Dormont Family Law
Child Custody: Sharing Time
In the past, sole custody was usually given to the mother because of society’s ideas about gender roles. However, in today’s world, with the image of the mother as primary caregiver changing as more fathers take on active roles in child-raising, other kinds of custody arrangements have emerged.
To date, more than 25 states have introduced bills advocating for shared parenting over sole custody.
Proponents of shared parenting argue that it allows children to spend as close to equal time as possible with both parents without placing an overwhelming burden on the mother or alienating the father.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: child custody, child support, divorce, spousal support, and Protection From Abuse (PFA). To speak with an experienced child-custody attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Parental Alienation
A common issue in custody battles is when a parent intentionally attempts to alienate the children from the other parent. Trying to prove the alienation can be difficult and many judges are reluctant to allow children to testify in court.
Experts recognize the tragic impact serious alienation has on children, as the children may go on to have psychiatric disorders, failed relationships, and dysfunctional lives.
Spivak Law Firm helps parents assert their child-custody rights in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County.
Protect Against Online Harassment
Have you ever felt that your partner’s online behavior is out of control? Do they send constant messages that leave you feeling on-edge, use location features to track where you are, or demand to have access to your phone?
Here are some tips to protect yourself against online domestic abuse:
- Use strong, unique passwords to keep your accounts from being hacked.
- Use two-step verification to make your accounts more secure.
- Back up your data to secure and collect evidence of harassment.
- Browse the web privately so your partner cannot track your Internet history.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law with a special focus on domestic violence and Protection From Abuse (PFA). Call us at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Protect Kids From Trauma
Researchers have found that exposure to psychological abuse between parents is associated with more damage to the wellbeing of children as they get older than physical domestic abuse.
Social support has been found to be vital for recovery from traumatic events in childhood. However, this research reveals that exposure to high levels of psychological domestic abuse may be associated with a decrease in young people’s satisfaction with the social support they receive.
Spivak Law Firm handles all family law matters, including: divorce, child custody, child support, Protection From Abuse (PFA), and Children Youth and Families (CYF). To schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Consequences for Violating A Custody Order
You should not withhold your children from the other parent unless there is a true emergency. Instead, you may file a custody action and obtain an enforceable order of court.
An order of court establishing custody or visitation rights may always be modified for the best interests and welfare of the children.
Failure to comply with an order of court by withholding your children from the other parent could result in a contempt action. Sanctions against you may include makeup time for the other parent and paying their attorney fees.
To speak with an experienced child custody lawyer in Allegheny County, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Parental Alienation Hurts Kids
Are you worried about losing custody of your children?
Does your ex put you down to your children?
Do you believe your ex’s behavior has alienated you from your children?
In Pennsylvania, courts frequently award shared custody of the children so they can enjoy equal time with parents. If you feel alienated from your children, you should meet with an experienced child-custody lawyer to discuss your options for gaining more time with them.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law with a focus on high-conflict child custody and domestic abuse. To schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Child Custody: Recording Kids
Desperate parents may resort to filming or recording their children in an attempt to gain leverage in child-custody battles.
However, these tactics can backfire, leaving children distressed and causing judges to question the parents’ judgment and ability to act in their children’s best interests. Many parents fail to realize how harmful this recording behavior can be or how negatively it can impact their case.
Spivak Law Firm offers strong, compassionate representation in child-custody matters while aiming to protect children in the process. To schedule an appointment with an experienced family-law attorney, call us at (412)-344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
PFAs and Gun Rights
In Pennsylvania, Protection From Abuse (PFA) defendants are frequently ordered to relinquish their firearms. If the defendant has to surrender the guns, they can be held for safekeeping by a third party like a family member or friend who passes a criminal background check by police.
Spivak Law Firm advocates for PFA defendants to protect their Second Amendment right to gun possession and ownership. We have effectively represented many people whose careers were at risk due to a PFA, including: police officers, homeland security officers, nurses, teachers, firearms dealers, and military personnel.
If you’ve been served with a PFA order, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Child Custody and Substance Abuse
Pennsylvania courts decide child custody cases in the best interest of the children based upon sixteen relevant factors. One of the factors judges consider is any history of drug or substance abuse by the parties.
If you have a drug or substance abuse problem, it does not automatically mean that your ex will get sole custody of your children. But it does mean you will likely face substantial hurdles to obtain your desired custody schedule.
The court may temporarily restrict you from your children, order supervised visitation, and order you to undergo drug and alcohol treatment. Judges often reward parents who take successful steps to better themselves in the interests of their children.
Spivak Law Firm routinely helps parents with substance abuse and mental health issues achieve their custody goals. To schedule a consultation, call us today at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
PFA: Dating Partners
If signed into law, House Bill 223 would provide dating partners in Louisiana the same protections in domestic-abuse cases as spouses are afforded.
Under current law, dating partners involved in domestic abuse cases may only be charged with simple battery, not domestic abuse battery, which carries more severe penalties.
It’s vital for dating partners to receive the same protections from battery as other abuse victims. Abusive behavior left unchecked tends to escalate, and domestic-violence laws include enhanced penalties to deter such behavior.
The danger is just as real in a dating relationship as in marriage. In fact, roughly 60% of the people killed in domestic homicides in Louisiana in 2016 were not married to their alleged killers.
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.