- DivorceIn almost every case, divorce presents an extremely difficult transition for couples and families. Collaborative law divorces, however, allow families to control costs, outcomes and animosity. It is true that in certain cases, litigation is necessary. Whenever possible, however, collaborative divorces should be considered, as they may allow you to...
- Child SupportAn Acknowledgment of Paternity form may be provided at the time of birth at the hospital. After leaving the hospital an Acknowledgment of Paternity form can be obtained from a county assistance office, a domestic relations office or by contacting the department of public welfare, bureau of child support enforcement, or a paternity coordinator. The form must include the signed consent of both the birth mother and father, and must be witnessed by someone other than the birth parents. If the birth mother refuses to sign an acknowledgment and the father wants parental rights, he may go to the domestic relations office to request a DNA test.
- Child Custody and VisitationThe primary focus in Pennsylvania is on physical custody, legal custody and visitation. Physical custody is the actual possession and control of a child. Legal custody is the legal right to make major decisions that affect the best interest of the child, namely medical, education and religious.
- AdoptionWhen a child lives with a biological parent married to someone who is not the child’s other biological parent, a stepparent adoption may be ideal for the family. If the spouse wants to adopt the child, the process can move forward without any additional steps if both biological parents consent. If, however, the other biological parent does not consent, it may be necessary to undertake litigation terminating parental rights.
- Paternity
- Premarital AgreementIn the current environment, when divorce is so common, you should speak with an experienced lawyer if you want a prenuptial agreement or are looking for advice about prenuptial negotiations.
- GuardianshipWhen a person over the age of 18 years is thought to be incapacitated it is important for an interested person to consider whether the appointment of a Guardian is necessary.
- Spousal SupportThe obligation to support children is mandatory for all parents, and it doesn’t disappear in the event of a divorce. A spousal support claim can be made after the parties separate up until the divorce is final. In the course of divorce proceedings, you need representation that can help you pursue the fairest deal possible.
- Juvenile CrimesYou might be angry with your child, or simply scared. Or you might feel a sense of guilt that your child committed a crime. When your child has been charged with a juvenile crime, whether it’s a first offense or a subsequent offense, the emotions are strong and often conflicting.
- Estate PlanningAfter a divorce, often people change their will to exclude the ex-spouse, but related documents, like a retirement plan or a trust, still name their ex-spouse as the main beneficiary. This inconsistency will make it much more difficult to achieve estate planning goals in the long run.
- Wills