Pennsylvania Family Law Blog

A timeonline.com article reports that a former Beaver County mother was sent to jail for up to six months for violating court orders when she took her son to Turkey without legal permission and then did not return until four years later. The woman had ignored multiple court orders demanding that she return her 11-year-old son to Beaver County.

When the couple initially separated in 2006, the mother was granted primary custody and the father was given visitation rights. Later that year, the mother took their son to Turkey for a vacation but did not return, despite a court order that stipulated they had to be back by the end of summer.

Subsequently, courts in both Pennsylvania and Turkey ruled that she was in violation of the custody order and was required to return to Beaver County with her son. She and the boy returned in late January 2010 so that she could attend a contempt hearing. The judge granted the father temporary primary custody and the mother was sentenced to jail.

It is not uncommon for parents to want sole custody of a child after a separation. There are many reasons a parent might be compelled to keep a child away from the other parent. If domestic violence or child abuse is a factor, there are legal avenues to pursue to protect the child. Whatever the case, spiriting a child out of state or out of the country only complicates the matter, and as in this case, may work against the parent who is trying to maintain full custody.

While all custody disputes have a measure of complexity, cross-state and international cases are particularly difficult. The experienced Philadelphia child custody family lawyers at Sheryl R. Rentz are equipped to defend your rights as a custodial parent and to safeguard the well-being of your child. Please call the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz for a free and confidential evaluation.

Source:http://www.timesonline.com/bct_news/news_details/article/1504/2010/february/02/mom-jailed-over-custody-dispute-could-be-released-friday.html

Every day in Philadelphia hundreds of victims of domestic violence turn to one of the four main domestic violence agencies in the city. These include Women Against Abuse, Women in Transition, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, and Lutheran Settlement House. On some days, the number of victims seeking assistance in Pennsylvania is nearly 2,500. You can visit this website for more information: http://www.helpwomen.org/pr/DV08Sum.pdf.

The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating new ways of strengthening their partnerships with the agencies mentioned above by scheduling follow-up visits and making referrals after 911 calls. Help is available to victims, but services are also offered to abusers as well. Most abusers were victims in their lifetime, and counseling and education are available to help break the vicious cycle.

The Philadelphia Police Department estimates that nationally, nearly 4 million women suffer some kind of domestic violence by an intimate partner every year. The Philadelphia PD has a very informative website at http://www.ppdonline.org/prev/prev_pers_dom.php on personal safety and crime prevention that identifies domestic abuse clearly.

Domestic violence is a complex issue with many facets. It is not something just between couples, but also can have drastic influences on children and siblings. Though it is less common, men are battered by their female partners as well. Same-sex couples also experience a high rate of domestic violence.

If you or a loved-one has suffered from domestic violence, the experienced Pennsylvania domestic violence attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz know how overwhelmed you may feel. Our skilled lawyers will be able to assist in navigating through the legal system so that you may end the abuse and have a safer home. Call 610-645-0100 for a free consultation of your case.

Source:http://www.philly.com/philly/health_and_science/20091229_Phila__rethinks_how_police_probe_domestic_abuse.html

According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia experienced a dramatic surge in domestic murders in 2009. While the overall homicide rate in the city dropped 23%, domestic murders were up by an alarming 67%.

When a Philadelphia police officer responds to a domestic violence call, the officer does not have any information about the history of domestic violence in that home, such as the number of previous domestic abuse calls, or whether someone living there has an active restraining order. If there are no obvious signs of violence, an officer can only leave behind a business card with hotline numbers, but offer little else in the way of help to the victim.

In response to the spike in domestic homicides, the Philadelphia Police Department is examining new ways for police officers to investigate, report, and make referrals in domestic abuse cases. The information police gather will allow domestic violence detectives to classify the seriousness of the call and decide whether follow-up is warranted. This will also improve police department partnerships with domestic violence agencies so officers can do more than just hand out a card.

Domestic violence affects not only the victim, but everyone who cares about that person. It affects families from all walks of life, ethnicities and socio-economic levels. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, we can help you secure a restraining order in Pennsylvania against your abuser. Whether you need to file a domestic abuse charge or are involved in a dispute, please contact experienced Philadelphia domestic violence lawyer Sheryl R. Rentz for a free and confidential consultation.

Source:http://www.philly.com/philly/health_and_science/20091229_Phila__rethinks_how_police_probe_domestic_abuse.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

No matter how heated a quarrel can become involving a married couple, partners, or two people just allegedly dating, there is never any excuse for things to become physically violent. On September 6, 2009, outside linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, Shawn Merriman, was arrested and charged with battery and false imprisonment of reality TV celebrity Tila Tequila. Apparently, the well-known football player is being accused of choking, restraining, and throwing Ms. Tequila to the ground when she was trying to leave his house.

It is being argued in Merriman’s defense that Ms. Tequila had been drinking and, according to his attorney, Merriman “essentially was doing what was appropriate under the circumstances in trying to protect the safety of Miss Tequila. There were numerous eyewitnesses that will support his version of the events that transpired at his home.”

As to what the end result of this complex and serious domestic violence situation will be, we will have to see what happens as evidence and witness testimony unfolds. Although this incident took place in California, domestic violence in Pennsylvania is an unfortunate occurrence that greatly affects both men and women who are victims of verbal, emotional, and physical abuse. Situations where children are a part of such victimization are even more devastating and can have lasting consequences on a child’s life.

If you have been a victim of domestic violence in Pennsylvania, it is important that you seek help as soon as it is safe to do so. You may also want to examine whether or not filing a restraining order against your attacker is a good option for you and your particular situation. For more information as to what can be done to protect your legal rights, call the skilled Philadelphia domestic violence attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. today for a free consultation.

Source article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4450962

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.

A Pennsylvania man has been charged with domestic violence after he reportedly slammed a woman’s hand in a door at a local hotel, the Port Clinton News Herald reported. The 52-year-old man was arrested and charged with domestic violence after officers were called to America’s Best Value Inn with reports that two people were fighting and screaming at each other. A woman apparently told police that the man had repeatedly slammed her hand in a door. But the man told police that the woman had hit him in the face and that he may have shut her hand in the door as he was leaving. The man had no visible injuries, but the woman was taken to the hospital for a possible broken hand, officials said.

Whatever the situation, there is never an excuse for domestic violence. Domestic violence, whether it is physical or emotional, directed at an adult or a child, is against Pennsylvania law. If you or someone you love is living with domestic violence in Pennsylvania, please contact the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz immediately.

We offer free consultations and will inform you about your rights and what steps you can take to alter your situation. In your case, you may be entitled to significant benefits after a divorce if domestic abuse was taking place. You especially need to act quickly and get help if there are children involved because they must be removed from the dangerous environment before it is too late. The court system can help keep the offending partner away from you, stop the abuse and grant custody of the children to the abused partner.

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, we can also help you secure a restraining order in Pennsylvania against your abuser. Whatever your situation, if you need to file a domestic abuse charge or are involved in a dispute, please contact experienced Philadelphia domestic violence lawyer Sheryl R. Rentz for a free and confidential consultation.

Police in Norristown arrested two men on Pennsylvania domestic violence charges, according to this news report. Brian Spangler, a 38-year-old Parker Ford man allegedly pulled a knife during a dispute with a woman in an office who had a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order against him. Police arrived at Logan Square Shopping Center at the woman’s place of work when they saw her look “visibly shaken.” The woman apparently told officers that she had a PFA. Spangler took off on foot, but police wrestled him to the ground and arrested him. He was charged with resisting arrest, simple assault, possessing a weapon and harassment.

In another incident 36-year-old Edward Maddox was arrested on suspicion of beating his pregnant girlfriend after she told him repeatedly to turn down the music he was playing. The woman was found with blood on her face and marks on her neck. The woman told officials that she feared for her own life, but was concerned that Maddox would injure the unborn child. During the attack, he threatened to kill her and put a pillow over her face. Police apparently found the suspect hiding in a vacant apartment across the hall and arrested him.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, the first thing you need to do is to remove yourself from the dangerous situation. The Law Office of Sheryl R. Rentz has successfully represented victims of domestic violence for many years. We have helped victims obtain restraining orders in Pennsylvania so they can keep themselves and their families safer. If you or someone you know needs to file a domestic abuse charge or obtain a restraining order, please call my office at 610-645-0100 for a free consultation with an experienced  Philadelphia domestic violence attorney. We will get you all the help you need to live in safety.

On Christmas Eve 2008, a man deranged from what he perceived to be an unfair divorce settlement went on a rampage in Covina, California. He killed eight relatives of his ex-wife before fleeing and then shooting himself in the head. According to the facts as investigators have pieced them together, the shooter, a man named Bruce Pardo, had recently completed his divorce settlement with his estranged ex, Silvia Pardo. Having been fired from his job in July, Pardo had fallen behind on his child support payments. He showed up to the home of Alisha and James Ortega dressed as Santa Claus carrying a gift box that contained an explosive liquid, which he used to light the Ortega’s house on fire. Bruce Jeffrey Pardo began his rampage by shooting an eight year old girl in the face. He then went on a gun slinging, fire starting rampage that ended with eight dead and several injured. Among the victims medical authorities expect to survive are two young women, ages 16 and 20, and the 8 year old victim who was shot in the face.

Following the shootings and torching of the Ortega’s house, Pardo escaped to the home of his brother in Sylmar. By the time police arrived on Thursday morning, Pardo had shot himself in the head.

Not all Divorce and Family Law disputes end as dramatically and horribly as the Pardo case. However, even a so-called “amicable” divorce can involve significant legal maneuvering and wrangling. To protect your rights as you go through this difficult transition, you need a skilled  Pennsylvania divorce attorney who can look after your interests. Here at Sheryl R. Rentz divorce attorneys, one of Philadelphia’s most trusted Pennsylvania Family Law firms, we can provide superior representation for you. We understand that each case is unique and requires the most effective and efficient course of action to reach the desired outcome. Call for a free initial telephone consultation with one of our experienced and attentive divorce lawyers at 610-645-0100 today.

More and more states are opting to fit domestic abusers and stalkers with GPS devices to monitor whether these individuals violate restraining orders. According to this news report, Michigan’s new law allows judges to order domestic violence suspects to wear GPS devices even before they go to trial in order to help alert victims of domestic violence if abusers are in the vicinity.

This law in Michigan and other states has been prompted by a slew of killings of women by ex-husbands or estranged husbands. These murders occurred although the women had obtained court orders to protect themselves. GPS devices have been traditionally used to track sex offenders. But technology has advanced to such an extent that domestic violence victims can get a call to their cell phone if the offender gets too close to a specific victim – be it a spouse or a child.

This law is great from the victims’ point of view. Not only does it give them a heightened sense of security, but also it gives them their lives back. Our office has represented victims of domestic violence for a number of years. We have successfully obtained restraining orders for many of our clients to help keep them and their families safe from possible danger.

If you or someone you know needs to file a domestic abuse charge, please call my office for a free consultation. The Law Office of Sheryl R. Rentz has locations in Pennsylvania and several years of divorce law experience. Call us today for a free evaluation of your case.