Yearly Archives: 2024

Child Custody and Criminal Charges

Posted on December 17 2024 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Don’t let criminal charges or a PFA Order stand in the way of filing for child custody.

Spivak Law Firm is one of the few law firms in Pittsburgh handling both family law and criminal defense matters.

Many of our clients face PFA actions or criminal charges such as assault or harassment.

Some even face criminal charges involving children, including: child abuse or endangering the welfare of a child.

The process for obtaining a child custody order can take up to a year or longer. We recommend against further delaying matters by waiting until your criminal charge is resolved.

In many cases, we are able to obtain custody orders while criminal charges are pending.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation in all family law and criminal defense matters. Call us today at (412) 344-4900 or (800) 545-9390.

Benefits of Child Support Orders

Posted on December 17 2024 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

There are several benefits to receiving child support by court order.

The money will be garnished from the other parent’s paycheck and directly deposited into your account on the same dates each month.

Thus, you do not have to worry about when and how much money you will receive, and you can plan your monthly budget accordingly.

A support order will also determine each parent’s financial obligation for paying the child’s extra-curricular activity and unreimbursed medical expenses.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: child custody, child support, divorce, and Protection From Abuse (PFA). To schedule a consultation, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Shared Custody and Child Support

Posted on September 23 2024 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Even though you share custody of your children, you may still have to pay child support.

Why?

Because you earn a higher income than the other parent.

Public policy aims to provide children with a decent standard of living in both households.

Spivak Law Firm handles all child support matters, including: filing for support, calculating support, and advocating for our clients at support conferences and hearings.

In many cases, we are able to resolve child-support matters so that our client do not ever have to appear in Court.

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

Child Custody: Co-Parenting Counseling

Posted on September 23 2024 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Parents who engage in high levels of conflict often suffer from poor communication.

Family Courts tend to order such parents to engage in co-parenting counseling to hopefully improve their communication skills for the sake of their children.

Many co-parenting counselors now provide services virtually. This can be convenient for busy parents and provide a buffer for exes who do not want to sit in the same room together.

Like any counseling, the success of sessions tends to depend on the parents’ commitment to the process.

In some cases, Judges will not allow child custody cases to move forward to trial until the parents demonstrate a consistent, good-faith effort to resolve their differences in co-parenting counseling.

Spivak Law Firm handles all child custody matters, including but not limited to: negotiating and drafting agreements, hearings and trials, motions court, relocation, father’s rights, grandparents’ rights.

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

Avoid the Stigma of a Final PFA Order

Posted on September 9 2024 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

A Final Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order is an indicator of abusive behavior that may remain on your record for life.

One of the main reasons to hire a PFA lawyer is to attempt to avoid the long-term stigma and negative consequences of a Final PFA Order.

A PFA can evict you from your home, restrict you from your kids, prohibit you from owning firearms, get you terminated from your job.

Spivak Law Firm has helped hundreds of people get the PFA dropped. We provide strong defense at PFA hearings.

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

PFA Orders and Supervised Custody

Posted on May 19 2024 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Protection From Abuse (PFA) Orders commonly restrict parents from their children.

In some cases, while a PFA remains active, a parent may go several months only getting to see their children for short visits in public places while supervised by a third party.

Meanwhile, police detectives, caseworkers, and forensic specialists may be called upon to investigate allegations of maltreatment against the children.

While it may feel demeaning and unnecessary to have your custody visits supervised, Spivak Law Firm frequently encourages parents to exercise visits to maintain relationships with the children.

The purpose of the supervisor is to ensure the children’s safety. A supervisor also safeguards the parent from false allegations of abuse.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation. Call us today at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody: International Travel

Posted on May 19 2024 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Air travel has increased significantly in recent months now that COVID restrictions have eased.

But parents in separated families may still struggle to make plans if their exes oppose them.

If your ex says no to your travel plans, your only option may be to ask for a Family Court Judge to decide.

In many cases, Courts will allow parents to fly internationally so long as the trip does not interfere with the other parent’s custody schedule and the travel destination is considered safe.

If necessary, Courts may also order that parents cooperate with one another to ensure that passports and other documents necessary for air travel have been secured.

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