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 […]

February 9, 2013

Know Your Social Security Benefits after Divorce

Are you not receiving Social Security benefits?  Are you are present divorced? Was your prior marriage lasted for at least 10 years? Are you 62 years old?     Do you remain unmarried? If your answers to the above questions are YES, this is the right time for you to review your Social Security benefits. You […]

What is the Attorney Client Relationship?

A lawyer, is an officer of the Court, has commitments to uphold in the service of his clients. It is his duty to advise clients of their legal rights and obligations, help clients by taking legal action to protect their interests and assist clients before courts, tribunals, or administrative bodies (Basic Principles on the Role […]

CraftMaster Real Property Tax Assessment Appeal… Granted!

CraftMaster Real Property Tax Assessment appeal was granted. In 2012, Bradford County cut its tax assessment by 14.7 percent. CraftMaster Manufacturing, Inc. was earlier assessed with $3.90 million Real Property Tax, but was reduced to $3.33 million. The reduced Real Property Tax Assessment was the result of an out-of-court settlement between Bradford County and CraftMaster.  (2012) […]

February 2, 2013

Adultery, Ground for Fault based Divorce in Pennsylvania

Like all other US states, Pennsylvania admits of different grounds for Divorce, the No Fault Divorce and Fault based Divorce. Adultery is one of the grounds for Fault-based divorce. How to prove Adultery Adultery must be proven before the Court. However, there are certain qualifying acts that may prevent the case of adultery to prosper. […]

December 28, 2012

Can an extramarital affair post-separation affect support?

Extramarital Affair and Spousal Support Many times, couples separate and start new relationships during the pendency of the divorce – which some might consider an extramarital affair. In a recent case decided by Pennsylvania Court, husband appealed from the trial court order that dismissed his exceptions and granted the wife spousal support. A long-recognized exception […]

December 27, 2012

Recent PA Child Relocation Decision

Can you relocate with your child? In a recent case, the Mother’s petition to relocate was denied. The mother appealed from the trial court order that denied her petition for relocation and a related request to modify the terms of custody for the parties’ six-year-old son. The recently enacted new Child Custody Act became effective […]

December 25, 2012

First-in-time Rule, Jurisdiction & Venue in Divorce or Custody

Where does jurisdiction lie? Have you ever wondered which state has jurisdiction over a divorce case if one spouse leaves the state? How about if you have children, where does the Custody case take place? A recent Pennsylvania case addressed such issues and confirmed what has been a precedent for some time. The father and […]