Family Law

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.

Resources For Domestic Violence Victims

Posted on July 24 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Are you or a loved one a victim of domestic violence? If so, here are some online resources for seeking assistance.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

1 Broadway, Suite B210

Denver, CO 80203

(303) 839-1852

ncadv.org/learn-more/resources

Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

P.O. Box 9024

Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Administration: (412) 687-8017

24 Hour Hotline: (412) 687-8005

www.wcspittsburgh.org

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

6041 Linglestown Rd

Harrisburg, PA 17112

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

www.nrcdv.org

Spivak Law Firm provides aggressive representation for plaintiffs and defendants in domestic violence cases, including Protection From Abuse (PFA), Children Youth and Families (CYF), and criminal domestic violence.

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

PFA and Child Custody Tips

Posted on June 25 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

If you’ve been served with a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order, you may be restricted from seeing your children. In some cases, the PFA will allow no contact. In other cases, the PFA will allow limited contact.

If your PFA allows for limited contact with your children, please be very careful to avoid any conflict or mention of the PFA at custody exchanges. If you engage in argument or attempt to discuss the PFA at the custody exchange, you are placing yourself at serious risk of arrest for violating the PFA. Even if you are permitted custody of the children while the PFA remains active, it may be safer to decline in order to avoid false accusations that you violated the order.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, and PFA hearings. For more information, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Divorce: Refinancing the Marital Residence

Posted on June 25 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

The marital residence often represents the greatest asset in a divorce. Some people sell the home and divide any proceeds remaining from the sale. In other cases, a decision will be made for one of the spouses to remain at the property after the divorce is finalized.

If both spouses are listed on the mortgage, it will be necessary to refinance the loan. Under a refinance, the spouse who stays at the marital residence will become solely liable for the mortgage and all fees related to the property. The lending institution will approve the refinance in most cases involving a good credit history.

Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation in all divorce and family law matters. To schedule a consultation, call us today at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Co-Parenting On Father’s Day

Posted on June 15 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

This Father’s Day weekend, families are taking extra care to show Dad how much he is loved and appreciated.

But when parents reside in separate homes, coordinating plans for Father’s Day can lead to conflict.

Here are some tips for a smooth holiday weekend:

Work together to set a plan for the day.
Encourage the kids to enjoy time with their father.
Make the holiday about your children and plan an activity that is fun for the whole family.

Spivak Law Firm offers strong, compassionate representation in child custody matters. To schedule an appointment with an experienced family law attorney, call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Divorce and Legal Separation

Posted on June 15 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania does not recognize legal separation.

But your date of separation may be highly relevant to your divorce.

Spouses who remain married for an extended period of time after separating may have legitimate disagreements about the contents of their marital estate.

If only one spouse wants a divorce and the parties have been separated for at least one year, a divorce may be granted so long as there is no dispute about the date of separation.

The one-year period begins at the date of separation, which may pre-date the filing of the divorce action.

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