Family Law | Pennsylvania Family Law Blog - The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz
Missed Court Dates Can Lead to Contempt of Court
When you begin the process of determining child custody or dividing your property in a divorce, the Pennsylvania courts expect you to conduct yourself with a certain level of professionalism… and punctuality. As you have asked a judge to settle matters between you and your ex-spouse, she will not like her time wasted. This means you must come to all court appearances on time and respect the authority of the court throughout your proceedings.
Pennsylvania Court Closures During COVID-19 Outbreak
Pennsylvania courts will remain closed to the public through April 30, 2020, with exception to specific cases, per an order by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The order includes Montgomery County Courts, which will also remain closed until the end of April and is open for emergency purposes from 9:00am to 2:00pm. This closure period does have the potential to be extended, depending on instructions from Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health and further orders by the state of Pennsylvania.
How Can Non-Biological Parents Gain Custody of Their Children?
It is common practice in Pennsylvania custody cases to give preference to the rights of biological parents. This is especially relevant in cases where custody is being decided between one parent and one non-parent, whether it is a more distant relative, such as a grandparent or aunt, or a non-related caregiver who has some interest in the child’s welfare. One situation that is particularly challenging involves a stepparent—who has been involved in the child’s upbringing from a very young age—asking for custody. Read the rest »
What Is a Pennsylvania Post-Decree Modification Order?
It is possible to change an existing order of the court with a post-decree modification order. Post-decree petitions in Pennsylvania most often involve requests to change a Dissolution of Marriage, Annulment, Legal Separation, or Judgment of Paternity. They can be used to enforce a court order that already exists or to change a court order because of a change in circumstances.
There are a number of issues that can be handled with a post-decree motion. These include: Read the rest »
Ardmore Family Law Arbitration Tips
Even the most contentious of separations can be settled out of court when families choose to go through arbitration. In family arbitration, the spouses appoint an arbitrator who will help make some key determinations. This allows the separation to go quickly and with less conflict.
Going to court is expensive, you can’t choose your judge, and the private details of your divorce could be made public. In arbitration, you get to choose an arbitrator and your information will remain private. It’s advisable to consider going through arbitration if there issues you simply can’t resolve. Read the rest »
How Do You Tell Children about Your Divorce?
Children often feel stressed, sad, confused, and even angry during a divorce. The prospect of your parents separating can be upsetting at any age. Parents can make this transition period easier by remaining positive and by providing stability and support. Try to learn what your child needs and what you can do to help.
There are a number of ways in which you can help your children cope with your separation or divorce. First, make sure you are attentive to your children and listen to their concerns. It is also necessary to provide stability and structure so that your kids do not feel as if their life is spinning out of control. Let them know that you will continue to be there and that they should communicate their concerns with you directly.
Divorce in the Digital Age: How Technology Can Help You through Your Divorce
Coping with a divorce is always an exceptionally difficult thing, but with the help of friends and family, a counselor or support group, and even an experienced divorce attorney, you can move forward with a new chapter in your life and write your new happy ending. However, divorcing in the 21st century offers divorcing couples and parents some digital aids, which may also help you smoothly get through a divorce and offer co-parenting tips to help you raise your child after a split.
Courtesy of The Huffington Post, the following are five apps that can help you both during and after your divorce: Read the rest »
Reasons to Hire a Pennsylvania Family Law Attorney for Your Divorce
Couples who have decided to end their union will likely tell you that, even though the decision to split was extraordinarily difficult, the process of obtaining a divorce can be lengthy, stressful, and overwhelming. Obtaining a divorce is unfortunately not as easy as signing a piece of paper and a number of issues need to be agreed upon and settled before the divorce can be finalized. Thus, without proper legal representation, your rights may not be protected.
With this in mind, it is important for anyone filing for divorce or in the midst of divorce proceedings to understand the importance of hiring an experienced PA family law attorney to assist them through the entire divorce process. Find Law explains the following reasons why a family law attorney can help: Read the rest »
Frozen Pre-Embryos Awarded to Wife in Pennsylvania Court Case
The Superior Court of Pennsylvania recently awarded frozen pre-embryos, created from the former husband’s sperm and the wife’s eggs, to the woman in a very interesting legal case. In order for the woman in this case to preserve her ability to have a child after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she was advised to undergo IVF (in vitro fertilization). Following the fertilization, the pre-embryos were then cryopreserved. The husband and wife later separated, and the husband then biologically conceived a child with another woman. Read the rest »
How Facebook May Be Used Against You in Family Court
According to the Upper Dublin Patch, social media may be the latest weapon used against a spouse in the court of law. The law journal The Legal Intelligencer reports that instances of posts made on the popular social networking site Facebook are frequently being used as evidence and is an increasingly common occurrence in family court. The article cited a handful of examples from court cases in which the social media site became part of the proceedings. Three such examples are: Read the rest »
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