Yearly Archives: 2025

PFA Orders: Cross-Filing Petitions

Posted on April 21 2025 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Domestic abuse is not always a one-way street.

Both parties may be physically abusive to one another.

In such cases, the Court may grant each party a PFA Order against the other party.

This is known as cross-filing PFAs.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation at PFA hearings in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Indiana County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County.

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

Preparing for Divorce Financially

Posted on April 1 2025 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Making financial preparations for divorce could save you significant money and time.

In most families, the marital estate is relatively uncomplicated.

There may be a mortgage on a house; bank accounts; retirement accounts; a couple vehicles; and some credit card debt.

You may avoid expensive formal legal discovery by compiling financial statements for all accounts to provide to your attorney.

In many cases, you will need to provide financial statements from the time you were married as well as the most recent statements related to your assets and debts.

Your attorney will then value the marital estate and help formulate a proposal for dividing it with your spouse according to your goals and needs.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, spousal support and alimony, child custody, child support, and Protection From Abuse (PFA).

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

Child Custody Orders and Vacations

Posted on April 1 2025 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Child Custody Orders typically include a provision regarding vacations.

In most cases, each parent is granted the opportunity to take two weeks’ vacation with the children during the summer months.

The parent taking vacation is usually required to provide the other parent the dates of travel in advance as well as an itinerary for the trip.

Spivak Law Firm handles all child custody matters, including: filing for custody, negotiating and drafting custody orders, and custody litigation involving physical custody, legal custody, school choice, and relocation.

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

Domestic Abuse and Trauma

Posted on January 28 2025 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Survivors of domestic violence face not only physical harm but also significant emotional and social trauma.

Survivors of intimate partner violence often experience guilt, shame, and self-blame, which can lead to depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.

Domestic abuse perpetrators may control their partners’ daily activities and finances. Survivors frequently report a loss of agency and social isolation. Whether it is community ostracism or difficulty in career advancement, spousal violence can severely undermine a survivor’s ability to lead a fulfilling and independent life.

The effect on children can be significant. Children who witness domestic violence tend to struggle in school, have difficulty forming healthy friendships, and exhibit behavioral issues.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law and criminal defense with a special focus on child custody and domestic abuse. Call us today at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Divorce and Physical Safety

Posted on January 27 2025 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Telling your partner that you want a divorce may put your physical safety at risk, especially if your partner has a history of domestic violence.

Even in low-conflict relationships, a divorce may cause a person to behave in alarming ways they never did before.

If you are seeking a divorce, you may consider formulating a plan to ensure your physical safety.

For instance, if you plan to leave the marital residence, consider whether you will move in temporarily with friends or family.

Consider also whether your new address should be kept confidential from your ex to allow for a cooling-off period.

You may also consider scheduling a consultation with a family law attorney to discuss how to obtain a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order if you are physically attacked, threatened, harassed or stalked by your ex.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, and PFA hearings. Call us today at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.