Pennsylvania Family Law Blog

A recent article from philly.com reported about a couple that is squaring off in the courtroom for the second time, fighting over custody of six-year old Dexter. Is Dexter their son? Not quite. Dexter is a much loved dog that is apparently worth the extensive hours the former couple has spent in New Jersey courtrooms. The woman claims that the couple referred to Dexter as their son, thus emphasizing the attachment the each party has towards the dog. At this point, neither plaintiff is willing to share him.

After hearing testimony in Superior Court that, while one partner purchased the dog and paid veterinary bills, the former couple lived together and, therefore, both cared for Dexter, the judge ruled that Dexter was joint property, although no final decisions were made. The woman’s claim that she was given permanent custody of the dog when the couple separated was ruled to be unfounded. For now, both attorneys of the former couple will file additional briefs stating their thoughts on who should get the dog and why.

A most unique custody dispute, this couple’s struggle is an example of how emotionally torn a “parent” can feel when someone they love, even if that “someone” does happen to be a dog, may be taken away from them. Although this particular case does not involve children, two people facing the multiple complexities of child custody in Pennsylvania amidst a divorce can often feel overwhelmed and confused just as this “dueling dog couple” feels. First and foremost however, the most important thing when it comes to deciding upon child custody in court is taking into full consideration what is best for the child or children.

Experienced Philadelphia child custody attorney, Sheryl R. Rentz, has been defending the interests of clients in their child custody disputes for many years. Children should always be ensured a safe and loving home after their parent’s divorce or separation. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, our skilled family law attorneys will do everything possible to help you gain the child custody you deserve, making sure that your child’s or children’s happiness is never put in jeopardy. Contact our office today for a free and confidential evaluation.

Very often when a family experiences a divorce, grandparents can undergo similar challenges that parents go through due to close relationships with grandchildren or the desire to establish stronger bonds. According to the website divorcesupport.com, child visitation in Pennsylvania may be granted to a grandparent under the following circumstances:

• at least one of the child’s parents is deceased
• the parents’ marriage is dissolved
• the parents have been separated for six months or more
• the child has resided with the grandparent(s) for twelve months or more and is consequently removed from the home by his parents.

Under Title 23, Section 5311, the court must find that the visitation of a grandparent is in the best interest of the child and will not interfere with the parent-child relationship. Visitation rights terminate when adoption occurs, unless the child happens to be adopted by either a stepparent or grandparent. As a grandparent, you can request for visitation before a judge in which many determining factors will be considered, including: your closeness to the child, your relationship with the child’s parents/guardians, and your past relationship with the child.

Many legal complications can interfere with a grandparent’s desired visitation rights, or even those of a parent, depending on the matters surrounding a separation or divorce. It is important to remember that the main focus in any visitation or child custody dispute is what is best for the child or children involved in terms of well-being, safety, healthy development, proper care, and, often times neglected, their happiness.

If you want to ensure that you have the legal right to visit with your child or if you are a grandparent wishing to do so, please contact skilled Philadelphia child visitation attorney Sheryl R. Rentz for a free consultation. The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz has years of experience assisting parents and relatives in Pennsylvania family court issues. Call 610-645-0100 today!

Former Major League Baseball star, Troy Neel, has been sentenced to five years of probation for failing to pay more than $700,000 in child support – the worst deadbeat record in Texas history. According to this Associated Press news report, a federal judge in San Antonio, Texas, sentenced the former Oakland Athletics first baseman, who could have received a maximum penalty of two years in prison. The judge spared him the prison sentence only because he would not have been able to pay child support while incarcerated. Neel was ordered to pay $779,000 in restitution. The 43-year-old Neel apparently lived in a South Pacific island resort when the $5,000 monthly payments for his two children went unpaid.

Child support payments have their purpose, but more importantly they are a significant part of a divorce agreement where one parent promises to pay the other monthly to support their children. Failure to pay child support in Pennsylvania can result in serious consequences including jail or prison time, suspension of passport or driver’s licenses, freezing of bank accounts and assets, as well as garnishing paychecks.

Skilled and aggressive representation from an experienced Pennsylvania child support attorney is a must if you are in a tough situation – whether it is paying up the money or as a parent trying to collect the child support you are due. Please call the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. We will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that your situation is promptly and satisfactorily resolved.

A Philadelphia man, who spent 14 years in prison for failing to pay about $2.5 million in alimony, was finally freed. The man, who requested a petition for freedom, is now 73 years old, according to this UPI news report. The man was sent to prison for contempt of court in 1995 after failing to deposit the money in a court-controlled account. The money was to be used for alimony payments to his ex-wife.

The presiding judge then apparently suspected that the man hid his funds from his ex-wife. The man on the other hand said that a poor overseas investment left him unable to make a deposit. The free man, who used to be a corporate lawyer before his incarceration, is considering trying to get his law license back and teach for a living.

Alimony usually varies depending on several types of circumstances and upon the ruling of the family court. In order to ensure that you have the best representation during an alimony hearing you should contact an experienced Philadelphia alimony attorney for assistance. If you are involved in a divorce proceeding in Pennsylvania, please call the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz for a free consultation. Our office has years of experience handling divorce cases and can assist you with all alimony issues.