Yearly Archives: 2017

Parental Alienation

Posted on September 26 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

A common issue in custody battles is when a parent intentionally attempts to alienate the children from the other parent. Trying to prove the alienation can be difficult and many judges are reluctant to allow children to testify in court.

Experts recognize the tragic impact serious alienation has on children, as the children may go on to have psychiatric disorders, failed relationships, and dysfunctional lives.

Spivak Law Firm helps parents assert their child-custody rights in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County.

Tips For A Positive Divorce

Posted on September 25 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Divorce is often one of life’s most difficult and painful transitions, but there are things you can do to diminish the emotional toll.

Here are some tips for easing the pain of divorce:

Practice empathy and forgiveness.
Take the high road.
Take responsibility for your actions.
If you have children, focus on their happiness.

To schedule a consultation with an experienced family-law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Protect Against Online Harassment

Posted on September 25 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Have you ever felt that your partner’s online behavior is out of control? Do they send constant messages that leave you feeling on-edge, use location features to track where you are, or demand to have access to your phone?

Here are some tips to protect yourself against online domestic abuse:

Use strong, unique passwords to keep your accounts from being hacked.
Use two-step verification to make your accounts more secure.
Back up your data to secure and collect evidence of harassment.
Browse the web privately so your partner cannot track your Internet history.

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

Costs of a Criminal Record

Posted on September 19 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

While less serious than a felony charge, misdemeanors and summary offenses carry stigmas strong enough to cause problems beyond fines and inconvenience. If uncovered, they can cause potential school and job recruiters to look in other directions.

Programs across the country have been initiated to give first-time, non-violent offenders a chance to dodge that bullet. In Chicago, for instance, a program provides qualified offenders the opportunity to keep a charge from being permanently entered on their record and to avoid the accompanying stigma.

In Pennsylvania, people may be eligible to have their criminal records expunged or sealed.

At Spivak Law Firm, we aim to clear the arrests from your criminal record so you can move on with your life. For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Protect Kids From Trauma

Posted on September 19 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Researchers have found that exposure to psychological abuse between parents is associated with more damage to the wellbeing of children as they get older than physical domestic abuse.

Social support has been found to be vital for recovery from traumatic events in childhood. However, this research reveals that exposure to high levels of psychological domestic abuse may be associated with a decrease in young people’s satisfaction with the social support they receive.

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

Consequences for Violating A Custody Order

Posted on September 18 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

You should not withhold your children from the other parent unless there is a true emergency. Instead, you may file a custody action and obtain an enforceable order of court.

An order of court establishing custody or visitation rights may always be modified for the best interests and welfare of the children.

Failure to comply with an order of court by withholding your children from the other parent could result in a contempt action. Sanctions against you may include makeup time for the other parent and paying their attorney fees.

To speak with an experienced child custody lawyer in Allegheny County, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Parental Alienation Hurts Kids

Posted on September 13 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Are you worried about losing custody of your children?

Does your ex put you down to your children?

Do you believe your ex’s behavior has alienated you from your children?

In Pennsylvania, courts frequently award shared custody of the children so they can enjoy equal time with parents. If you feel alienated from your children, you should meet with an experienced child-custody lawyer to discuss your options for gaining more time with them.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law with a focus on high-conflict child custody and domestic abuse. To schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody: Recording Kids

Posted on September 12 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Desperate parents may resort to filming or recording their children in an attempt to gain leverage in child-custody battles.

However, these tactics can backfire, leaving children distressed and causing judges to question the parents’ judgment and ability to act in their children’s best interests. Many parents fail to realize how harmful this recording behavior can be or how negatively it can impact their case.

Spivak Law Firm offers strong, compassionate representation in child-custody matters while aiming to protect children in the process. To schedule an appointment with an experienced family-law attorney, call us at (412)-344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Falsely Accused of Abuse?

Posted on September 12 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Because courts overwhelmingly grant Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, the system itself is frequently abused by people seeking leverage in divorce and child-custody actions.

In Pittsburgh and all surrounding countries, judges grant more than 90% of all petitions for a temporary PFA Order, which can immediately evict you from your home, restrict you from your kids, and subject you to arrest.

At Spivak Law Firm, we aggressively defend people accused of abuse at PFA and criminal domestic violence hearings. We handle all areas of family law and criminal defense. If you have been accused of domestic violence, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

3 Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

Posted on September 11 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Collaborative divorce can help you resolve your conflict, and it provides a number of advantages over going to court, including:

Collaborative divorce is often less expensive than litigating through the courts.
The process is more flexible, as you can determine your own meeting times to accommodate your work schedule rather than having to follow the court’s schedule.
Your children are better shielded from conflict, as they avoid the stress of going to court.

To learn more about collaborative divorce, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390 to schedule a consultation.