Pennsylvania Family Law Blog

Supporting a family takes work, and subsequently, requires money. Parents may find this responsibility daunting when raising even just one child, let alone more than one. Such a task may become even more challenging after a divorce, or when eight children are involved. According to a seattlepi.com story, Kate Gosselin has submitted paperwork asking for child support in addition to temporary spousal support from her estranged husband, Jon Gosselin.

The Gosselin divorce has been at the forefront of family law discussion recently due to its many complexities. For instance, Kate’s lawyers claim that she is unable to pay bills due to John removing money from their joint bank account. Her attorneys stated, “She needs relief in light of the draining of substantial marital assets.” Apparently, Kate submitted petitions for child and spousal support last week at just about the same time she filed an emergency petition requesting to have a Pennsylvania judge order Jon to return the money that he took from the joint account. Reports say that these financial issues are scheduled to be addressed on Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

Although most divorces and disputes over child and spousal support are not nearly as publicized as the Gosselin’s situation, their struggles serve as a reminder of how complex family law matters can be. As experienced Philadelphia spousal support attorneys, we understand what a critical time this is for you in obtaining the financial support you need. In deciding how much spousal support a person should receive, courts in Pennsylvania will examine parental responsibilities, property holdings, length of time spent not working, the need for spousal support, age and health factors, standard of living experienced while in the marriage, as well as many other elements.

It is very common for spousal support to change over time when circumstances evolve. This is one of the many reasons why you must stay informed of your legal rights and options when it comes to spousal support, child support, and other family law issues. To learn more about how to ensure that you receive the spousal support you need, call the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. today for a free consultation at 610-645-0100.

Source Article: http://www.seattlepi.com/tvguide/411019_tvgif10.html

Although domestic violence prevention and awareness is important to be upheld at all times, the month of October offers a chance for survivors and supporters to join forces against acts of domestic violence. According to the Domestic Violence Resource Center, an estimated 1.3 million women are physically assaulted each year and about four women, and 1 man, are killed every day by their intimate partner.

Domestic violence, whether it is physical or emotional, is reflective of serious abuse that is illegal. Such matters surrounding domestic violence should never be taken lightly, especially when children are involved. Even if the children are not direct victims of domestic violence, living in a household of domestic violence can cause much emotional stress. And just because a child is not being victimized now doesn’t mean that he or she may not be later. It is a frightening thought, but the reality of such a risk is far too great to put to the test.

According to a recent article on dailywd.womansday.com, this October will serve as the 22nd official recognition of National Domestic Violence Month. Although some may speculate that the recent struggles of our economy have increased incidents of domestic abuse, victims of such mistreatment should never feel helpless. Help is always available and it is important first and foremost to remove yourself from any current abusive situation you may be in.

Unfortunately, issues of domestic violence may also involve other elements of family law that can leave a person feeling overwhelmed and even perplexed. If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you have legal rights and options that may help you receive a restraining order against your attacker and even full custody of your children. For more information about what can be done to help you with your domestic violence case, contact the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. Our skilled Philadelphia domestic violence attorneys have been assisting victims of domestic violence for many years and have the legal knowledge and experience to protect your rights. Call 610-645-0100 for a free consultation today.

Source Article: http://dailywd.womansday.com/blog/2009/10/daily-buzz-october-is-national-domestic-violence-month.html

In a previous blog entitled, “Since When is Pet Custody Compared to Child Custody?”, we discussed an unusual case that had gone to trial for the second time over a very loved dog named Dexter. Although we usually hear about former couples or spouses going to court over custody of their children, this case is still significant in that both parties considered their dog Dexter to be like a son. And as it turns out, this case was more concerned with the issue of division of property than it was with actual custody. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Superior Court judge finally made a decision in the case to have the former couple share custody of their property, Dexter the pug, in five-week rotations.

According to the newspaper article, before the couple split, they lived together for seven years in a home they both owned. Although the man involved in the custody dispute claims he should have been given full custody of Dexter because he purchased the dog, took him to the vet, and paid for his food, it was determined that the woman also played an influential role in Dexter’s life by helping take care of him. The judge handling the case made it clear that this was not an official “custody arrangement” because dogs are “just one of many objects to be divided in a breakup.” Although the couple may not agree with this point of view, the judge also referred to Dexter stating, “He might be cute and furry, but he’s still property. He’s no more than that.”

Break-ups are never easy, and can be especially difficult to handle on your own when legal issues pertaining to the division of property/assets and custody are involved. As the case involving Dexter clearly shows, we are often attached to a broad range of “property” that we may feel is worth going to court for in order to make sure it remains ours. However, not every dispute over the division of assets or custody is taken to court.

If you or someone close to you is going through a divorce in Pennsylvania, it is highly likely that the issue of division of assets will arise. To ensure that you fairly receive ownership of property that is yours, it may be in your best interest to seek the legal counsel and representation of a skilled Pennsylvania property division attorney. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz P.C., our family law attorneys have the experience and knowledge to handle cases pertaining to the division of property, child custody, child support, and much more. Call Sheryl R. Rentz today at 610-645-0100 for a free consultation of your family law case.

Most of us know that parents do not need to be blood-related to a child to have a strong bond or to play a vital role in that child’s life, particularly in terms of financial support and emotional encouragement. When a child’s parents get divorced and one of them remarries, there is much to discuss in relation to having a new member added to the family. But do stepparents have the legal right to request or pursue child custody?

When a stepparent has established a parental role in a child’s life who is a minor and it is clear that the relationship is supportive, loving, and healthy, he or she may be able to claim certain rights pertaining to custody. In pursuit of child custody as a stepparent to a minor whom you have a good relationship with, the court will determine if there is in fact an “in loco parentis” relationship, which means whether or not your relationship with the child is like that of a parent. Most importantly, family courts will always make decisions based on what is in the best interest of the child involved in a custody or visitation dispute.

In many cases, a stepparent who has been married to the biological parent of the child they have helped take care of will be granted some form of custody or visitation. However, the grounds for such custody or visitation are greatly influenced by a number of family issues such as if any history of domestic violence exists, whether or not the other biological parent is involved, the relationship between the stepparent and the minor child, the location of where the stepparent lives, and much more.

If you are currently dealing with child custody and/or visitation matters with the stepparent of your child, or if you are a stepparent yourself and would like to learn more about your options for custody and/or visitation, the experienced Philadelphia child custody lawyers at the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz can help you. With our many years of experience in Pennsylvania family law and child custody, we have the skills and knowledge that you need in order to be successful in your custody efforts. Call the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz at 610-645-0100 today for a free consultation.

Source article: http://www.divorcenet.com/states/pennsylvania/pa_art12