Pgh PFA Lawyer
Child Custody and Criminal Charges
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.
PFA Orders and Supervised Custody
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.
Why Child Custody Orders Are Important
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
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.
Divorce and Bankruptcy
My spouse and I both want a divorce. We also need to file for bankruptcy due to our significant debts. What should we do first: file for divorce or file for bankruptcy?
The answer depends on the circumstances of your case, according to a recent article in Lawyers Journal written by Pittsburgh attorney Beth Slaby.
“If the spouses are on amicable terms, it may be best to file bankruptcy first,” she writes. “This allows both to share in the cost of attorneys’ fees and filing fees and could possibly protect them from paying joint debt.”
On the other hand, she writes: “The benefit of filing for divorce first may be that a married couple’s joint income is too high to qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, but a person might be able to qualify individually after the divorce is final.”
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, alimony, division of assets and debts, and Protection From Abuse (PFA).
Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Teen Mental Health Issues
Statistics regarding teen mental health are, well, depressing.
More than 30% of high schoolers report persistent sadness.
About 20% say they have seriously considered suicide.
Teenagers may be happy to learn that some social scientists recommend combating these problems by advocating for less homework and later start-times at school.
Teenagers are not getting enough sleep, according to a recent Washington Post article:
“No one questions the benefits of sleep for babies and young children. But teenagers’ brains and bodies are changing and growing just as much as they did in their earliest years. The restructuring of the adolescent brain is pivotal to healthy development – and to a large extent, it occurs during sleep.”
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.
Domestic Abuse: Behavioral Effects On Kids
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 and Abuse Allegations
Allegations of sexual or physical abuse of a child may complicate a child custody case.
Courts take child abuse allegations very seriously, often prompting Child, Youth, and Family (CYF) Services investigations and forensic evaluations by medical professionals and law enforcement.
The alleged perpetrator, victim, and relevant third parties are all interviewed.
If the allegations are determined to be “unfounded,” evaluators and caseworkers make recommendations that often include family counseling.
It could take months for CYF to make final determinations, and a court will likely restrict your custody rights during that time.
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.
Three Types of PFA Orders
There are three types of PFA orders in Pennsylvania.
PFA stands for Protection From Abuse.
A PFA is a restraining order that prohibits the alleged abuser from having any contact with the alleged victim.
Under Pennsylvania law, abuse is defined broadly. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats of violence, harassment, and stalking.
A person seeking protection from a family member or current or former sexual partner may obtain one of the following three types of PFA orders.
First, an Emergency PFA will last through a weekend or holiday when courts are generally closed. It expires automatically.
Second, a Temporary PFA triggers a hearing date that is supposed to occur within ten days. In Allegheny County and other counties surrounding Pittsburgh, courts grant more than 90 percent of requests for a Temporary PFA.
Third, a Final PFA may be obtained by consent, failing to appear, or after a hearing before a judge. A Final PFA may remain in place for up to three years.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong, compassionate, cost-effective representation at PFA hearings. For a free consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What is an Emergency PFA?
A person seeking protection from an abuser may obtain an Emergency PFA even when courts are generally closed.
In Allegheny County, local magistrates and a night court judge are available to grant Emergency PFAs at any time, including: on weekends, during holidays, and late at night.
An Emergency PFA expires when courts resume their regular business hours. Therefore, an Emergency PFA granted on Saturday night will generally expire the following Monday.
A person who obtains an Emergency PFA will often return to Court during regular business hours to request a Temporary PFA, which will trigger a hearing date so a judge may determine whether a Final PFA is warranted.
A Final PFA can last up to three years.
The person accused of abuse does not receive any notice or opportunity to defend against the Emergency PFA or Temporary PFA.
Defendants are given the opportunity to challenge the abuse accusations at the Final PFA hearing before a judge.
Spivak Law Firm provides strong, aggressive representation at PFA hearings. To speak with an experienced PFA attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.