Daily Archives: February 26, 2018

Child Custody: Grandparents’ Rights

Posted on February 26 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Grandparents increasingly raise children whose parents struggle with substance-abuse problems. But such grandparents often face major hurdles in obtaining legal custody of the children.

In Pennsylvania, grandparents must first establish legal standing in court to assert a custody action.

In such cases, courts must balance children’s safety and welfare against parents’ rights to raise their kids without interference

At Spivak Law Firm, we aim to minimize the emotional and financial costs of child-custody litigation. To discuss the custody arrangement that best fits your family’s needs, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Divorce in Pennsylvania

Posted on February 26 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

In Pennsylvania, marital property is not simply divided equally at the time of divorce. Instead, a court aims to divide the marital property based on what it thinks is fair.

The formal court process for dividing marital assets and marital debts based on principles of fairness is known as equitable distribution. Marital assets include houses, cars, and other investments. Marital debts include financial obligations accrued during the marriage.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and Protection From Abuse (PFA). We help people file for divorce, negotiate Marriage Settlement Agreements, and litigation equitable-distribution trials. To schedule a consultation, call (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Stalking and Social Media

Posted on February 26 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Connecticut recently passed a bill that strengthens the state’s domestic-violence laws to protect victims from emotional abuse and online stalking.

The bill includes language to protect victims who suffer “emotional distress” as well as physical abuse.

Under previous law, victims had to prove they fear for their physical safety in order to be protected under anti-stalking statutes.

Importantly, this legislation is the first to include protection for victims against stalking through electronic or social media.

Connecticut joins 29 other states that have eliminated fear of physical safety as the sole requirement to meet the definition of stalking.

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