Family Law

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.

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.

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.

Why Child Custody Orders Are Important

Posted on January 3 2023 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.

Choosing a Divorce Attorney

Posted on January 3 2023 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

It can be expensive to change attorneys during a divorce, as the new attorney may spend hours reviewing all dockets and documents to be fully informed about the case.

You may avoid such unnecessary expenses by carefully choosing the right divorce attorney for your needs.

–Reputation: Some law firms are known for pushing litigation, while others are better known for negotiating favorable outcomes. At Spivak Law Firm, we are tough negotiators and skilled trial lawyers who take the time to understand your needs and create legal strategies to achieve your goals.

–Experience: You may consider researching how long an attorney has been in practice, as well as his or her level of experience with divorce matters. No attorney handles all practices areas, so make sure that your attorney has significant experience handling divorce cases. At Spivak Law Firm, we handle all divorce and family law matters.

–Hourly Rates: Choose a law firm with an hourly rate that fits your budget. A lower hourly rate will stretch your retainer and likely save you thousands of dollars over the course of your case. At Spivak Law Firm, we charge competitive rates commensurate with our experience.

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