Blog - Spivak Law Firm

Domestic Violence and Firearms

Posted on November 5 2025 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the government may disarm individuals subject to domestic-violence orders.

In the case of United States v. Rahimi, the Court ruled 8-to-1 that while the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, it does not extend to those who pose a threat to others.

While legal experts consider the ruling a victory for supporters of gun regulations, it is even more personal for survivors of abuse.

For those facing similar challenges, legal representation is crucial. Navigating the complexities of restraining orders, custody issues, and firearm restrictions can be overwhelming.

Seeking strong, compassionate, and cost-effective legal assistance can make a significant difference in ensuring that the rights of all parties are protected.

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

Child Custody: What is Standing?

Posted on November 5 2025 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

“Standing” is a legal term. It refers to whether a person can bring a matter to court.

In family court, you must have “standing” to pursue a child-custody action.

Of course, a child’s parents always have “standing” to file for custody. For many years, Pennsylvania law has also granted “standing” to grandparents under certain conditions and to a third party who effectively acted as the child’s parent for a period of at least 12 months.

In light of the opiate epidemic, Pennsylvania law has recently allowed “standing” for other third parties under certain circumstances.

The purpose of standing is to protect parents from outsiders such as neighbors or extended family members who may wish to take custody of their child.

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

Child Custody Orders Are Important

Posted on May 19 2025 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Child custody orders are important even for parents who mostly get along. They are essential for parents who don’t.

Child custody orders typically include the schedules for when each parent will have the children, including during summers and holidays.

For high-conflict cases, it is often important to have detailed orders that govern everything from custody exchange locations to vacations and modes of communication.

But even parents who typically communicate well benefit from orders that lay out expectations when conflict arises.

Parents are always able to deviate from the orders so long as they both agree.

Spivak Law Firm handles all family law matters, including: child custody, child support, divorce, and Protection From Abuse (PFA). Call us today at (412) 344-4900 or (800) 545-9390.

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.

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.