Author Archives: Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Expunging Summary Offenses

Posted on January 9 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

A criminal record may hurt your educational and employment opportunities, especially if you’re seeking jobs that require a criminal background check. Expungement refers to the removal of an arrest or conviction from your permanent criminal record.

Under Pennsylvania law, a conviction for a summary offense may be expunged after five years. If you were convicted of a summary offense more than five years ago, it may be possible to remove the conviction from your criminal record so that you can move on with your life.

At Spivak Law Firm, we routinely represent people charged with summary offenses and get their criminal records erased. To schedule a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Pennsylvania Child Custody Lawyers

Posted on January 2 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Question: My ex has filed a child custody action against me. What should I do?

Answer: You should speak to an experienced child custody attorney. At Spivak Law Firm, we provide strong, compassionate representation in all child custody matters. We carefully explain the process, describe your options, and propose legal strategies based on your goals and the unique facts of your case. We are skilled negotiators and experienced trial lawyers who fight for you to achieve the best possible outcome.

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

DUI: What Is ARD?

Posted on January 1 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Q: What is ARD?

A: ARD means “accelerated rehabilitative disposition.” It is a diversion program available to some first-time DUI offenders that generally involves serving a brief license suspension, attending an alcohol education program, and receiving substance abuse counseling.

Completion of ARD results in the dismissal of DUI charges and the removal of DUI from the person’s permanent record.

Spivak Law Firm strongly defends people arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances. To learn more, call (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Parental Alienation Signs

Posted on January 1 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Parental alienation occurs when one parent psychologically manipulates the child, causing the child to withdraw from the other parent.

Some common symptoms of parental alienation include, but are not limited to:

Your child refuses to have contact with you;
Your child is hostile toward you without logical reason (no history of abuse);
Your child is hostile toward your extended family; and
Your child expresses only negative feelings toward you, but never toward the other parent.

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.

Benefits Of Collaborative Divorce

Posted on December 26 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Q: Why should I consider a collaborative divorce?

A: Collaborative divorce, also known as no-court divorce, is a non-adversarial process for handling divorce.

It tends to be cheaper, faster, less stressful, and more private than conventional divorce.

Spouses can avoid court fees and share the costs of experts, such as financial advisers or mental health professionals. Studies show that people who choose collaborative law, on average, save $5,000-$10,000 over people who choose litigation.

At Spivak Law Firm, we provide you with strong, cost-effective representation. We aim to preserve your finances by avoiding prolonged conflict to arrive at solutions that are in the best interests of you and your family.

To learn more about collaborative divorce, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

DUI and Expungement

Posted on December 26 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Q: Can I have a DUI expunged from my record?

A: In Pennsylvania, criminal proceedings involving misdemeanor or felony charges can be expunged if (1) you were not convicted, (2) the charges were dismissed or withdrawn, or (3) you successfully completed an ARD program on a first and only charge. Thus, it may be possible to have a DUI arrest expunged from your record.

Spivak Law Firm handles expungements and strongly defends people arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances. To speak with an experienced criminal-defense attorney, call (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody and Emotional Abuse

Posted on December 26 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Ending a physically or emotionally abusive relationship doesn’t always end the abuse, especially when children are involved. You still have to see your ex-spouse to arrange for custody exchanges, holidays, etc.

If your ex-spouse continues to engage in controlling or manipulative behavior, consider limiting your communications to text or email. This can both reduce the level of conflict between the two of you, and allow you to document evidence of your ex’s inability to work together.

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

Erase Your Criminal Record

Posted on December 19 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

If you want to clean your criminal record for an upcoming employment, education, or housing opportunity, you should begin the process as soon as possible.

Spivak Law Firm routinely helps people erase their criminal records through a formal expungement process. What surprises many clients is how long the expungement process takes: about a year from start to finish.

At Spivak Law Firm, we move your case forward as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary delay, and we update you at each step along the way.

Spivak Law Firm expunges criminal records for a low, one-time fee. For more information, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

No Guns for Domestic Abusers

Posted on December 19 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

If you have been charged with a domestic violence related crime, your gun ownership rights may be at stake.

Under federal law, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic abuse, you are banned from purchasing or owning firearms or ammunition. The law aims to protect victims of domestic abuse by keeping guns out of the hands of convicted abusers.

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court expanded the applicability of this law in Voisine v. United States. The Court ruled that the law applies not only to individuals who intentionally committed domestic abuse, but also to individuals who did so recklessly.

If you have been charged with assault, harassment, terroristic threats, or any other domestic violence related crime, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Follow Your Custody Order

Posted on December 19 2017 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

If you have a custody order, follow it. Pennsylvania courts determine custody by looking to the best interests of the children, which is based upon 16 factors. One of the factors asks which parent is more likely to permit and continue frequent contact between the children and the other parent.

If you do not abide by the terms of the existing order, you may be adversely affecting your case. You may also subject yourself to contempt proceedings, which can involve fines and even jail time. Unless you have safety concerns for your children, you should abide by the terms of your custody order.

Spivak Law Firm handles all family law matters, including: divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, and PFAs. To schedule a consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.