Shared Legal Custody: Options for Parents Who Can’t Seem to Agree

            In Pennsylvania, both parents generally share legal custody of their children. “Legal custody” is defined as “[t]he right to make major decisions on behalf of the child, including, but not limited to, medical, religious and educational decisions.”  Typically, the decision as to whether a child will participate in an extracurricular activity (especially if that… Read More

Changes in Child and Spousal Support for 2022

Effective January 1, 2022, the Supreme Court adopted new and revised child and spousal support rules.  This is nothing surprising or unusual since the Guidelines are reviewed every 4 years.  Here is a summary of the changes which may impact your support matter:             1.         Under the old Guidelines, there was an artificial reduction in… Read More

How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation with a Divorce Lawyer

You’ve made the decision to take the first step toward divorce, and you’ve scheduled an appointment to consult with a lawyer knowledgeable in family law.  This is a big step, rife with anxiety, sadness, apprehension, and, most likely, a hundred other emotions.  However, in the midst of the emotional turmoil, you also want to make… Read More

Custody Considerations – How to Survive the Holidays

            It is October 28 as I am writing this Blog and Halloween is a few days away, Thanksgiving will be shortly before or after this post is published with Hanukah and Christmas shortly thereafter.  The holidays can be a stressful time for parents and children in intact families, let alone for families whose parents… Read More

Surviving the Holidays: Practical Tips to Sharing Custody Over the Holidays

Each year, fall brings a new school year, cooler weather, and the beginning of the holiday season.  The holidays can be difficult even for intact families, but for parents who live in separate households, the holidays often come with added strife and tension, as parents try to navigate and schedule multiple events, celebrations and family… Read More

Heading Back To School: Practical Tips for Parents

It’s September and that means back to school for kids and parents.  Undoubtedly your child’s school probably has a back-to-school night where parents can meet the teacher face to face (or maybe on ZOOM depending on your district and their COVID-19 policies) so you, as a parent, can get the so-called lay of the land… Read More

How Does Medical Marijuana Use Affect Child Custody?

In early 2016, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed the Medical Marijuana Act (25 P.S. §10231), which permits marijuana to be used for the treatment of certain conditions including, but not limited to, cancer, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, glaucoma, severe chronic or intractable pain, autism, and anxiety disorders.  While this Act has enabled… Read More