6/17/16

Do grandparents have rights when it comes to custody?

Grandparents play an important role in their grandchildren’s lives and the larger family dynamic. In the best case scenario, grandparents have consistent access to their grandchildren, with the parents’ blessing, and are able to develop close, positive relationships with them. However, best case scenario doesn’t happen all the time, and there are times when grandparents may find themselves facing an uphill battle trying to get access to their grandchildren. If you are currently dealing with...

6/3/16

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD – YOUR CHOICE

Scenario 1: Spouse 1 to Spouse 2 (in front of child): “If you don’t agree to what I want, I’m taking you to Court and the Judge will take Joey away from you! Just because you’re Mommy doesn’t mean you get to call the shots!” Scenario 1: Spouse 1 to Spouse 2 (in front of child): “If you don’t agree to what I want, I’m taking you to Court and the Judge will take Joey...

5/23/16

Parental relocation: what are the laws in Pennsylvania?

If you feel the need for a major lifestyle change or a fresh start after your divorce, you’re not alone. It’s common for other big changes, like a new job or a cross-country move, to follow your change in relationship status. However, if you have children with your ex and are planning on taking them along with you, there are rules and procedures that must be followed. In Pennsylvania, the term relocation usually refers to...

5/5/16

Avoiding child custody complications during the summer

As summer approaches, many parents in Pennsylvania are deciding how they will spend time with their children. In many cases, this involves making travel plans, child care arrangements and decisions regarding extracurricular activities. These issues can be more complicated for parents who are no longer involved romantically and could require additional legal measures to be taken in regard to child custody. In a perfect world, parents would be able to communicate openly and honestly about...

4/28/16

Seeking an adoption in Pennsylvania

There are a variety of different types of parents in Pennsylvania and across the country. In addition to parents who are hands on or those who take a different approach, there are parents who have a biological connection to a child and those who do not. For many of the families without the biological relationship to the child, it does not change the person’s impact or role in the child’s life. In some cases, it...

4/21/16

Charlie Sheen involved in child support disagreement

There are many parents in Pennsylvania who struggle to ensure that their children’s needs are met. This may also be the case even for those who are perceived to be wealthy. For example, actor Charlie Sheen is now embroiled in child support disputes with two women as he seeks to have the amount he pays each month reduced. One case involves Brooke Mueller, the mother of his twin boys, now 7. Mueller claims that Sheen...

4/14/16

Woman seeks child custody of her son following illness

While some in Pennsylvania have complication-free pregnancies, others do not and, ultimately, find themselves in the hospital. Being ill during pregnancy can make caring for another child complicated; many families are able to cope by relying on family members and friends. Unfortunately, one out-of-state woman hospitalized due to pregnancy complications claims that a woman she considered a friend — and former employee of the Department of Children’s Services — took advantage of their relationship by...

4/12/16

It is important to talk to an attorney before filing for divorce

If you’ve made a decision to divorce, you are probably anxious to move out of your home, get the legal paperwork filed and start the next chapter of your life. However, getting help from an experienced family law attorney before moving – and before actually filing anything – is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself. A divorce attorney will help you make a plan to navigate the days and...

4/7/16

State says man must pay child support for child who is not his

Parents have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that their children receive the financial and emotional care they require. Most parents in Pennsylvania are more than willing to meet these obligations to the children. However, one out-of-state man claims he was recently notified that he will be required to pay child support with whom he shares no biological connection. The man says that he received a letter from the state informing him that he...

3/31/16

Family law mediation: Making divorce more peaceful

Thanks to its portrayal in movies and on television, many people have the mistaken impression that divorce is always bitter and contentious. While it is true that some couples in Pennsylvania may struggle with negative emotions during the divorce process, many are able to come together in the spirit of communication and compromise to make necessary decisions. For these couples, there are more peaceful, less expensive paths to divorce, including Some statistics indicate that...