Pennsylvania Family Law Blog – The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz

How Vaccination Disputes Are Resolved for Divorced Parents

By Sheryl Rentz on February 24, 2021

person receiving a vaccination in the arm

While Pennsylvania is still in the early phases of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, the debate rages on regarding vaccines. Despite significant scientific evidence that shows that vaccines have few side effects and the benefits far outweigh the risks, many people still refuse to get vaccinated and even prevent their children from receiving this life-saving immunization. This debate can be handled in private between parents, but after a divorce, it may impact a custody battle.

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Posted in: Child Custody

How Can I Collect Child Support If My Ex Leaves the State?

By Sheryl Rentz on February 1, 2021

Enforcing a child support order is a trying, stressful task, even after an amicable divorce. Your co-parent may argue with you about the high costs of payments, scheduling visitation, or other court requirements. But, at the end of the day, Pennsylvania’s family courts offer you several resources to hold them accountable and ensure that your child is taken care of. However, you may feel lost if your ex ever leaves the state.

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Posted in: Child Support

Applications Open for the 2021 Key to a Bright Future Scholarship

By Sheryl Rentz on January 18, 2021

laptop sitting on a desk

As we step into 2021, we all hope for a much brighter future, and for students, the key to that bright future is a strong education. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we understand the great financial burdens students have to shoulder in order to follow their dreams and attend universities. That is why we have chosen to offer students the chance to win one of two $500 scholarship for post-secondary expenses!

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Posted in: Firm News

How Pennsylvania Courts View Medical Marijuana in Custody Cases

By Sheryl Rentz on December 17, 2020

person handling marijuana

As public views of marijuana shift across the United States, over the past decade several states have voted to decriminalize marijuana, legalize it for medicinal purposes, or allow recreational use. Here in Pennsylvania, since 2016, doctors have been able to prescribe medical marijuana cards to patients to allow them to purchase small amounts to help with chronic pain and other conditions, but anyone can still be charged with criminal penalties for possession or use. This blend of legalization and criminalization can complicate matters, especially when it comes to a family law dispute, especially involving child custody and visitation.

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Posted in: Child Custody

How a Postnuptial Can Protect Your Family Business

By Sheryl Rentz on December 3, 2020

coffee shop counter area

Marriage brings a lot of changes to your life. You may have children, move to a new home, and change your lifestyle over time. All throughout, you hope for financial security.

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What If We Don’t Agree on the Date of Separation?

By Sheryl Rentz on October 19, 2020

an open planner/calendar

When a client steps into our office to discuss a looming divorce, one of the most important matters we will discuss is the date of separation. Many assume that is the date that one spouse or the other officially said, “I want a divorce.” However, in Pennsylvania, this not in fact the date of separation, and disagreements about this date can severely impact your divorce proceedings, including when one spouse can receive spousal support or how debt is assigned.

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Posted in: Divorce

Gift-Giving and Avoiding Parental Alienation

By Sheryl Rentz on September 30, 2020

pink and purple presents

For many of us, gift-giving is our love language. It is how we show appreciation for coworkers, how we show affection to our partners, and how we reward our children. However, gift-giving is not always innocent. We have all known someone who lords a gift over someone else or expects something in exchange. This behavior can be especially troubling after a divorce as a seemingly affectionate gift to a child may come under scrutiny.

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Posted in: Child Custody

Schools Reopening and Getting Back to Custody Schedules

By Sheryl Rentz on September 16, 2020

classroom with empty desks

As Pennsylvania counties have reached the green phases of reopening, serious discussions are being had about students returning to school and how to move forward. Some have chosen to implement hybrid models or maintain the virtual learning programs from the Spring semester, while others have reopened fully with new heatlh standards. For divorced parents, this may mean returning to a pre-COVID custody plan and normal schedule. However, what if one parent disagrees with a child returning to school? What if one does not want the plan to go back to normal?

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Posted in: Child Custody

Adjusting Child Support After COVID-19 Lay-offs

By Sheryl Rentz on August 19, 2020

woman paying child support

Many parents have been laid off due to the Pennsylvania Stay at Home Order and, while some businesses are slowly reopening, many remain closed or have reduced hours for employees. As a result, it may be extremely difficult for some parents to make child support payments during the phased reopening period. However, that does not mean you do not have options, and there may be legal help out there.

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Posted in: Child Support

How Isolation Can Affect Your Relationship

By Sheryl Rentz on August 5, 2020

divorced couple sitting on couch

In normal times, many working couples may only see each other after work, on holidays, and on weekends. Even when brief, these periods may prove invaluable to growing and strengthening a relationship. But, with the effect of the Pennsylvania Stay at Home Order, many couples may have experienced more “togetherness” than they needed or wanted. When both partners are forced to work at home, isolated, and essentially quarantined within the same four walls, the stress can put a strain on the relationship.

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Posted in: Divorce

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