Pittsburgh Child Custody Law Firm
Is Spanking Harmful to Kids?
Parents should not spank their children due to the harmful effects of corporal punishment, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The group also advised against using non-physical punishment that is humiliating, scary or threatening.
Corporal punishment is defined as “non-injurious, open-handed hitting with the intention of modifying child behavior.”
It is associated with increased aggression and defiance, producing effects similar to those of children who experience physical abuse, according to recent studies.
It is estimated that about two-thirds of parents in the United States have spanked their children.
Spivak Law Firm handles all family law matters, including: child custody, child support, divorce, 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.
Child Custody For Grandparents
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania recently limited the rights of grandparents to pursue custody of their grandchildren.
Prior to the Court’s decision, grandparents had standing to pursue partial physical or supervised custody if: (a) the parents of the children were separated for a period of at least six months or (b) the parents commenced divorce proceedings.
But the Court struck the parental separation provision from the statute, as it violates parents’ rights under the Due Process Clause. Now a grandparent’s rights to pursue custody could be complicated if the parents of the children never married.
To speak with an experienced child custody attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Divorce: Risks For Kids
Research shows that divorce poses serious physical and emotional risks for children that can cause problems well into adulthood. Divorce can be a rough transition for children and it may be wise to enlist the help of a professional.
However, it is not abnormal for children to show signs of stress as they adjust. There are some general clues to look for when trying to decide whether your child needs therapy.
If you notice unusual behavior that persists for more than a couple of weeks, it is a sign your child might need help. Other specific symptoms include social withdrawal, increased sleepiness, and persistent mood swings.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, 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.
Child Custody: Parental Alienation
Parental alienation may occur when one parent continually trash talks the other parent to their children.
This behavior can have devastating results. Your children may no longer wish to see you or your extended family. And despite your repeated requests, your ex may not cooperate in efforts to address the problem.
If you’ve been alienated from your children, you can petition the court for counseling with your children. It is recommended that you seek counseling from a licensed professional who routinely handles custody and parental alienation cases. Although you may feel angry and heartbroken, be patient with your children through the process.
Spivak Law Firm routinely handles child custody matters involving allegations of parental alienation. We represent clients in all areas of family law with a special focus on child custody 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.
Child Custody Mediation
Child custody mediation provides an opportunity for you and the other parent to discuss what is best for your child without attorneys present. It is a time reserved for working out an ideal schedule for both the parents and the child.
Here are four don’ts for mediating a custody dispute:
- Don’t neglect the needs of your child;
- Don’t assume one parenting plan works for all children;
- Don’t go to mediation without a plan; and
- Don’t denigrate the other parent.
Spivak Law Firm handles all areas of family law, including: child custody, child support, divorce, and Protection From Abuse (PFA). To speak with an experienced child custody attorney, contact Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Child Custody and Social Media
Everyone has a friend or follower on social media known as the “over-sharer” who posts private information for everyone to see.
If you’re engaged in a child custody dispute, avoid being the “over-sharer.” Think twice about whether or not your next status update could negatively affect your case. What was once a venting session could become evidence that your ex-spouse’s attorney uses against you in Court. The same holds true with emails and texts.
To speak with an experienced family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.