Spivak Law Firm

Based in Pittsburgh, PA

412-344-4900

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Yearly Archives: 2018

Shared Parenting Is Great For Kids

Posted on April 9 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Over the last few years, there has been growing support for making shared parenting the presumption in child custody cases.

Here are three major reasons why shared parenting is great for families:

  • Shared parenting is best for kids. Study after study shows that children are better off when they have access to both parents after divorce or separation.
  • Shared parenting minimizes conflict. When the court puts each parent on equal footing, there is less room for disagreements and they are more likely to form a healthy co-parenting relationship.
  • Shared parenting sends the right message about fatherhood. When a judge grants a mother more parenting time without justification, it sends a harmful message to the kids about the father.

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.

Charged With Simple Assault?

Posted on March 26 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Under Pennsylvania law, you may be criminally charged with simple assault not only for hitting somebody. You may also face simple assault charges merely for scaring them.

Simple assault is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in jail. It’s a charge commonly brought by police when there are allegations of domestic violence.

If you’re accused of getting into a bar fight, you’ll likely be charged with simple assault.

If you’re accused of hitting your spouse, you’ll likely be charged with simple assault.

The law additionally provides that a person is guilty of simple assault for attempting to put a person “in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.”

Thus, threatening a person with a weapon may result in simple assault charges even if there was no physical harm.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, aggressive defense in all criminal matters. For a free consultation, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

How Divorce Affects Kids

Posted on March 26 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Children who experience the stress of strained parental relationships are more likely to have their immune systems compromised, according to a recent study done by Carnegie Mellon University psychologists.

During a separation it is common for the child of the separating parents to think they are the cause of it, which leads to a negative self-view and high levels of stress.

Experts recommend that separated parents keep the child’s interest at the forefront of any decision and encourage parents to seek a third party for help.

Spivak Law Firm provides experienced counsel to help you navigate the divorce process in a way that protects your children. To schedule a consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody: Health Issues

Posted on March 26 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

In making child-custody decisions, judges take a variety of factors into account, including the needs of the child and any history of abuse and domestic violence.

Extensive research finds that children who experience caregiver separation are more likely to develop heart disease, weakened immune system or other long-term health problems.

Parents should work with an experienced child-custody attorney to ensure that judges have all the information they need to make the best possible decision for the child.

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.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day From Spivak Law Firm

Posted on March 17 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to enjoy family and friends. The parade in downtown Pittsburgh is one of the largest in the entire country. Bars on the Southside, Oakland, Lawrenceville and across the city offer drink deals to attract patrons out having fun.

Unfortunately, the night does not end well for everybody.

Each year, Spivak Law Firm helps people who face legal problems related to their behavior on St. Patrick’s Day.

We have successfully represented people facing criminal charges such as: public intoxication, disorderly conduct, public urination, underage drinking, simple assault, and drunk driving.

We have helped hundreds of people facing allegations of criminal domestic-violence and Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders.

At Spivak Law Firm, we handle all matters involving criminal defense and family law.

We wish everybody a happy, safe time on St. Patrick’s Day. But if you or a family member or friend needs legal help, we encourage you to call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

What Is Disorderly Conduct?

Posted on March 17 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Under Pennsylvania law, disorderly conduct is a criminal charge defined broadly as causing a public inconvenience. Disorderly conduct may involve:

  • People fighting or threatening one another (like in a bar fight);
  • Being too noisy (like neighbors having a loud party); or
  • Using obscene language or making an obscene gesture;

As you can see, disorderly conduct covers a wide range of activities. The law includes an additional provision stating that disorderly conduct may involve creating a hazardous condition “by any act which serves no legitimate purpose.”

Disorderly conduct is generally charged as a summary offense, though it may be graded as a more serious third-degree misdemeanor under certain conditions.

To speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Emotional Abuse and Family Law

Posted on March 12 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Being a victim of domestic abuse doesn’t always mean that you have been physically harmed. Emotional abuse can be severely damaging to your self-esteem and emotional health. You may be the victim of emotional abuse if your partner:

  • Controls your finances.
  • Controls where you go and the people that you see.
  • Controls your appearance.
  • Tries to embarrass you in front of others.

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

Trouble at School

Posted on March 12 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Receiving a phone call from a teacher regarding your child’s performance in school can be stressful. It is important to discuss the issue with your ex-spouse in the best interest of your child.

Talk to one another regarding the issue, and work together as a team. Consider coordinating your schedules in order to meet with the teacher at the same time. This way you can develop a common plan to address your child’s needs.

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

Charged with REAP?

Posted on March 5 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Pennsylvania defines the crime of recklessly endangering another person (REAP) as a person recklessly engaging in conduct, which places or may place another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury.

That’s right, you may be charged with REAP even if the alleged victim was not hurt. Common instances include:

REAP is a second-degree misdemeanor, which carries up to two years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine.

To speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody Mediation

Posted on March 5 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Child custody mediation provides an opportunity for you and the other parent to discuss what is best for your child without attorneys present. It is a time reserved for working out an ideal schedule for both the parents and the child.

Here are four don’ts for mediating a custody dispute:

  • Don’t neglect the needs of your child;
  • Don’t assume one parenting plan works for all children;
  • Don’t go to mediation without a plan; and
  • Don’t denigrate the other parent.

To speak with an experienced child custody attorney, contact Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.