Pennsylvania Family Law Blog

For seven years, a 28-year-old father has been doing all he can to get custody of his 7-year-old son, who is currently under the Department of Human Service’s care. However, according to an account, the agency is trying to terminate the father’s parental rights and put the boy up for adoption despite his father’s actions. In April of this year, the man was awarded full custody of his 9-year-old daughter and the current challenge he is facing in getting custody of his son is proving to be highly complex.

The DHS isn’t backing down despite the fact that the 28-year old father has a clean record, a steady job, and a house in West Philadelphia. Despite his stability, the agency stated that the father has failed to attend his bi-weekly visits with his son. In stressing the importance that visitations play in fostering healthy relationships between parent and child, a DHS spokeswoman bluntly stated that “the court is basically looking at the relationship between the parent and the child and that has to start with them seeing each other.” This is information that all parents seeking custody of their children should take note of.

As this Pennsylvania child custody battle demonstrates, the demands of the court system can be elaborate and require a parent to feel as if they are walking on eggshells, afraid to make even a single mistake that may result in losing their child. During such a challenging time, parents are faced with emotions that can leave them overwhelmed, distraught, and confused, all of which may require the assistance of a professional who can offer perspective and bring to light the best legal options to choose from as to how to gain custody.

Whether you are making efforts to get custody of your child from an agency such as the DHS or from the child’s other parent, a skilled Philadelphia child custody lawyer can help gather evidence for your case, as well as assess the legal issues involved. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, our experienced family law attorneys are well-versed in child custody matters and have the knowledge and resources you need to win your child custody battle. Contact Pennsylvania child custody attorney Sheryl R. Rentz today for a free consultation.

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.

A Pennsylvania group is lobbying for a change in state law saying courts should choose joint physical custody of children by both parents as the first option during a divorce proceeding. According to an article in the Patriot News, the Pennsylvania Families Association is supporting House Bill 463, which would require judges to first consider joint custody unless there is evidence that one of the parents is not suitable to have custody of the child or it is not in the child’s best interest to do so.

According to this new law, parents would have to submit a “parenting plan” to the court with mediation provided if needed. However, the Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence states this law would place emphasis on parents’ desires rather than the best interest of the children. Under current Pennsylvania law, the guiding principle for judges is to consider what is in the best interest of the child during a PA child custody dispute.

Joint custody can sometimes be the ideal situation, but in many cases, it is not the best solution. This is especially true in cases where one parent has a job and is stable while the other is not. Whatever your situation, when you are negotiating something as crucial and sensitive as child custody during a divorce proceeding, you need the advice and guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable Pennsylvania child custody lawyer, who knows the ins and outs of the law and can work the situation to your advantage.

Skilled Philadelphia child custody attorney, Sheryl R. Rentz, has years of experience and can handle almost any child custody issue throughout Pennsylvania. You would be well-advised to move forward in making your legal claim in family court after learning about your specific rights and the complex laws surrounding child custody in Pennsylvania. For more information, contact the law offices of Sheryl R. Rentz today.

An interesting case in Bradley County, Tennessee is dealing with child custody procedures used by judges in that county. However, these child custody issues are global and could apply in any state including Pennsylvania. According to this news report, the arguments in this case allege that basic child custody procedures used by judges are unconstitutionally biased in favor of one parent, usually the child’s mother. Many family law attorneys believe that the outcome of this case can affect child custody decisions nationwide because it calls down the authority of the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause to help fathers who are good parents.

The case in Tennessee has to do with court procedures used in the child custody case of 3-year-old Kate Hopkins, which began in 2007. The case is finally going to trial after more than two years in court and five different judges. One of the procedures that will be challenged in this case is the “80-day rule” created by local judges, which automatically takes effect as soon as a child custody case is filed, allowing only one parent 80 days a year with the child while the other parent is allowed 285 days a year – irrespective of the facts or circumstances of the case. Attorneys are arguing that this rule discriminates against one parent while violating the principle of equal protection and due process because it is done arbitrarily and imposed without a hearing.

We will be watching this case with interest because it could have implications nationwide. According to the Web site Children’sJustice.org, child custody disputes leave nearly 38 percent of dads with no access or visitation rights to their children. Also, four in 10 moms report that they interfered with the father’s visitation to punish him at least once. Half the mothers see “no value” in the father’s continued contact with his children and 70 percent of fathers want more time with their children.

Whether you are a mom or dad, if you are involved in a tough child custody battle in Pennsylvania or any other state, you need a skilled child custody lawyer on your side fighting for your rights and the safety and well-being of your children. If you need help with your situation, please call Philadelphia’s skilled child custody lawyer Sheryl R. Rentz for a free consultation.

A Hustontown man is accused of assault after an incident with a woman during a child custody exchange, according to this news report. Edward Eugene Saylor, 51, was charged with simple assault and two counts of harassment. Pennsylvania State Police officials say Saylor grabbed 26-year-old Misty Dawn Saylor around the neck with both hands and lifted her off the ground. He then allegedly carried her into a car wash and slammed her head against a brick wall three to five times before letting her go. She complained of head, neck and back pain. Saylor also allegedly assaulted a 40-year-old man as he attempted to call 911.

Child custody issues can be extremely contentious and sometimes it can get violent, as it apparently happened in this case. It is not too clear what happened in this particular Pennsylvania child custody case. But if you are going through a divorce that involves children, it is very important you understand that obtaining a custody order by a court in Pennsylvania can save you a lifetime of insecurity regarding your children’s security and upbringing. The only way to get that order is by filing a successful legal pleading in family court in your home state.

In most cases involving child custody, parents may be granted sole custody or joint custody of their children. In some cases both parents could be denied custody by the state if they are deemed to be “unfit.”

Whatever your situation, please contact the Law Office of Sheryl R. Rentz for a free consultation with a skilled Philadelphia child custody attorney. We will inform you about your specific rights and child custody laws in Pennsylvania. We will help take that step to make your legal claim in family court. Call us today to find out how we can help with your Pennsylvania child custody case.

Men can stop making child support payments after learning through DNA testing that they are not the father of the child, under a legislation approved by the Tennessee House this month. According to this news report, House Bill 805, sponsored by Rep. Stacey Campfield passed on a 66-24 vote. The measure, called the “baby daddy bill,” is about being fair, Campfield has said. This of course will not apply in cases where the man has legally adopted the child. Another provision in this bill also states that the child support payments are to continue for 60 days after “childhood is disestablished.”

Genetic testing has changed the face of Philadelphia divorce cases – especially in matters of child custody and child support – in recent years. If you have been paying child custody to the mother of a child who is not yours, it is no doubt an unfair situation. However, in such cases, it is the child who suffers. The mistake may have been the mother’s, but it is the child’s quality of life that suffers when the mother stops receiving payments.

In cases where paternity is in question, you need a skilled Pennsylvania child custody lawyer with experience in child support matters. Whether you are a mother who wants to prove the father’s paternity or a father who wants to prove otherwise, the Law Offices of Sheryl Rentz can help you. If you proceed without a skilled attorney on your side, you may suffer financially for the rest of your life. Please do not let this happen to you. Call Sheryl R. Rentz today for a free consultation and objective evaluation of your case.

Pop star Madonna and her ex-husband Guy Ritchie have made their child custody deal legal and final in the United States, according to this news report. The celebrity couple apparently filed papers with a Manhattan court regarding the shared custody of their two children, 8-year-old Rocco and 3-year-old David. The joint custody agreement states that both boys must remain kosher and attend synagogue twice a week.

When there are children involved in a divorce proceeding, it always gets more complicated. The laws surrounding child custody in Pennsylvania after a divorce are complex and rather difficult to understand. If you are going through such a situation, it would be in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced Pennsylvania divorce lawyer. It could save you long-term problems and serious headaches. You do not want to take a chance when it comes to your children.

Please remember that if you are involved in divorce proceedings that concern children, you should have your lawyer draw up a comprehensive settlement plan before filing divorce papers, which can also include a custody schedule. In Pennsylvania, you can either file for legal custody or physical custody. Legal custody in Pennsylvania means that you as a parent have the right to make all decisions regarding your child, such as their education, healthcare and residence. Physical custody determines where the child or children live.

If you are dealing with a divorce proceeding involving children, please call the Law Office of Sheryl Rentz for a free consultation. Our office can handle every type of custody issue surrounding divorce in Pennsylvania irrespective of whether you are married, unmarried or already divorced. We will fight to protect your legal rights and work to get the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today for a case evaluation.

The economic downturn is having its effect on divorced parents and child custody in Pennsylvania. According to this WPXI News report, tough economic times are forcing Pennsylvania parents to take jobs outside of the city they live in. This is causing legal problems because if they have children and a child custody agreement, then they cannot leave the area. The article gives the example of a mom with three sons who left Allegheny County and moved to Butler County with the children. But the courts saw it as the mother taking the children away to a different place without the father’s permission. As a result, the mother not only lost primary physical custody of her children, but is also now burdened with paying attorney fees to sort out the mess.

A number of parents do not know that they cannot do this without first getting permission from the court, especially when there is a child custody agreement in place. Parents should err on the side of caution when they relocate and inform the courts about it. Otherwise, their move could be misunderstood as kidnapping since the legal system aims to protect the custodial rights of both parents.

There is no question that child custody issues can be hard to understand. Pennsylvania divorce and child custody laws can be complex. If you are in a situation where you need to modify your child custody settlement or agreement, please contact an experienced Philadelphia child custody lawyer to make sure your rights are protected and that you are following the right procedures.

According to initial reports, John Travolta’s teenage son, Jett Travolta, died on January 1, 2009 as the result of an accident in a bathroom. Jett was vacationing in the Bahamas with his family when he fell. His full time nurse, Jeff Kathrein, along with the manager of the hotel, discovered Jett on the floor at approximately 10 a.m. on New Years Day. Kathrein immediately began resuscitative measures. When John Travolta discovered his son, he took over the CPR and continued for some time.

Jett was a diagnosed epileptic and had suffered numerous seizures prior to this accident. According to initial investigations, it remains unclear whether the seizure led to his slip and fall accident or whether the accident provoked a seizure. Much of the initial inside information about the case has come from Michael McDermott — a close friend of the Travoltas — as well as Michael Ossi — the Travoltas’ attorney.

The slip and fall death received sensationalist coverage in the media due both to John Travolta’s status as mega celebrity and to his affiliation with the Church of Scientology, a controversial religious organization that boasts numerous celebrity converts, including Jenna Elfman, Tom Cruise and Kirstie Alley.

Whether you are going through a divorce, undergoing a battle for custody, or hammering out a spousal support arrangement, consider working with the firm of Sheryl R. Rentz to help you reach the desired outcome. We treat every client we represent with respect and courtesy, and we have a broad understanding of how to make the Pennsylvania court system work successfully. To attain quality service, call 610-645-0100 for a free initial telephone consultation with one of our many experienced Pennsylvania family law attorneys.

On January 5, 2009, actress Patricia Arquette – perhaps best known for her starring role in the NBC series Medium — filed suit in Superior Court to dissolve her two and a half year marriage to Thomas Jane. The couple married in May of 2006, and they have a five year old daughter together named Harlow whom Patricia Arquette is aiming to get full child custody.

Sources close to the couple suggest that tensions between the pair began to boil late in 2008, when Jane admitted to having driven drunk. Some speculate that Jane — who has acted in such movies as The Punisher (2004) and The Mist (2007) — had been growing increasingly jealous of Arquette’s high profile. Others suggest that he was privately bitter over her winning an Emmy for her performance in Medium.

Patricia Arquette has retained Laura Wasser, a high profile Los Angeles divorce attorney who has handled numerous other celebrity divorce cases, including Stevie Wonder’s and Britney Spears’ divorces.

Are you looking for a representative to help you win a divorce or custody case? The talented firm of Sheryl R. Rentz can help you with your Pennsylvania family law issue. Whether you live in Montgomery County proper or anywhere else in the Pennsylvania or Philadelphia vicinity, you can contact us at 610-645-0100. We provide free initial consultations and pride ourselves in giving each client our full attention to carry out the most effective and efficient course of action. Call us today to speak to one of our experienced Pennsylvania divorce lawyers for legal advice.