Daily Archives: July 24, 2020

Why You Need A Last Will and Testament

Posted on July 24 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

If you die without a Last Will and Testament, the government will settle your estate.

If there are no clearly defined heirs, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will take all the assets you leave behind.

An estimated 60 percent of people die without a Last Will and Testament or any type of estate plan.

By getting your wishes down on paper now, you take care of everyone who is important to you and keep control over how your assets are distributed.

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

Harsh Sentences For PFA Violations

Posted on July 24 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

People accused of violating Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders face stiff penalties.

A PFA prohibits all contact between a defendant and the person alleging abuse. A Final PFA hearing is usually scheduled within 10 days after the Temporary PFA is issued.

If you are accused of violating a Temporary PFA Order, the case will likely be heard before a family-court judge.

But if you are accused of violating a Final PFA Order, the case will likely be heard before a criminal-court judge.

The official charge for violating a PFA is known as Indirect Criminal Contempt (ICC).

An ICC conviction carries a possible penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Spivak Law Firm routinely handles PFA and ICC hearings. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Modifying A Child Support Order

Posted on July 24 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Parents can petition the court for a review and modification of their child support order at any time if they feel there is a change in circumstance that may affect the amount of the child support order.

Additionally, every three years the Domestic Relations Section will send each parent a notice asking if they want their support case reviewed.

The review is to make any appropriate increase, decrease, modification or termination of the support order.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation in all family law matters, including: divorce, child custody, child support, and Protection From Abuse (PFA).

To schedule a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Helping People Expunge Criminal Records

Posted on July 24 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

People with criminal records face major barriers to employment, housing and education.

Perhaps surprisingly, more than 90 percent of people eligible for criminal-record expungements don’t even apply, according to researchers.

Most people don’t know they can get an expungement, or don’t know how to do it, and don’t have lawyers to advise them.

The process can be long and complicated, requiring visits to courthouses. The fees and costs are a barrier for people in poverty.

At Spivak Law Firm, we help people expunge their criminal records so they can move on with their lives.

For a free consultation, call us today at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Resources For Domestic Violence Victims

Posted on July 24 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Are you or a loved one a victim of domestic violence? If so, here are some online resources for seeking assistance.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

1 Broadway, Suite B210

Denver, CO 80203

(303) 839-1852

ncadv.org/learn-more/resources

Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

P.O. Box 9024

Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Administration: (412) 687-8017

24 Hour Hotline: (412) 687-8005

www.wcspittsburgh.org

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

6041 Linglestown Rd

Harrisburg, PA 17112

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

www.nrcdv.org

Spivak Law Firm provides aggressive representation for plaintiffs and defendants in domestic violence cases, including Protection From Abuse (PFA), Children Youth and Families (CYF), and criminal domestic violence.

To schedule a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.