Author Archives: Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Child Custody: Generations Program

Posted on January 9 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Q: What is the Generations program in Allegheny County?

A: Generations is a program that aims to resolve child-custody disputes without the emotional and financial costs of a trial.

First, the program requires parents to attend an educational session on the court process and the importance of co-parenting. Then, the parents are required to attend mediation in an attempt to resolve any custody disputes and settle on a custody schedule.

If the mediation is unsuccessful, the spouses meet with their attorneys present in a custody conciliation for yet another attempt to resolve custody matters. If parents still cannot reach an agreement, they attend a conciliation with the judge in a final attempt to resolve the case prior to trial.

Studies show that parents are far more likely to follow a custody order they devise themselves. The purpose of Generations is to give parents multiple opportunities to reach agreement.

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.

Arrested For Domestic Abuse?

Posted on January 9 2018 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Q: Police did not witness any physical abuse – so why was I arrested?

A: An allegation of domestic violence by itself can trigger an arrest. Police do not have to witness the incident of abuse. A police officer often makes an arrest decision based solely on the accuser’s credibility without any further investigation. If the alleged victim has any visible marks or injuries, police are likely to make an arrest.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law with a special focus on domestic violence and Protection From Abuse (PFA). We handle PFA hearings and expungements, as well as criminal domestic violence charges and child custody matters. If you have been accused of violating a no-contact order, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

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.

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.