Yearly Archives: 2017

Shield Children From Custody Disputes

Posted on January 30 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Tensions often run high in child custody litigation. But you should not involve your children in the dispute.

Although it may be trying at times, you should not speak ill of the other parent in front of the children, as a judge may sanction you for turning your child against the other parent.

Be aware of what you say around your children, whether they are in another room or even sleeping.

Attempts to turn the children against the other parent are strictly discouraged, with the exception of cases involving domestic violence for the protection of the children.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: child custody, child support, divorce, Protection From Abuse, and Children Youth and Families (CYF). To speak with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody & Domestic Abuse

Posted on January 23 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

In some extreme cases, mothers seeking to protect their children from abusive fathers are disbelieved by the courts and even sanctioned for parental alienation.

Such outlier cases form the basis of a recently released documentary by filmmaker Rachel Lewis, who spotlights the issue of mothers who have lost custody of their children to abusive fathers. The film warns that violent men can use the court system to further control and intimidate their exes by asserting their child custody rights.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law with a special focus on high-conflict child custody and domestic violence. Call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Pennsylvania Mayor Faces PFA

Posted on January 9 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Even elected officials aren’t immune from Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders.

Williamsport Mayor Gabriel J. Campana recently agreed to modify and extend the Temporary PFA placed against him by his wife. The small-town mayor was evicted from his home and prohibited from directly contacting his wife, except through email or text to arrange for child custody.

In Pennsylvania, a PFA is a powerful took that can:

Evict you from your home;
Restrict you from your children;
Prohibit you from purchasing firearms; and
Get you fired from your job.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, aggressive representation at PFA hearings. For a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at: (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

PFA: Help for Victims

Posted on January 4 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Under current federal law, domestic-violence victims risk eviction from public housing for making excessive calls to 9-1-1.

Spivak Law Firm supports amending the Fair Housing Act to safeguard such victims from being punished for simply seeking police protections.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.

Spivak Law Firm routinely represents plaintiffs and defendants in Protection from Abuse (PFA) matters in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County. Call us today at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Preparing for Divorce

Posted on January 3 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

If you are considering a divorce, it is important to have an understanding of your finances before initiating the proceedings.

Without this information, your attorney may have to engage in a costly discovery process to obtain the documents. Having copies of tax returns, utility bills, grocery bills, retirement accounts, bank accounts, and other financial documents could save you a substantial amount of money in attorney’s fees.

Take the time to review your financial documents and understand your marital assets and debts with the help of your attorney.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, and PFA hearings. To speak with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

DUI Law: Blood Tests

Posted on January 3 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

The U.S. Supreme Court in Birchfield v. North Dakota recently declared warrantless blood draws made during DUI arrests unconstitutional. The Court reasoned that a blood draw poses substantial privacy concerns because a blood test reveals more about a person than simply blood alcohol levels.

However, because of the less intrusive nature of breath tests, warrantless breathalyzer tests are still permissible.

Prior to Birchfield, defendants who refused blood testing were regarded as having the highest level of impairment and faced the most severe penalties associated with a DUI offense. But now DUI offenders who previously refused blood testing may now be charged and sentenced as having the lowest level of impairment.

To speak with a Pittsburgh DUI and criminal defense lawyer, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.