March, 2011 | Pennsylvania Family Law Blog - The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz Archive
Divorce’s Influence on Social Security
An article recently featured in the Los Angeles Times discussed divorce’s affect on a person’s plans for retirement as well as future claims for Social Security benefits. Since Social Security is the primary source of income for approximately 72 percent of unmarried retirees, many of whom are single due to divorce, understanding a few key points regarding spousal and survival benefits should be a priority, particularly for those approaching retirement age. Knowing the details of these benefits can help someone avoid making a costly error that could negatively affect their financial future. Read the rest »
3 in 4 Domestic Violence Victims Are Unidentified in PA Emergency Room Visits
A study recently conducted by the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine found that over three quarters of victims of domestic violence, who report the events to law enforcement, receive care in emergency rooms, but the majority of them are not identified during their hospital visit as being domestic violence victims. Read the rest »
Interstate Child Custody Battle Between Adoptive Mother, Biological Father Settled
The Los Angeles Times reports that an inter-state custody battle between a girl’s adoptive mother and her biological father was recently settled. The now-famous case, which has been referred to as the “Baby Vanessa” case, involved a woman from California and a man from Ohio. The contentious child custody case has lasted for more than two years.
The woman started the adoption process before the girl was born, but proceedings were stopped after the girl’s biological father filed for custody. The girl’s biological mother alleged that her pregnancy was the result of a one-night stand and believed the man was not the father. However, a genetic test proved otherwise. Court records from 2005 showed the man had spent time in jail for domestic violence, further complicating the family law matter. After the two parties were not able to reach an agreement during mediation, a child custody trial was scheduled in Ohio in 2009. In July 2010, the woman was ordered to return the girl to Ohio, but appealed the decision and was able to keep the girl until further notice. Read the rest »
Maryland Considers Bill about Divorcing Couples and Pet Custody
According to The Washington Post, a new bill has been proposed in the Maryland General Assembly Senate that will define what happens to pets when their owners divorce. With many households considered to be DINKs (duel income, no kids) these days, it is not surprising pets have become an important part of divorce proceedings.
If passed, the bill will give courts the power to grant a custody agreement for a divorcing couple’s pet. The court will also be permitted to give one party sole ownership of a pet, as well grant one party sole ownership of a pet with the other party given visitation rights on a court-approved schedule. The court will also be able to give both parties ownership of a pet and both parties can share custody on a court-determined schedule. However, the court will not be able to order either party to pay pet-related expenses to the other party. Read the rest »
Act 112 of 2010: Relocating in Pennsylvania with Your Child after Divorce
House Bill 1639 (now called Act 112 of 2010) is the new law regarding child custody in Pennsylvania, and went into effect on January 24. The new law deals with many aspects of child custody, but its focus is on setting a framework for the Pennsylvania court system to employ when handling a party’s request for location with a child following a divorce from another party.
Under the Act, a person who wishes to move is required to give notice to anyone else with custodial rights to their child. Keep in mind that “relocation” is defined as a child’s residence change that significantly inhibits the capability of the non-relocating party to implement their custodial rights. Relocation is not restricted to moving outside of Pennsylvania or moving between PA counties; even moving within the same county could be considered “relocation.” Read the rest »
Brooke Mueller Obtains Temporary Restraining Order Against Charlie Sheen
The Los Angeles Times reports that Brooke Mueller, the estranged wife of troubled actor Charlie Sheen, was granted a temporary restraining order against Sheen on Tuesday, March 1. Additionally, as part of the move, the couple’s children were taken from Sheen’s home by a representative for Mueller that night. The order also strips Sheen of contact with his two youngest children, 23-month-old twins Max and Bob, and forbids him from coming within 100 yards of Mueller for 19 days. Read the rest »
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