November 25, 2015

Enforcing Parenting Time

Enforcing parenting time order becomes an issue in some cases once divorce decree is granted. Although the facts and circumstances vary from one case to another. However, a common scenario involves a custodial parent failing to follow the court order pertaining to parenting time or visitation. No matter the underlying cause, when a parenting time […]

Change Child Custody

Child custody may need to be changed in some situations. A variety of different reasons exist for altering or amending a child custody order. Amending a child custody order necessitates satisfying certain requirements set forth in Pennsylvania family law. Change Child Custody: Material Change of Circumstances A child needs consistency in life. Consequently, the decision […]

What is Parenting Time?

Issues related to child custody represent some of the most emotionally contentious and legally complex aspect of divorce and paternity proceedings. As a consequence, a person facing this type of legal matter is best served by having a basic understanding of the essential elements of child custody issues that can arise in divorce proceedings. In […]

November 24, 2015

Physical and Legal Custody

Legal custody and physical custody are major issues in many Pennsylvania divorce cases. Understanding the elements of child custody law in the commonwealth is crucial. A key factor is the difference between physical and legal custody. Many people find themselves in divorce cases without realizing that there are actually two types of custody. Understanding these […]

Child Custody Factors

Child custody decisions in divorce cases in Pennsylvania focus on what is deemed to be in the best interests of a minor. In an effort to ensure better reasoned and more uniform decisions by judges in regard to child custody issues, a set of best interests factors are to be considered by a judge in […]

November 23, 2015

How to Tell Children about a Divorce

Divorce can be a truly traumatic experience for children. The reality is that divorcing parents can set the tone for the end of a marriage by the way they first reach out to their children. There are certain strategies that can and should be employed when it comes to telling children about a pending divorce. […]

May 14, 2014

Who gets the family pet in divorce cases?

As the family dynamic changes as a result of divorce, clients are forced to make tough decisions that affect their families. Custody arrangements, division or sale of marital property, and who keeps the home. What many don’t consider until the end is what happens with the family pets. We consider pets to be family members, […]

May 1, 2014

How to Protect the Kids During Contested Divorce

The fragile dynamic that forms during divorce can change the outcome of custody, support, or equitable distribution. Just when it seems a settlement is on the horizon, the client and the ex-spouse engage in a deal-breaking conflict that throws the divorce into greater disarray. Following a few simple guidelines will help your kids, your sanity […]

March 20, 2014

Relocating with Children Post-Separation

When clients finish the process of divorce after years of difficulty in marriage, the prospect of starting a new life can be exciting and nerve wracking. That new job, the opportunity for change, and really getting to know yourself are common “bright sides” to divorce. For those with kids, the feeling of full opportunity can […]

March 11, 2014

Contempt Charges in Child Custody Cases

Child custody is often the most emotionally challenging aspect of the separation and divorce process. Custody can become a dangerous and manipulative game – and the best interests of the children fade out of focus. Contempt charges in child custody cases may be filed against a parent in violation of a custody order; sanctions for […]

February 21, 2014

Help with Transportation for Shared Custody from Recent PA Case

  Divorced or separated parents know how difficult it can be to maintain a consistent routine for shared custody. Two households, one school, varying schedules including sports or after school activities – when parents are working, pick-ups and drops offs can be become stressful. For schools, keeping up safety measures of who is taking a […]

December 4, 2013

Abandonment: Terminating Parental Rights in PA

Pennsylvania requirements for who and how to terminate parental rights When it comes to protecting a child, there is no compromising. Unfortunately, those individuals who are able to cause the most harm to a child can be those who are closest to them. In Pennsylvania, terminating parental rights can be done voluntarily or involuntarily. For […]

November 24, 2013

A Common Regret After Divorce in Pennsylvania

How not hiring a lawyer can lead to regret   Our office knows the extent to which a divorce can exhaust a client, especially when they have sought counsel after being un-represented for much of the proceedings. We also know how satisfied clients feel for having solid guidance during a tough time. Handling divorce in […]

September 5, 2013

Child Support Deviation based upon Custody | Bucks County

PA Guidelines Allow Child Support Deviation Based on Custody The calculation helps determine child support or support deviation for Bucks County and all Pennsylvania support cases. The amount child support deviation may increase or decrease depending on the amount of parenting time spent with the child(ren). It may not necessarily rely on overnights either – […]

September 4, 2013

Welcome Jahn S. Chesnov, Esquire: 27 Years of Family Law in Bucks County

We are excited and pleased that Jahn S. Chesnov, Esquire has joined our team to continue providing excellent service to the Bucks County community. Mr. Chesnov will provide insight and advice to support our large portfolio of family law cases. As a seasoned practitioner of Family Law in Bucks County, Mr. Chesnov provides 27 years’ experience […]

July 17, 2013

Five Mistakes to Avoid During Your Divorce

We compiled a small list to help you navigate through this tough time in your life. Researching finances, understanding marital and non-marital property, as well as choosing the right attorney can change the course of your divorce action. 1. Research your money Don’t just skim over your checking account; delve into all the dark and […]

May 25, 2013

Grandparents Rights Revisited through Recent Bucks County Case

Do grandparents have rights in custody of their grandchildren?  And to what extent?  In a recent Bucks County custody case, the Court was faced with the issue of grandparents rights. After a trial, the court granted the paternal grandmother partial physical custody of her grandchild. The trial was based upon the argument of the adoptive parents, the child’s biological grandfather […]

February 20, 2013

Risky Business | Bad Investments’ Affect on Property Division

Unfortunately, many divorces contain unsettling news when it comes to property division.  Poor decision making about finances can affect how the Courts divide a couple’s property in divorce proceedings.  However, one party losing marital funds during the marriage does not alone warrant an unequal property division. Under 23 Pa.C.S.A. ß 3502(a) of the Divorce Code, […]

New Philadelphia AVI | Appeal your tax assessment

The city’s new property tax assessments are going to save one neighbor a lot of money and increase another’s just as much, if not more.  The bottom line is that there is very little uniformity with this system.  This new system is known as the Actual Value Initiative and assessments are based on 100% of […]

February 19, 2013

Phila Tax Hikes | Conducting a Tax Assessment Appeal

  This is just one example of the tax hikes. The Philadelphia tax hikes are hitting everyone hard – some people have contacted our office with astounding new figures that they just can’t believe. With the mathematics and realistic values of these properties, we wonder where the owner will come up with the difference of […]