Spivak Law Firm

Based in Pittsburgh, PA

412-344-4900

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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.

Domestic Abuse: Behavioral Effects On Kids

Posted on April 21 2022 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Children who witness domestic violence may have the following behavioral effects:

  • Poor impulse control
  • Stress disorders and psychosomatic complaints
  • Increased social isolation or withdrawal
  • Increased deceptiveness
  • Aggressiveness
  • Dependence
  • Passiveness
  • Bed-wetting
  • Nightmares
  • Lack of creativity and healthy exploration
  • Feelings of powerlessness
  • Low self-esteem
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Confusion and insecurity
  • Sadness and depression
  • Poor definition of self
  • Defines self in parenting role
  • Ambivalence
  • Constant fear
  • Self-blame

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: child custody, child support, divorce, Protection From Abuse (PFA) and Children Youth and Families (CYF).

We provide strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation. To schedule a consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody: Strategies to Prevent Meltdowns

Posted on July 14 2021 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Young children may exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety when their parents divorce. Symptoms may include whimpering to be picked up, shrieking if a parent leaves the room, or wailing at bedtime.

Child psychologists recommend the following strategies to prevent or de-escalate meltdowns:

  • Validate their feelings: Acknowledge that you understand why the situation makes them feel scared, and encourage them to practice being brave and trying an activity on their own.
  • Reward quiet acts of bravery: Avoid prolonging goodbyes and paying attention to tantrum. Be sure to reward them for playing alone or going to bed without fuss.
  • Practice routines: If you suspect that your child might struggle with an upcoming event, like starting remote learning, returning to preschool or an overnight visit with family, practicing the routine a few days before can help your child prepare.
  • Provide a transitional object: Give your children something small and personal that reminds them of home – that they can keep in their pocket or cubby and retrieve when they need to feel a connection to loved ones.
  • Relieve your own stress: Anxious parents can exacerbate their children’s anxiety, so take steps to relieve your own stress.

Spivak Law Firm handles all family law matters, including: divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, alimony, separation of assets and debts, estate planning, and Protection From Abuse (PFA).

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

PFA Hearings: Child Testimony

Posted on May 7 2021 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

A child under 13-years-old who alleges physical or sexual abuse may not have to testify at a Protection From Abuse (PFA) hearing under Pennsylvania Law.

The Tender Years Hearsay Act allows a psychologist or caseworker from Children Youth and Families (CYF) to testify on the child’s behalf.

The purpose of the Act is to protect children from the added trauma of appearing in court to describe the details of the alleged assault.

New legislation may expand the Act to include children under 17-years-old.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania opposes the bill on grounds that it violates the defendant’s right to due process.

Courts heavily rely on other professionals to determine whether abuse on a child actually occurred.

There may be a forensic interview conducted by a child abuse specialist in the presence of a police detective and a CYF caseworker.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law and criminal defense with a special focus on PFA, domestic abuse and high-conflict child custody.

Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

Child Custody: Parenting During COVID-19

Posted on March 4 2021 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Parents of young children may take solace or even find helpful tips or simple wisdom in hearing from others working through the challenges of parenting during the pandemic.

In a recently published letter, Lydia Kiesling relates meltdowns shared with her 6-year-old daughter during the lockdown:

“For months, she and I have found ourselves locked in an awful duet of upset and recrimination. I yell; she yells; we both cry. As March turned into April turned into June – as “you’ll see your friends soon” became “at least there will be kindergarten in the fall” became hopefully it will be safe by first grade” – it grew clear that even the most cosseted children won’t get out of this situation unscathed.”

She praises a seminal book on parenting: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.

The book reminded her that life is flying by:

“I spent so much of the early pandemic days in a holding pattern that I failed to realize that the pandemic had become reality – that our crisis mode urgently needed to be retooled for a longer journey, emotionally as much as logistically. Regardless of how we feel about this period, it is happening, and the days continue to pass.”

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

 

Child Custody and Separation Anxiety

Posted on January 29 2021 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

Separation anxiety is normal and happens as children begin to differentiate between things that are safe and familiar and things that are new and different.

Classic symptoms include clinginess when a parent or caregiver is present, and crying or short tantrums right after the person leaves the room or home.

For most kids, separation anxiety sets in between 8 and 12 months of age and fizzles out around age 3.

But for kids who have a condition called separation anxiety disorder, which affects between 3 and 5 percent of children, those meltdowns can persist into elementary school and even after. They may escalate over time and include physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches.

The current pandemic has added an extra layer of stress and disruption. Symptoms might increase, especially in households where one or more parents are essential workers who are now home less often.

Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law with a special focus on child custody, mental health, drug addiction, and domestic abuse.

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

Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines

Posted on November 30 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

The Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines were developed with the principle that the children of separated, divorced or single parents should receive the same amount of parental support as if the parents were together.

The State Supreme Court issued these Guidelines for calculating how much child support a parent should pay.

The Guidelines are based on the needs of the child and the ability of the parents to provide child support until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. The incomes and assets of both parents are considered when the court establishes a support order.

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

For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

If You Witness Domestic Abuse

Posted on November 25 2020 by Todd Spivak and Rebecca Canterbury

While domestic violence typically happens behind closed doors, in some cases it occurs in a public space or around friends or family members, meaning that other people may witness or be aware of the abuse.

Here are 3 tips for what you might do to intervene:

  • Take into account your own safety as well as the survivor’s. Gather a group of people to stand nearby and either verbally or physically intervene.
  • Contact the authorities if necessary.
  • Approach the victim afterwards in a private space and provide them with the contact information of support services.

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.

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.

Domestic Abuse FAQ

Posted on August 23 2020 by wirthdesign

Domestic Abuse:
Frequently Asked Questions

Does Spivak Law Firm handle cases involving domestic abuse?

Yes. Spivak Law Firm has extensive experience handling family-law matters involving domestic abuse, including: child custody, divorce, Protection From Abuse (PFA), and Children Youth and Families (CYF). We also routinely handle domestic-violence cases in criminal court involving charges such as: assault, harassment, threats, and stalking. To schedule a consultation with a Pittsburgh attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

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What is domestic abuse?
Under Pennsylvania’s criminal and Protection From Abuse (PFA) laws, domestic abuse is defined in broad terms. It may refer to physical violence or sexual violence against a family member. It may also refer to threats of violence, harassing behavior, stalking, reckless endangerment or false imprisonment. In child custody cases, it is common for parties to allege psychological control, mental abuse, and verbal abuse. For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

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How do courts view mental and emotional abuse?
Allegations of mental and emotional abuse may significantly impact child custody cases. Some family-court judges believe mental and emotional abuse have severe consequences, whereas other judges may downplay the effects of mental and emotional abuse, which cannot be used as a basis for a PFA or criminal action. For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

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How does domestic abuse affect child custody?
In a custody trial, the Court considers several factors when determining the custody schedule. One important factor, which may be more heavily weighted than others, is whether there is a history of domestic abuse in the family. Spivak Law Firm has extensive experience litigating child custody trials involving allegations of domestic abuse. To speak with a Pittsburgh child custody attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

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How does domestic abuse affect divorce?
Evidence of domestic abuse minimally impacts divorce cases, as spouses no longer need to prove misconduct to obtain a divorce. Rather, a spouse must merely state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Nonetheless, evidence of domestic abuse may prevent the perpetrator from obtaining alimony in some cases. To discuss your divorce matter, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

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Does Spivak Law Firm help people accused of abuse?
Yes. Spivak Law Firm has helped hundreds of people accused of domestic violence and child abuse. We provide strong, aggressive representation in all matters involving Protection From Abuse (PFA), criminal charges, and Children Youth and Families (CYF). We have extensive experience helping people accused of abuse assert their child-custody rights. Many of our clients were falsely accused. To speak with a Pittsburgh attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

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What resources exist for victims of domestic abuse?
Victims of domestic abuse should call the police in case of emergency. They may also obtain a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order restricting all contact with their abuser under threat of arrest. If there is a child involved, they may file a report of abuse with Allegheny County Children Youth and Families (CYF). There are women’s shelters, toll-free hotlines, and many other resources available for victims of domestic abuse. For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.

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