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Child Custody Decisions in Pennsylvania
September 8, 2023Understanding Your Choices for the Best Chance at Success
Child custody decisions in Pennsylvania are determined by a court’s assessment of the best interests of the child, considering all relevant factors, including those factors listed in Section 5328 of the child custody statute. Among the 16 factors considered by the court is the “well-reasoned preference of the child, based on the child’s maturity and judgment.” It is important to highlight that the well-reasoned preference of a child is simply one of 16 factors a court must weigh when deciding a physical custody schedule that is in the best interests of a child. Therefore, although a child may express a preference in residing primarily with one parent over the other, that preference is considered along with all other factors, and a court may decide that the child’s preference is outweighed by more significant factors. This means that a court may not agree that the child’s desired preference is in their best interests, regardless of the child’s age or level of maturity.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN ESTATE PLANNING?
August 15, 2023
Qualifications and Eligibility for SSDI Benefits & SSI
August 2, 2023SSDI & SSI: For which disability benefit(s) should you apply?
SSDI benefits and SSI benefits are two disability benefit programs offered by the Social Security Administration (“SSA”). Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) are provided as benefits to individuals that qualify based on a disability that meets SSA statutes. But, which one should you apply for? Should you apply for both or are you not eligible for either SSDI or SSI?
COMMON LAW MARRIAGE IN PENNSYLVANIA
July 18, 2023Common Law Benefits
Pennsylvania stopped recognizing Common Law Marriages as of January 1, 2005; however, if you had established a Common Law Marriage in Pennsylvania prior to that date, Pennsylvania Law preserves the validity of such marriages. An established Common Law Marriage may provide you with certain benefits such as spousal death benefits, Social Security surviving spouse benefits, or zero percent inheritance tax (as opposed to 15% for unrelated persons).
Navigating Pennsylvania Personal Injury Law
July 14, 2023Personal Injury Process
When it comes to personal injury cases, understanding the legal landscape is crucial for both victims and their families. If you find yourself facing the aftermath of an accident in Pennsylvania, it’s essential to be familiar with the state’s personal injury laws. This blog will shed light on the key aspects of Pennsylvania personal injury law, empowering you with the knowledge you need to navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.
Emergency Protection from Abuse Orders
June 7, 2023Staying Safe & Legally Protected
Generally, a person who claims they were abused by a family member or current or former intimate partner can receive a restraining order (abuse orders) from the Court of Common Pleas. Those restraining orders are issued under the Protection from Abuse Act and are frequently referred to as “PFAs.” But sometimes an alleged victim asks for an order at night or on the weekend. Fortunately, there is a procedure in Pennsylvania that allows Magisterial District Courts (MDJs) to issue emergency orders when the Court of Common Pleas is not available. This article will help you understand the qualifications and process for emergency protection from abuse orders in a general way. For detailed legal help in your specific case, contact our team of experts.
Understanding Pet Custody in PA Divorce
May 17, 2023Pet Custody in PA Divorce
What does the law say about pet custody in the event of divorce in Pennsylvania? We treat our pets like family, but what happens to our pets when the family separates and the marriage ends in divorce? Currently, the Pennsylvania Divorce Code does not provide special considerations or provisions for family pets; rather, the court views pets as personal property, dividing such “property” as it would furniture and other items of tangible property.
What to Expect in the Pennsylvania Divorce Process
May 2, 2023By its nature, divorce is an emotionally taxing ordeal. Legal counsel is well aware, or should be, that the prospective client or client with whom he or she is speaking seeks assistance at very likely one of the low points of their lives. Being so, it is incumbent upon legal counsel to clearly explain the statutory and procedural process of divorce.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IF YOU RECEIVE NOTICE THAT YOU ARE A PARTY TO A SUPPORT ACTION
April 24, 2023Support conference matters are handled in the part of the Court of Common Pleas called the Domestic Relations Section. Complaints for support are filed with the Domestic Relations Office, which handles issues associated with support for spouses and children as well as temporary alimony (also known as alimony pendente lite).
SSDI & SSI: The Importance of Your Medical Records
April 4, 2023Have you seen your SSDI & SSI Medical Records? The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) offers Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits to individuals that qualify based on a disability that meets SSA statutes and, in the case of SSI, are also low-income eligible.