Spivak Law Firm

Based in Pittsburgh, PA

412-344-4900

Spivak Law Firm is BBB Accredited

Daily Archives: May 14, 2020

Child Custody and Travel Amid Coronavirus

Q: I do not want my children to travel during the Coronavirus outbreak, what can I do?

A: Your Court Order likely provides vacation time for you and your ex, but it probably does not include what to do in cases of a public health emergency.

If your ex seeks to take your child to a Coronavirus epicenter or out of the country, this may constitute an emergency matter necessitating Court intervention.

An attorney can draft and present an emergency petition to the Court to restrict the other parent’s ability to travel with your child.

In Allegheny County, Courts are generally directing parents to follow child custody orders and continue with custody exchanges despite government directives to stay at home.

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

Paying Child Support During Coronavirus

With forced business closures and company-wide layoffs, the Coronavirus crisis has wreaked havoc on the U.S. economy. Many Americans have lost their incomes altogether, which may have negatively impacted their ability to pay child support.

If there is an Order of Court to pay child support and/or spousal support, it must be followed. If individuals fail to pay support, the court may enter a judgment for the total amount of unpaid support, requiring immediate payment in full. Failure to comply with a support order of court could result in sanctions such as attorney’s fees, license suspension, and even incarceration.

It is important to understand that child support is not a fee that one parent pays to get access to the child. Parents who refuse visitation when their ex owes child support may be held in contempt of court for violating the terms of the child custody agreement.

If you have had a substantial change in financial circumstances, you may be entitled to seek a modification to your Support Order.

Spivak Law Firm offers strong, compassionate representation in all family law matters, including child and spousal support. We help families determine the amount of support owed and represent clients in support hearings and enforcement actions.

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