Family Law

What Is CYF?

Posted on October 26 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Children Youth and Families is the name of the child-welfare agency in Allegheny County.

The stated purpose of CYF is: to protect children from abuse and neglect, to keep families together whenever possible, and to make sure that every child has a safe, permanent home.

The agency ensures that basis needs are met by their families, including: food, safe housing, supervision, clothing, and medical care.

The agency investigates reports of child abuse, neglect, and teen issues to determine if they are true.

If the reports are true and safety issues identified, the agency must decide if the child will be safe if they stay in their parent’s home.

Most of the time, children can stay in their home with their parents and the family will receive services to address the safety issues.

Other times the safety issues cannot be addressed while the child remains in the home and the child enters placement.

Children may be placed with a relative, in a foster home, or in a group home facility.

When a child is placed, visitation must be arranged for the child and the parent to keep their relationship strong.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, effective advocacy for people facing child abuse allegations. To speak with an attorney experienced in family law and criminal defense, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Divorce: Negotiating Settlements

Posted on October 6 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

In most divorce cases, attorneys informally provide one another documents regarding their clients’ marital assets and debts on their way to negotiating a financial settlement.

The parties have a legal obligation to share all relevant information prior to resolving their economic claims, including:

-Bank accounts

-Retirement accounts

-Investment portfolios

-Mortgage statements

-Credit card statements

If a financial settlement is reached, the attorneys will draft a marital settlement agreement or consent order of court resolving economic claims.

If necessary, we will also draft deeds transferring ownership of the residence and documents necessary to divide retirement accounts.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including divorce, spousal support, alimony, dividing assets and debts, child custody, and child support.

To schedule a consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody and Health Issues

Posted on October 6 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Childhood obesity rates have risen to alarming levels in America.

Due to increased awareness into the long-term health consequences associated with obesity, parents and courts have grown concerned.

During custody disputes, many Moms and Dads may point out the physical health of their children as an attack against the other parent.

Pennsylvania courts decide custody disputes in the best interests of the child.

If a child’s health problems associated with obesity are exacerbated by decisions made by a parent, this has the potential to negatively impact their case.

For instance, if Dad regularly provides fast food meals for his overweight, diabetic child, a judge could determine that primary custody should go to Mom, who regularly makes healthy meals and exercises with the child.

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

Child Custody During COVID-19

Posted on September 25 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

COVID-19 has presented new challenges for people sharing custody of their children, as disagreements occur over how much the kids should be allowed to leave home or socialize.

Co-parents may disagree about school reopening, play dates, and extra-curricular activities.

In some Pennsylvania counties, including Allegheny County, courts have generally directed parents to follow their court-ordered schedules throughout the pandemic.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation in all child custody and family law matters.

To schedule a free consultation, call us today at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

How to Receive Child Support

Posted on September 24 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

In Pennsylvania, there are two ways to receive child support payments.

Most people who receive child support choose to have the money directly deposited into their bank account.

Some elect to use an EPPICard, which is a type of debit card. You cannot make your own deposits onto an EPPICard account, which can be used at most retail stores, grocery stores and ATMs.

Spivak Law Firm routinely handles all family law matters, including: divorce, child custody, child support, and Protection From Abuse (PFA).

Our child support lawyers are experienced at running support calculations, filing support actions, negotiating and drafting support agreements, and representing our clients at support hearings to achieve the best possible outcomes.

To schedule a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Protecting Abuse Victims

Posted on September 24 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Victims of domestic violence may obtain Protection from Abuse (PFA) Orders to curb the abuse and prohibit contact with the perpetrator.

But even obtaining a PFA may not provide adequate protection.

The Pennsylvania Legislature recently approved a resolution to examine PFA law and practice for potential insufficiencies.

The commission will work closely with professionals experienced with PFAs to identify and remedy flaws to more adequately protect victims of domestic abuse.

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

Child Custody and Contempt Hearings

Posted on August 28 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Under Pennsylvania law, parents must follow their child custody orders or risk being held in civil contempt.

The most common way a parent will violate a custody order is by withholding the children from the other parent. In such cases, the court may award make-up time and sanctions in the form of attorney’s fees.

If you want to seek a contempt action against the other parent, you must first file a motion with the Court requesting a contempt hearing. In your motion, you explain your basis for contempt.

If the Court grants your motion, a contempt hearing will be scheduled, providing an opportunity to prove through testimony and documentary evidence that the custody order was violated.

Spivak Law Firm handles all child custody matters, including: custody filings, custody orders, custody trials, and contempt hearings. Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

What To Bring To A Child Support Hearing?

Posted on August 28 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Whether you are the parent seeking to receive child support, or if you are the parent being asked to pay child support, the court requires you to bring important documentation to your child support hearing.

You are required to bring your last six months of pay stubs and most recent W-2s and tax returns.

You should also bring your child’s medical-insurance cards and any recent invoices related to his or her medical care.

If your child is enrolled in daycare or childcare, you should bring invoices that reflect the costs of said care.

If your child is enrolled in extra-curricular activities, you should bring invoices that reflect the costs of said activities.

Having an experienced at your child-support hearing can make a real difference in your case. At Spivak Law Firm, we handle all family law matters, 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.

Why You Need A Last Will and Testament

Posted on July 24 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

If you die without a Last Will and Testament, the government will settle your estate.

If there are no clearly defined heirs, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will take all the assets you leave behind.

An estimated 60 percent of people die without a Last Will and Testament or any type of estate plan.

By getting your wishes down on paper now, you take care of everyone who is important to you and keep control over how your assets are distributed.

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

Modifying A Child Support Order

Posted on July 24 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Parents can petition the court for a review and modification of their child support order at any time if they feel there is a change in circumstance that may affect the amount of the child support order.

Additionally, every three years the Domestic Relations Section will send each parent a notice asking if they want their support case reviewed.

The review is to make any appropriate increase, decrease, modification or termination of the support order.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation in all family law matters, including: divorce, child custody, child support, and Protection From Abuse (PFA).

To schedule a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.