When DNA reveals a new heir in Pennsylvania probate
Probate can change fast when DNA testing identifies someone who claims to be a biological child or relative of the person who died. In Pennsylvania, you might see this happen during an estate review or when a close family member starts the process. The judge may delay parts of the...
Read MoreWomen’s unrecognized home labor often leads to divorce
Both spouses in modern marriages typically work. Long gone are the days when husbands were the only ones working. In fact, in many households, the wife may be the higher-earning professional. Despite both spouses working full-time, wives frequently have many more obligations in the family home. There is a presumption...
Read MoreHow to fund a Pennsylvania trust the right way
Funding your trust matters because an unfunded trust cannot manage or transfer anything. You avoid probate delays and keep your plan working only after you move assets into the trust. What funding a trust means You change legal ownership from your name to the trust’s name. For items that cannot...
Read MoreProbate in Pennsylvania: Where do I start?
Probate is a legal process that guides the distribution of assets after someone passes away. The process begins in the county where the deceased person resided at the time of their death. The following will discuss the initial steps of probate in Pennsylvania, with information for Allegheny and Montgomery Counties....
Read MoreWhy your estate plan needs backup fiduciaries
When you create your estate plan, every decision matters. Many people name a trustee, executor or agent under a power of attorney, but forget to plan for what happens if that person cannot serve. Naming successors makes certain your plan continues to protect your wishes no matter what happens. Why...
Read MoreWhen family harmony breaks: Common probate conflicts in Pennsylvania
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of family disputes during probate. Unfortunately, the process of distributing assets can sometimes bring out the worst in people. Understanding how and why probate conflicts arise can help avoid painful family rifts. When emotions and money collide The combination...
Read MoreWhy is DIY estate planning risky?
Estate planning is vital for everyone, not just the wealthy. It ensures others honor your wishes while providing for your loved ones after you pass. Many people consider do-it-yourself estate planning to save money, but this approach can be risky. Without the right knowledge, you can easily overlook many crucial...
Read More5 reasons to update your will
Creating a will remains one of the most important financial decisions, yet only about one-third of Americans have taken this crucial step. By having a will, you’ve already made a wise choice to protect your legacy and loved ones. However, simply having a will isn’t enough. You need to keep...
Read MoreDivorce also impacts your estate plan
Divorce is a life-altering event that brings about significant changes in various aspects of one’s life. One area often overlooked during this tumultuous time is the impact of divorce on an individual’s estate plan. An estate plan, which includes documents like your will, trust, and power of attorney, is designed...
Read MoreTips for adjusting to co-parenting relationships
Co-parenting, or sharing custody, is one of the biggest challenges involved in many divorce scenarios. People who may prefer to never see each other again have to regularly interact with one another for the sake of their shared children. Conflict is normal when those going through a drastic change in...
Read MoreWhat alternative dispute resolutions are available in divorce?
Divorce is often a stressful and emotionally-draining event, all the more so if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are set on battling out your differences in court. The process can be quicker, easier and far more amicable if you pursue alternative dispute resolutions instead. Alternative dispute resolutions refer to the...
Read More3 things every executor should know about probate
When a loved one passes away, the probate court looks to the deceased’s will to ensure the distribution of their estate according to their written intentions. The court does not assume full control of this process, however – it falls to a trusted individual named by the deceased to oversee...
Read MoreHow to ease the transition for your loved ones
Approaching the end of your life is a difficult transition not only for you but for your family as well. Remember that, as you establish your estate plan and power of attorney, your family must come to terms with your mortality. There are a few things that you can do...
Read More3 things people forget to include in their estate plans
Estate planning involves more than determining what happens to your assets after you die. You should also consider how to manage your estate and health care if a time comes when you can no longer make sound decisions for yourself. Here are three essential items to include in your estate...
Read MoreCommon misconceptions about wills
Writing a will is the most fundament part of your estate planning process. This document makes your intentions known such that your family receives support and peace of mind in the event of your passing. However, there are some common misconceptions surrounding wills that might lead you to believe that...
Read MoreWho keeps the house when parents divorce?
If you and your spouse are facing divorce, one of the biggest questions you likely have is “what happens to the family home”. On the one hand, your house is a major financial asset; on the other hand, you and your children may also have a strong emotional attachment to...
Read MoreTips for co-parenting over the summer months
Summer break is an exciting time for kids, but it can be stressful for divorced parents. When you have shared custody, you need a co-parenting plan for the summer just like you did for the school year. Make plans before summer starts Avoid waiting until the start of summer break...
Read MoreWhy should you file for a power of attorney?
If you want to protect your future, a power of attorney may be a great help. This document would allow someone else to decide on matters for you, in the way that you wish, if you can no longer make your own decisions. You choose the conditions When you fill...
Read MoreWhat duties and rights do I have as a guardian?
The process of guardianship administration addresses the needs of a disabled or incapacitated person who can no longer manage essential day-to-day or financial affairs. A potential guardian files a petition to become the caretaker of the estate, the person or both. The guardianship may be permanent or temporary, depending on...
Read MoreWhat is the difference between legal separation and divorce?
A couple may want to separate before deciding to proceed with a divorce. This time apart may serve to ease into the final separation or as a means to stop it. However, in Pennsylvania, a legal separation is not recognized under the law. Divorce is the only way to end...
Read MoreHow not to use social media during divorce
These days, almost everyone has a social media presence. For those going through a divorce, using social media can feel like an outlet, but it can also have a negative impact on the outcome of the legal proceedings. According to researchers, social media use can have a negative impact on...
Read MoreWhat are my options to avoid probate?
Many Pennsylvania residents want to avoid probate with their estate plans. By doing so, they allow loved ones to receive their inheritances without a long, potentially expensive court supervision process. These are some of the key estate planning strategies to bypass probate in the Keystone State. Establish a living trust...
Read MoreChallenges you may encounter while going through probate
The probate process may remain a mystery until a loved one’s death. Then you may find yourself thrown into this common court process armed with little to no insight. A will goes through probate in Pennsylvania regardless of the estate’s value. The probate process may follow a simplified path for...
Read MoreWhen may a person seek annulment of a marriage?
Whereas divorce terminates a marriage, an annulment may outright void a marriage as though it never happened. In contrast to divorce which does not require any specific grounds, seeking an annulment in Pennsylvania is possible with only limited grounds. There is a common misconception that annulment is a religious formality...
Read MoreWhen may a person seek annulment of a marriage?
Whereas divorce terminates a marriage, an annulment may outright void a marriage as though it never happened. In contrast to divorce which does not require any specific grounds, seeking an annulment in Pennsylvania is possible with only limited grounds. There is a common misconception that annulment is a religious formality...
Read MoreWhen do I need to change my will?
Creating a will can help your loved ones carry out your final wishes after you pass away, but what happens when a major life event changes the circumstances you already laid out in writing? Farm Bureau Financial Services reports that wills play many roles, from outlining financial directives to the...
Read MoreLooking at the benefits of special needs trusts
If someone in your family has special needs, you likely need to think about their well-being and the ways in which your estate plan will affect their future. For example, some people do not understand the potential consequences of receiving assets through certain types of estate plans as a disabled...
Read MoreWhat are grounds for a Pennsylvania divorce?
Filing for divorce in Pennsylvania requires a few first steps to start the process. The spouse who files for divorce must declare the reason the marriage is ending. Under the law, there are four options from which to choose when filing for divorce. The legal process may vary depending on...
Read MoreHow do you know if parallel parenting is right for you?
If you recently divorced the other parent of your children, you have to come up with a parenting plan. For amicable couples, co-parenting is a great idea, but for others, parallel parenting may be the best. According to Healthline, parallel parenting is best for parents with a lot of anger...
Read MoreChallenges that military spouses encounter in a divorce
The military lifestyle involves many challenges that civilians might not always appreciate or understand. Maintaining a healthy relationship while in the military faces difficulties such as frequent moves and lengthy deployments. Marriages and divorces for military personnel often contain specific situations that require an understanding of situations unique to the...
Read MoreAm I eligible to adopt a child in Pennsylvania?
Bringing a new child into your home is so rewarding. That is why so many people choose to adopt. Adoption ensures that all kids have a chance at a loving and stable family. It also helps people unable to conceive on their own realize their dream of having a family....
Read MoreMediation and collaborative divorce are two effective ADR options
If you and your spouse are ending your marriage, the prospect of a lengthy and possibly contentious divorce in court is probably a process you would like to avoid. More appealing options are available through two forms of alternative dispute resolution, or ADR. What are they and what are the...
Read MoreHow first- and third-party special needs trusts differ
Many Pennsylvania parents of children with special needs consider creating special needs trusts. These important estate planning tools give you a way to leave assets behind for your child after your death while allowing your child to remain eligible for certain means-based forms of government help. The Special Needs Alliance...
Read MoreHow do you tell your family about your estate plan?
You may ask yourself what the next steps are after you create your estate plan. First, you must keep it updated to reflect your current life circumstances. But you should also let your loved ones know about its contents. Why? Because you have the chance to clear up possible misunderstandings...
Read MoreIs it worth it to contest a will?
Contesting a will means that you question the validity of it. You feel there is something in the will that is not legal or that the creation of the will somehow violates the law. When you contest a will, it occurs during probate. It will stop probate matters because the...
Read MoreShould you compose a power of attorney early?
It is natural to feel wary about creating a power of attorney. The idea of turning over your decision-making powers to someone else is not something to take lightly. Still, a power of attorney can be crucial and you want to have it ready at the earliest possible time. According...
Read MoreHow does parental alienation affect your kid?
If you recently divorced, it is going to take some time to readjust to life as you once knew it. This adjustment period may be easier or harder depending on unique factors. In some extreme cases, one spouse may not adjust at all. In these situations, you could end up...
Read MoreHow difficult is it to establish paternity in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, a married woman’s husband is the presumed legal father of any child born to her. If you and your child’s mother were not married at the time of your child’s birth, however, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare warns that you have no legal relationship to or with...
Read More3 types of adoption
When you decide to adopt a child, you have several options. You can adopt a child from another country, another state or from right here in Pennsylvania. You can have an open adoption, in which you get the opportunity to meet the birth parent(s), or a closed adoption, in which...
Read MoreCollaborative divorce puts the focus on respectful teamwork
A standard divorce process in court has its drawbacks and many couples are finding a better option based on teamwork and cooperation. If you and your spouse are hesitant to enter litigation, which is often contentious, collaborative divorce may be a viable alternative for you. Understanding collaborative divorce Collaborative divorce...
Read MoreIs it possible to limit your estate tax liability?
An important part of the estate planning process in Pennsylvania is preparing to minimize any liabilities your estate may face upon your death. You can take steps to settle debts and avoid probate, but one expense that may seem inevitable is taxes. Fortunately, there is a way for you to...
Read MoreCan bad behavior affect your divorce case?
Contentious divorces are very stressful. You may be unhappy about the circumstances that led to your divorce, and this unhappiness can steadily build into resentment. Your feelings might cause you to treat your former spouse badly, and you may even feel justified in this poor treatment if infidelity or abuse...
Read MoreA comprehensive estate plan can address special circumstances
For Pennsylvania residents with assets, having a formal estate plan ensures that property goes to whom or where the owner wishes instead of the probate court making the decision. If you have a family, financial accounts, real estate and vehicle, a will is the first step toward safeguarding the contents...
Read MoreWhat are the types of custody?
Before you go to court to settle the matter of child custody, it is helpful to understand the different options. The Pennsylvania General Assembly explains there are a few different types of child custody each of which offers varying levels of rights. Legal custody Legal custody is the right to...
Read MoreCan a grandparent ask for custody?
Parental separation affects more than just the immediate family unit. Grandparents may find themselves collateral damage during a breakup. The relationship between children and grandparents is meaningful, but it does not outrank the parents. While they may not have the same rights as parents, under Pennsylvania law, grandparents may pursue...
Read MoreThe 20/20/20 Rule
Marriage to a member of the military in Pennsylvania brings with a number of sacrifices. Your service member spouse often must relocate on short notice, or will sometimes receive assignments that call them away for extended periods. Yet these sacrifices are often offset by the unique benefits you enjoy due...
Read MoreWhat should I expect when contesting a will?
Being cut out of a loved one’s will has many effects, both emotional and financial. You may feel wronged by the decision, especially if you were close to the person. You may also be concerned that the person’s wishes are not being followed by other family members, which can hurt...
Read MoreWhen should you update your estate plan?
Pennsylvania residents like you who already have an estate plan are one step ahead of the rest. But estate plan management does not stop at the creation of the plan. You must also update it often. An estate plan must reflect your life at its most current point. But are...
Read MoreHow legal separation works in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state that has no formal process for what is commonly called legal separation. If a couple wants to get a court order to end their marriage, then they have to be eligible for and obtain a divorce. Under Pennsylvania law, a couple can each agree to a...
Read MoreAre professional guardians a good choice?
When assigning guardianship over an adult, the courts will always look to family members first. It wants to ensure what is best for the individual and the general thought is that family is the most likely to achieve that. However, AARP explains that when there is no family to serve...
Read MoreCan you reduce the stress of divorce for your children?
Pennsylvania parents like you put a lot on the line during divorce. You must discuss asset division. You may have to pay alimony. On top of that, you have to deal with matters regarding your child. This includes support payments, visitation schedules and custody. Of course, you also need to...
Read MoreThe importance of witnesses in signing wills
It is not enough to compose and sign a will to make it a binding legal document. To protect against forgeries and fraud, Pennsylvania law also requires that a person who makes a will, known as a testator, should perform this act while in the presence of two witnesses who...
Read MoreWhat to know about advance health care directives
For the aging population, figuring out what to do if or when health declines becomes more of a priority. To have the most control in the event of incapacitation, or at the end of life, part of estate planning includes filling out an advance health care directive. This directive names...
Read MoreWhat happens if you try to hide assets?
Pennsylvania couples go through many difficulties during divorce. You do not know how your spouse may react in such a tense situation. Sometimes, you do not even know how you will react. A spouse may decide to lash out without thinking it through. An attempt at hiding assets may fall...
Read MoreNavigating the divorce process through collaboration
While the end result may be desirable, divorce is hard. You might be prepared to deal with the long road ahead of you towards a new single life; however, it doesn’t have to be lengthy, overly difficult and overwhelmingly emotional. Divorce will always be an emotional life event, as it...
Read MoreOpening the divorce discussion with children
It is an uncomfortable feeling for people to answer questions about their divorce, especially when they have strong opinions and emotions about their situation. Even more challenging is when parents must inform their children of their decision to separate. Talking with young children presents unique circumstances that require careful navigation...
Read MoreAre you familiar with these unexpected costs of divorce?
You may feel that you have done a fair bit of research regarding the overall cost of divorce, but there is still a chance that you overlooked a few factors. A single oversight could serve as a serious blow to your budget and future financial health. See what Business Insider...
Read MoreWhat is most important in an executor?
When Pennsylvania residents get started on estate planning, it is somewhat overwhelming. What should you take care of first? Where should you start? Today we will look at these complex questions and the possible answers to them. We will start with picking an executor for your will. This is one...
Read MoreAdoption facts prospective parents should know
Anyone who wants to adopt a child should become well-informed about the process and what to expect. It is not a decision prospective parents should take lightly. In Pennsylvania, although anyone may adopt a child, there are a number of prerequisites and expenses, depending on the type of adoption and...
Read MoreThe difference between collaborative divorce and mediation
Many couples in the greater Pittsburgh area will likely want to consider some alternative to traditional litigation if they are going through a divorce. While it is sometimes the best option, many Pennsylvania couples may find traditional litigation to be both expensive and stressful. Moreover, there is always some uncertainty...
Read MoreWhat should you include in your parenting plan?
With few exceptions, the days when one parent received primary custody of the children during a divorce with the other getting limited visitation time have passed. Rather, the courts and many parents favor arrangements where both parents continue to share in the rights, responsibilities and joys of raising their children....
Read MoreWhat are the home study requirements for an adoption preplacement?
Prospective adoptive parents in Pennsylvania must submit to a home study as part of the adoption process. The Child Welfare Information Gateway explains that this study assesses the qualifications and background of the hopeful parents and certain other individuals who may live in the home. What are the basic study...
Read MoreWhy finalize a divorce with a negotiated settlement?
When Pennsylvania couples decide to divorce, they may experience a range of emotions, from anger and confusion to even a sense of relief. Depending on the circumstances leading to the end of the marriage, some people may want to lash out against their spouse or use the divorce proceedings in...
Read MoreHow to use trusts to protect wealth from tax, other threats
Some people in Pennsylvania might want to consider whether they should use a trust protector for their child’s trust. A trust can protect assets from a stepparent who might inherit them and pass them to their own children or from a spouse. However, a trust protector can step in if...
Read MoreWhen your residence changes, so should your estate plan
Estate planning is rarely urgent, but usually, when an estate plan is needed, it is already too late to create one. If you have established an estate plan, you have accomplished something that many people never get around to doing. However, you may not be done with estate planning forever....
Read MoreStudy examines parental alienation claims in custody cases
Some people in Pennsylvania may be familiar with the term “parental alienation syndrome”. However, some experts say that it has been misused in custody battles and that it is not scientifically supported. PAS was first described by a child psychiatrist in the 1980s when he was surprised at all of...
Read MoreModifying an estate plan in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents often revise their estate plans due to changing family situations or when changes are made to tax laws. Individuals sometimes pass away before they make important changes, but it may still be possible to revise estate plans that no longer serve their intended purpose. Trust documents can include...
Read MoreAs a grandparent, you can ask the Pennsylvania courts for visits
There is a popular saying that only the best parents get promoted to grandparents, and while that isn’t true, having grandchildren in your life can certainly feel like a reward for successful parenting. There is something unique and beautiful about the relationship between a grandparent and a grandchild that benefits...
Read MoreBenefits of filing for divorce
Many couples who are contemplating divorce in Pennsylvania wait until after the holidays to take the first steps. The process of filing for divorce includes speaking to an attorney, filing a complaint and having the other spouse served with the paperwork. In fact, January is the most popular month for...
Read MoreHow to talk about estate planning goals
For many families in Pennsylvania and throughout the country, it can be difficult to talk about money and mortality. However, by bringing up these topics in a sensitive manner, it can be possible to do so without starting any fights. Adult children who are thinking about discussing the future with...
Read MoreMediation to reach a child custody agreement
There are two situations in which a parent in Pennsylvania might need to meet with a child custody mediator. One is if the mediation is court-ordered. The other is if the other parent requests a session with a mediator. In the former case, a parent must comply with the court...
Read MoreHow to maintain family unity during the holidays
The holiday season can be especially stressful for a parent in Pennsylvania who has recently ended a marriage. The good news is that there are ways for families to come together to have a happy holiday season even if they lack a traditional structure. Parents will ideally collaborate to create...
Read MoreWhat are common reasons people give for challenging a will?
Creating a last will is an act that protects you, your wishes and the people that you love the most. Although many people find it unpleasant to spend time considering their future death, estate planning can often provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved ones will...
Read MoreImprove estate plans with these simple tips
Music fans in Pennsylvania may remember learning about the estate problems that occurred after the passing of Aretha Franklin and Prince. Neither singer had an estate plan in place, causing legal battles and frustrated family members. Those who have worked hard and planned for retirement also need to make end-of-life...
Read MoreHow a divorce impacts a person’s business
Most people start out their married life thinking that their love and happiness will last forever. The unfortunate truth is that a sizeable portion of marriages end in divorce. Pennsylvania residents may be interested in seeing how a divorce could impact their small business. When a small business owner gets...
Read MoreEstate planning changes require new focus
When it comes to estate planning in Pennsylvania, there are a number of things people should keep in mind besides having a will and one or more trusts in place. The creation of new asset categories and the passage of new regulations in recent years have changed the estate planning...
Read MorePlanning to move forward after divorce
When couples in Pennsylvania decide to divorce, they may have a difficult time in the immediate period following the separation. It can be challenging to adjust to a newly single life, especially after a longer-term relationship. Since almost half of first marriages end in divorce, it’s wise to think about...
Read MoreHow to handle a familial adoption in Pennsylvania
When people think of adoption, they often imagine someone taking in a child whom they never met and with whom they have no relationship, which certainly does happen. However, many adoptions that take place in the United States involve people with a pre-existing familial relationship. It is common for grandparents...
Read MoreCritical aspects of a power of attorney in estate plans
When crafting estate plans in Pennsylvania, there is much to consider. Frequently, people will concentrate on the basics like wills and trusts. However, some individuals can benefit from a power of attorney. Understanding the responsibilities that the agent will have when granted power of attorney is imperative. There are certain...
Read MoreCommon myths to ignore when ending a marriage
Couples in Pennsylvania may believe that ending their marriages will make their lives better. While this may be true for some, there are several myths about divorce and separation that couples should disregard. One of the big misconceptions is that child custody or alimony is awarded solely based on a...
Read MoreEasy steps for creating an estate plan
Estate planning can be a difficult concept for many people in Pennsylvania and throughout the country. However, it may be easier to create a plan by breaking the process into different steps. The first step is to consider who the beneficiaries of the plan will be. For the most part,...
Read MoreHow prenups can protect business interests
In previous decades, the stigma of asking for a prenuptial agreement prior to getting married meant that many Pennsylvania couples opted to forgo an agreement. However, prenuptial agreements are becoming more commonplace, especially as couples obtain real estate and financial assets prior to marriage. While most couples do not ever...
Read MoreNaming a trust as a beneficiary of an IRA
A common way for Pennsylvania residents to save for retirement is with an individual retirement account (IRA). The potential problem with setting up an IRA is that the account holder could pass away before having the opportunity to take out the money at the appropriate time. One possible solution is...
Read MoreCan you stop your former spouse from moving with your children?
Your relationships with your children can help them recover from the stress of divorce. In most cases, children of divorce fare best when they can keep up healthy relationships with both parents. Those parents don’t have to live together, but it often helps if they live within a short distance...
Read MoreUsing a trust in Pennsylvania
There are many different reasons to include trusts in an estate plan. These legal documents can be utilized to protect funds from the creditors of recipients and from being split up during a divorce. A trust could also manage and regulate investments and spending so that beneficiaries with faulty judgment...
Read MorePersonal loans could pay divorce expenses
On average, an individual going through a divorce will spend about $15,000 in legal fees. A person who is ending a marriage in Pennsylvania or anywhere else may turn to a personal loan to cover that expense. This may be an ideal solution because lenders may allow a person to...
Read MoreProtecting heirs from financial responsibility
Many parents expect to give their children or other heirs an inheritance but may be concerned that all the wealth they earned will be squandered by an irresponsible heir. There are several reasons this could happen, including bad financial habits, unhealthy relationships, and addiction issues. For parents in Pennsylvania, there...
Read MoreFiling a military divorce
Divorce is a life-changing event with emotional, financial and legal repercussions. Military personnel often serve in demanding roles throughout the world. A divorce is a huge stressor. It can make a difficult situation even more challenging and emotionally draining. If your marriage is past the point of no return, you...
Read MoreMisconceptions about estate planning
No Pennsylvania financial plan is complete if it does not include an estate plan. Estate planning is something many adults tend to avoid because it brings on thoughts of death and leaving loved ones behind. There are a number of misconceptions surrounding estate planning that people lean on to avoid...
Read MoreDivorce can affect a credit report
Many spouses in Pennsylvania are wary of the financial impact of divorce. Separation could be particularly difficult for couples who have been married a long time or have a significant amount of investments. However, these issues can go far beyond the immediate division of assets at the end of a...
Read MoreHow to do beneficiary designations right
It isn’t uncommon for Pennsylvania residents to use beneficiary designations for 401(k) or 403(b) assets. Designations can also be used on a variety of other assets, including cars, houses or boats. It is important that these designations are made carefully to avoid negative or unintended estate planning consequences. One common...
Read MoreEffective co-parenting after divorce
Divorced and divorcing parents in Pennsylvania are often concerned about the well-being of their children. In most cases, both parents plan to remain involved in their children’s lives. Whether the parents opt for a shared custody arrangement or a more traditional setup, where one parent has primary custody and the...
Read MoreAbout estate planning
Many people in Pennsylvania may find that estate planning can be a stressful process. Estate planning requires that people think about the end of their lives, which can be quite uncomfortable for some. It can also be stressful if the estate owner doesn’t understand the tools available to achieve their...
Read MoreWhat is collaborative divorce?
Litigation can be a long and expensive process for spouses to go through to obtain a divorce. However, some couples may consider the collaborative divorce process instead. Through the collaborative divorce process spouses and their specially trained attorneys negotiate to reach a settlement for divorce issues. For many couples, this...
Read MoreIncluding revocable trusts in estate plans
Pennsylvania residents can use a revocable trust to bolster their estate plans. A revocable trust will continue indefinitely, ensuring the deceased grantor’s wishes regarding the handling an estate are honored. If the grantor is also the trustee of the trust, the provisions should address who should be the successor trustees...
Read MoreMoving through the divorce process
When people in Pennsylvania notice long-term problems in their marriage, their thoughts may turn to divorce. While divorce is quite common and around 2 million Americans choose to end their marriages every year, many people know little about how the process actually works. As a result, they may have a...
Read MoreBaby Mama Drama
Antonio Brown may need to retract his wishes for wanting to be traded- and the reason has nothing to do with football. Pittsburgh Steeler’s wide receiver recently made headlines stemming from him filing for full custody of his daughter. This legal move comes after the news broke that Brown was...
Read MoreEstablishing trusts for children
Looking out for their children’s best interests, many parents in Pennsylvania put a sizeable amount of money in a trust that will provide for generations to come. However, these same parents may elect to keep the existence of this trust hidden from their children till they grow up. Parents who...
Read MoreHow judges make child custody decisions
When parents in Pennsylvania decide to separate, child custody issues can be difficult to overcome. One ex may be concerned that they will lose their close bond with the kids, especially if the other parent maintains primary custody. While joint custody is becoming increasingly more common, there are a number...
Read MoreEstate planning for the future
Pennsylvania residents may wonder what’s necessary to include as part of an estate plan. While thinking about the future may be a sensitive issue, it can also be an important means to make life easier for loved ones and ensure that a person’s wishes are carried out. Many people put...
Read MoreWhat constitutes an annulment in Pennsylvania?
What if there was a way to erase your marriage as if it never happened? Luckily, there might be. This procedure is known as an “annulment.” Similar to a divorce, an annulment is a legal procedure used to designate the end of a marriage. An annulment goes farther than a...
Read MoreDividing the family business during a divorce
Pennsylvania business owners considering divorce may find themselves wondering how they can protect their investment in the enterprise and emerge from the end of the marriage with a fair deal. One of the most important pieces of information that can allow a business to be handled properly in a divorce...
Read MoreEstate planning lessons from the Bushes
While many people in Pennsylvania may not expect that they have much in common with George and Barbara Bush, the couple’s passing may lead people to consider some factors that could be important for planning their estates. It is a known phenomenon for long-term, older married couples to pass away...
Read More3 common living will mistakes
Living wills are an important aspect of estate planning. A living will is a document in which a person specifies what he or she wants to have happen when it comes to medical care in the event he or she loses the ability to make health care decisions. There are...
Read MoreThe adoption process when a biological parent is unknown
You love your stepchild like they were your own biological child. Unfortunately, in the eyes of the law you likely have no legal right to make decisions for them. This includes where they go to school, medical and religious decisions and other important choices. This can be changed, though. If...
Read MoreSmart ways to protect your finances after getting a divorce
Combining incomes and sharing most bills such as rent, mortgage, car payments and more can undoubtedly save you money while married. It is one of the conveniences of having a partner. However, it can be easy to forget how to scale-down and live independently again after a divorce. Women are...
Read MoreLegal Custody Battle in London: A Daughter’s Dying Wish
Recently a legal custody battle arose between two divorced parents from London involving their fourteen-year-old daughter’s dying wishes. The girl, who had cancer and only a short time to live, had begun making arrangements to be cryogenically frozen with the hopes that in years to come, she would be able...
Read MoreCustody and Relocation: What Grey’s Anatomy Got Wrong
Fans of Grey’s Anatomy tuned into a full-scale custody trial last week as Callie and Arizona battled over their daughter, Sophia. For those unfamiliar, Callie and Arizona are the parents of an 8 year old child whom they have shared custody of since their divorce on the prime time medical...
Read MoreKate & Jon Gosselin: Custody and Co-Parenting Troubles Mount
Die-hard TLC fans will remember Jon Gosselin as the other half of the popular show Jon and Kate Plus 8. Parents, Jon and Kate Gosselin had twins and then, several years later, conceived sextuplets bringing their total number of children to a whopping eight. Fast-forward to the present, Jon and...
Read MoreEstate Administration: What if David Bowie died without a will?
Estate administration can be seamless with the right estate planning. With the recent deaths of rock stars David Bowie and Glenn Frey, of the Eagles and actor Alan Rickman, people may be wondering who will be inheriting the fortunes amassed during a lifetime of albums, performances and movies. While the...
Read MoreCustody Rights of Unmarried Fathers in Pennsylvania
Jena Malone, the star who played Johanna Mason in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, has recently announced that she is expecting her first child with her boyfriend, Ethan DeLorenzo. Although the pair could not appear happier over the news, Ethan might find himself wondering what kind of custody or father’s...
Read MoreMadonna’s Custody Battle Heats Up
From amicable to feisty, the custody battle between Madonna and Guy Ritchie has recently taken a turn after the pair’s 15-year-old son, Rocco, announced that he wishes to remain with Ritchie in London permanently. The ongoing conflict started after Rocco, who was traveling with his New York City based mother...
Read MoreESTATE PLANNING IS THE MUST HAVE 2016 RESOLUTION
A New Year means new goals. Besides drinking less and working out more, most Americans do not consider updating their estate planning documents after the first of January rolls around. While this may seem more dreadful than the elliptical, it doesn’t have to be. If you know the important items...
Read MoreRapper Future’s Custody Issues Should Not Be Aired on Twitter
A few days after Christmas, rapper, Future, went on a profanity laced rant on Twitter complaining about Ciara, the mother of his child. According to Future’s tweets Ciara has been keeping him from their child, Future, Jr. The rapper tweeted, “I gotta go through lawyers to see babyfuture…the f–kery for...
Read MoreSPOUSAL SUPPORT AND MANDY MOORE AS THE STRUGGLING SINGLE PET MOM?
It turns out being a cat lady is pricier than we thought. Mandy Moore and singer Ryan Adams have been trying to hash out a settlement since she filed for divorce in January of last year. The main wrinkle? Their six cats and two dogs. Mandy argues that Adams should...
Read MoreFMLA and DOMA: What Same Sex Married Couples Need to Know
Another victory for same sex married couples, but first a little history. In 2013, the Supreme Court, in U.S. v. Windsor, 570 U.S. 12 (2013) struck down section three of the Defense of Marriage Act as unconstitutional as it limited marriage and spouse to the legal union between one man...
Read MorePennsylvania Death Penalty Moratorium
“If the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is going to take the irrevocable step of executing a human being, its capital sentencing system must be infallible. Pennsylvania’s system is riddled with flaws, making it error prone, expensive, and anything but infallible… If we are to continue to administer the death penalty, we...
Read MoreJodi Arias Dodged the Needle
On March 5, 2015, a jury could not unanimously agree on whether Jodi Arias deserved the death penalty. In May 2013, after a lengthy trial, which included testimony of psychological experts and an unbelievable eighteen days of Defendant testimony, Arias was convicted of the June 2008 murder of her ex-boyfriend,...
Read MoreWILL BRUCE JENNER CHANGE HIS NAME? WHAT’S IN A NAME?
How will Bruce Jenner’s name change go? Jenner brought a sense of (semi) normalcy and calm to his large, mixed brood of sons, daughters and step-children on E!’s “Keeping up with the Kardashians”. Bruce, a former Olympian, married Kris Kardashian in April 1991. After more than twenty years together, Bruce...
Read MoreEstate Planning: How to be Prepared for an Unexpected Death
Why is estate planning so important? We can all probably agree that talking about or even thinking about death is something most would like to avoid at any cost. Death is never an easy subject. However, being prepared by having an estate plan can help make one of the most...
Read MoreSpecial Needs & Mental Health Resource Fair
Please join McMorrow Law at Representative Dan Miller’s 2nd Annual Children and Youth Disability and Mental Health Summit on Wednesday March 11th and Thursday March 12th at the Beth El Congregation, 1900 Cochran Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. Events are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on both days. McMorrow Law...
Read MoreLudacris Wins Full Custody of His Daughter
In January 2015, Ludacris was awarded full custody of his 13-month-old daughter, Cai. The award was the result of a long and contentious court battle, during which Cai’s mother, Tamika Fuller, even went so far as trying to use the rapper’s song lyrics against him. However, in the end, Ludacris,...
Read MoreMarch: The “Divorce Month”
It is hard to believe that winter is finally nearing its end and the cold temperatures could soon be a thing of the past. But unfortunately, with the end of the cold winter months comes a surge of something most would consider equally as depressing – divorces. A prior analysis...
Read MoreIt’s Poop Not Pot in Wiz Khalifa’s Latest Custody Battle
A local Pittsburgh native, Wiz Khalifa, seems to have his hands full with what can best be described as the onset of a “messy” custody dispute with ex-wife, Amber Rose. Recent news reports detail photos of a backyard patio covered in animal feces where Amber Rose lives with their almost...
Read MorePA Advance Health Care Directives: Did Bobbi Kristina have one?
So who will decide Bobbi Kristina’s fate? Her father or Nick Gordon, her alleged husband? An advance health care directive would have made this situation a lot easier. Bobby Brown, Bobbi Kristina’s father, is keeping a vigil beside his daughter as she struggles for her life. A statement by Bobby...
Read MorePennsylvania and DOMA: Same-Sex Marriage Legal Pros and Cons
Since May 2014 when DOMA was struck down in Pennsylvania, same-sex couples have been celebrating. Lines formed outside the marriage license department and numerous couples were finally able to make their vows official and legal. However, did some run to the altar too fast? Are the same-sex couples who are...
Read MoreEstate Planning Matters: Robin Williams Did The Right Thing
Proper estate planning is crucial for every person no matter how big or small your estate is. After news spread of the tragic passing of famed actor Robin Williams, we also learned that Williams planned ahead with a trust for his children. According to TMZ, Williams enacted a trust where...
Read MoreA NEW WAY TO PART WAYS: COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE
Everyone knows someone who has gone through a divorce and most would say it was not a pleasant experience. It does not have to be. What if the spouses, with the assistance of two collaboratively trained lawyers, were empowered to settle their divorce out of court creating an outcome that...
Read MoreDivorce Options: Is the Collaborative Process Right for You?
When considering a divorce, there are many factors to consider in making such a big decision. There are several possible approaches for couples entering into divorce proceedings. The “kitchen” table approach is when the parties are able to work everything out themselves without any outside assistance. Mediation allows the parties...
Read MoreAnnulment versus Divorce in Pennsylvania
Divorce might be easy? Well, when it is difference between an annulment and a divorce, an annulment is much harder to get. There are two categories of marriages for which an annulment may be sought in Pennsylvania. The first are marriages that are void by their existence. The second are...
Read MoreChild Support and Paternity Suits: Beyonce’s New Sister
Paternity issues in child support matters are not uncommon. Beyonce Knowles may soon find out that she has a secret half-sister. Her father, Mathew Knowles, 63, is facing a paternity suit from 30 year old, Taqoya Branscomb, who alleges that Knowles is the father of her daughter. The child was...
Read MoreEstate Administration: Who Gets Casey Kasem’s Estate?
In Estate Administration, dying without a will can be complicated. Casey Kasem, best known for his time as the “American Top 40” radio host, passed away one June 15, 2014 as a result of complications from dementia. He was 82 years old. Kasem is survived by his second wife, Jean...
Read MoreWestern Pennsylvania Child Custody Procedures
Child custody in Pennsylvania is governed by the same set of laws, compiled in Chapter 53 of the Domestic Relations Code. However, the procedure for enforcing Pennsylvania child custody laws varies county to county. All custody actions are initiated either by the filing of a custody complaint or a petition...
Read MoreSpousal Support In Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
When most individuals think of payments made from one spouse to another in connection with divorce proceedings, most immediately think of the term alimony. Alimony is one form of spousal support in Pennsylvania; however, there are also two others, spousal support and alimony pendente lite. Which one a dependent spouse...
Read MoreDividing Pensions in Equitable Distribution
What happens in equitable distribution if one divorcing spouse has a pension? If one divorcing spouse has a pension, it is usually safe to say that the pension makes up a significant portion of the marital estate. However, a pension is usually one of the most difficult marital assets to...
Read MoreElder Law: Is selling the house to qualify for Medicaid the right decision?
A common misconception in Elder Law: “We’ll have to sell mom and dad’s house to pay for the nursing home.” It seems like the first thing everyone wants to do when a loved one needs long-term nursing care is to sell their house. They listen to friends, neighbors and pundits...
Read MoreGrandparent Custody: Who will end up with Paul Walker’s daughter?
What’s new in grandparent custody? We all remember the day in late November when the horrifying news flashed across the bottom of television screens across the country. Paul Walker, best known for his role in the Fast and the Furious movies, had died in a fiery car crash. Walker was...
Read MoreDivorce: Did “Kimye” actually sign a prenup?
What if “Kimye” gets a divorce? Last weekend marked one of the most anticipated weddings of the decade, second perhaps only to the Royal wedding. Kim Kardashian had a royal wedding of her own in Florence, Italy where she tied the knot to the father of Kim’s nearly year old...
Read MoreThe Ins and Outs of Co-Parenting Counseling
The law governing custody gives the court the authority to direct parties engaged in custody litigation to partake in co-parenting counseling. Co-parenting counseling is designed for parents who need assistance in successfully co-parenting their children due to lingering or ongoing hostility or distrust. The goal of co-parenting counseling is to...
Read MoreDOMA and Same-Sex Marriage: Love Is The New Law
DOMA and Same-Sex Marriage: Love Is the New Law Just a few days ago, Pennsylvania became the latest state to strike down the ban on same-sex marriage. A federal judge in Philadelphia ruled that Pennsylvania’s Defense of Marriage Act, also known as “DOMA,” was unconstitutional. The Law defined marriage as...
Read MoreEstate Planning: Revokable Trusts and Qualifying for Medicaid
Estate planning and medicaid. Why Revocable Trusts won’t help you qualify for Medicaid. John and Jane Doe executed a revocable trust in January 2004. Both of them were sixty-seven years old and in pretty decent health at the time. They figured, if they moved their money into a trust now,...
Read MoreDivorce: Who stays in the home?
Exclusive Possession of the Marital Residence and Divorce in PA: What to do when your spouse won’t leave Bethenny Frankel’s divorce has been gracing the front pages of the tabloids since she filed last year. Bethenny and her husband, Jason Hoppy, with whom she shares a three-year-old daughter, have continued...
Read MoreMajor Elder Law Issue: Medicaid v. Medicare
Elder Law issue: Medicare vs. Medicaid: What is the difference? A common issue is Elder Law is medical coverage. Understandably, the difference between Medicare and Medicaid is confusing. The names are remarkably similar, they’re both government funded and run healthcare related programs and many people 65 and older utilize them....
Read MoreElder Law and Medicaid Eligibility: Do I qualify?
Important Elder Law Issue: Do I Qualify for Medicaid? “My dad is moving into a skilled nursing facility. How are he and mom going to pay for this?” We have heard this question and variations of it time and again. With the average cost of nursing home care around $8,800.00...
Read MoreGuardianships: Transitioning from State to State
Guardianship: Transitioning from State-to-State Recently, the Supreme Court of Alabama became the first state court to publish an opinion on the Uniform Adult Guardianship & Protective Proceedings Jurisdictional Act (“UAGPPJA”). Could they have given it a more complex name? Particularly when the whole purpose of the Act is to simplify...
Read MoreAdvance Health Care Directives: Marlise Munoz Story
Advance Health Care Directives likely would have helped poor Marlise Munoz. Brain Death and Pregnancy – the Marlise Munoz Story Thirty-three year old Texan, Marlise Munoz, who was kept alive by a ventilator for over a month in John Peter Smith Hospital, was taken off of life support on January...
Read MoreEstate Planning Documents: Where Do I Keep Them?
Storing Your Estate Planning Documents One question estate planning attorneys are frequently asked is “Where should I keep my original documents?” Generally, the answer to that question is somewhere in your home that is waterproof, fireproof, and secure, yet easily accessible to your loved ones when they need access to...
Read MorePennsylvania Child Custody Myths Debunked!
COMMON CHILD CUSTODY MYTHS DEBUNKED Many of our clients come into our office with the same misconceptions relating to custody of their children. Here are some of the most common misconceptions: 1. My ex doesn’t pay child support so I don’t have to let him/her see our kids. This is...
Read MoreAdvance Health Care Directive and Living Will in Pennsylvania: Defining Death
Advance Health Care Directives and Living Wills in Pennsylvania Defining Death: Uniform Determination of Death Act Can a person be simultaneously dead and alive? One would think that it’s simple enough to define death. If your heart stops and you do not breathe, you are dead, right? For most of...
Read MoreInternational Custody Disputes and the Hague Convention
International Custody and the Hague Convention Jack Redmond’s parents met in Ireland while his mother, Mary Redmond, a United States citizen, was studying in the country. Jack’s father was a citizen of Ireland. When the couple found out that Mary was pregnant, they moved to the United States, where Jack...
Read MoreDivorce and Social Security Benefits of Your Spouse
How does divorce affect your Social Security benefits? In recent years, the divorce rate among the Baby Boomer generation is on the rise. A recent New York Times article revealed that, although the overall rate in the U.S. has declined markedly over the last decade, decreasing from 50% to 40%...
Read MorePennsylvania DUI & Refusing Chemical Testing
DUI & Refusal of Chemical Testing in Pennsylvania When Lamar Odom was pulled over for a suspected DUI in August, he almost immediately earned himself a one year suspension of his driver’s license. How is this possible when “innocent until proven guilty” is the principle by which our entire criminal...
Read MoreStars Without Prenuptial Agreements & Divorce
Stars Without Prenups and the Divorces that Follow Michael Jordan. Madonna. Tiger Woods. Alec Baldwin. Rupert Murdoch. Mel Gibson. What do all of these individuals have in common? Yes, they are all famous celebrities. Yes, they are all worth millions upon millions of dollars, perhaps even billions. However, what likely...
Read MoreSpecial Needs Guardianships
Special Needs Guardianships: Why you must go to court to get control over your own child Many parents of special needs children are shocked to find out that when their disabled child reaches adulthood, they no longer have a legal right to control or decision-making for their child, medically or...
Read MoreWho Needs a Special Needs Trust?
Who needs a Special Needs Trust? Special Needs Trusts provide disabled individuals and their families with a way to protect assets, thereby allowing funds to be used to enhance the disabled individual’s quality of life to the highest extent possible. Who can or should have one of these estate planning...
Read MoreWhat is Elder Law?
“What is Elder Law?” When we tell people that we handle Elder Law cases, most people don’t have a real clear picture of what that means. Many just assume that we only have elderly clients, or that we can handle any case brought to us by an elderly individual. So...
Read MoreAnother Hollywood Estate Administration: Actor Paul Walker
Estate Administration: Fast and the Furious Star, Paul Walker, Dies in Car Crash at 40 Years Old Any one who has ever watched a Fast and the Furious movie was shocked over this past weekend to learn that one of the franchise’s stars, Paul Walker, was killed in car crash...
Read MoreMarital Misconduct & Divorce: What Does Cheating Get You?
MARITAL MISCONDUCT & DIVORCE IN PENNSYLVANIA – WHAT DOES CHEATING GET YOU? This summer the tabloids saw no shortage of cheating scandals to headline their front pages. From Anthony Weiner’s second “sexting” scandal to Simon Cowell’s pregnant married lover, the nation has watched marriage after marriage fall victim to various...
Read MoreCustody & Father’s Rights in Pennsylvania
Custody & Father’s Rights in Pennsylvania Many fathers fighting for custody of their children have the misconception that Pennsylvania courts favor mothers. While it was once the norm for fathers to only have their children every other weekend and for a few hours one night a week, such is no...
Read MoreCo-Parenting and Custody: How to Handle It?
Co-parenting and Custody – How to help your children handle a divorce or separation Divorce or separation is often a highly volatile and emotional transition. Many times, couples would like to divide their assets, walk away, and never speak to each other again. However, when these individuals have children in...
Read MoreChild Custody During the Holidays in Pennsylvania
HOLIDAYS AND CHILD CUSTODY It is November, which means the holidays are fast approaching. Within a little over a month, many of us will experience Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and/or New Years. These holidays are times for friends, family, food, good times, and of course, child custody fights. That’s right, for...
Read MoreEstate Administration & Will Contests, Part 2: Undue Influence
Estate Administration: Something Smells Funny Will Contest – Part Two: Undue Influence In part one of this blog on will contests, I discussed the issues with the estate of copper heiress Huguette Clark. Check out that post here (link to Part 1). Just to recap, Ms. Clark died leaving a...
Read MoreChild Custody: What’s it like on Jersey Shore?
Child Custody: What’s It Like on Jersey Shore? GTL: Gym, Tan, Little Fist Pumping Bundle of Joy Who Gets Amabella DelVecchio?? On May 15, 2013, Paul DelVechhio aka “DJ Pauly D” of MTV’s Jersey Shore welcomed his first child into the world. He had a sweet baby girl, Amabella, who...
Read MoreCriminal Law in Pennsylvania: Just how bad is it?
Criminal Law in Pennsylvania – Just how bad is it? One of the first questions our criminal defense clients ask is “how much trouble am I in?” The answer to this depends on a variety of factors, such as how many prior offenses they have committed, what their intent was...
Read MoreEstate Administration: Will Contests
Estate Administration: What’s in a Will Contest Series Something Smells Funny Will Contests – Part One: Lack of Capacity In 2011, 104 year old copper heiress Hugette Clark died, leaving an estate worth approximately 300 million dollars. Ms. Clark’s circumstance was unique, not only because of her outrageous wealth, but...
Read MoreAdoption & Custody: The Indian Child Welfare Act
Adoption & Custody: The Indian Child Welfare Act – An Extra Ingredient in Native American Custody and Adoption Cases In 2009, a South Carolina couple, Matt and Melanie Capobianco, arranged a private adoption with the birth mother of a little girl. The Capobiancos traveled to Oklahoma for the birth of...
Read MoreEstate Planning & Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax
Estate Planning & Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax would have applied had the late actor, James Gandolfini, died in PA. “There’s an old Italian saying: F— up once, lose two teeth” In an earlier post, we discussed how James Gandolfini (a/k/a “Tony Soprano”) had an estate plan that could stick his beneficiaries...
Read MoreEstate Planning Disaster? Potential Federal Estate Tax Bill for Gandolfini’s Estate
Estate Planning Gone Wrong? The Federal Estate Tax due on James Gandolfini’s estate could be pretty stiff. ‘A wrong decision is better than indecision.’ Sorry, Tony, but in your case that may not be true. James Gandolfini, the actor who played the iconic mobster Tony Soprano, died unexpectedly at age...
Read MoreARD on a DUI for Dina Lohan? Possibly in Pennsylvania
ARD Would be a Good Option for Dina Lohan after her First DUI Arrest Dina Lohan, mother of troubled star Lindsay Lohan, recently experienced some legal drama of her own after being pulled over on September 12th in Long Island, NY for doing 77 mph in a 55 mph zone....
Read MoreSame Sex Married Couples: Equal Federal Taxation Treatment
Equal Federal Taxation Treatment for Same Sex Married Couples On August 29, 2013, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS issued a press release, stating that all same-sex married couples who are legally married in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage, will be treated as married couples for federal taxation...
Read MoreProtection from Abuse: What it means for George Zimmerman
Protection from Abuse in Pennsylvania (PFA) Once again, George Zimmerman is finding himself the target of tabloid fodder and the headline of many major newspapers. However, this time his publicity is not related to the Trayvon Martin case, but to a domestic altercation that occurred between Zimmerman and his estranged...
Read MoreGeorge Zimmerman Divorce: A Pennsylvania Perspective
The George Zimmerman Divorce from a Pennsylvania Perspective Shellie Zimmerman, George Zimmerman’s wife, filed for divorce last week in Seminole County, Florida, less than two months after he was acquitted of murder in the death of Trayvon Martin. Ms. Zimmerman says in her divorce complaint that the parties, who married...
Read MorePA Alimony Factors & Support After Divorce: Show Me the Money Part 2
PA Alimony Factors Related to Support: Show Me the Money Part 2 Now that you’re familiar with what alimony is (for a recap, see this blog post), the next question is “how much”? How much do I have to pay? How much do I get? Do I even qualify for...
Read MoreAlimony and Support in Pennsylvania: Show Me the Money!!
Alimony and support in Pennsylvania: Show Me the Money!! Support for a spouse no matter at what stage he/she is in, is difficult to navigate. When our clients go through a divorce, one of their most common questions is about alimony – Will they have to pay it? Will they...
Read MorePaternity Presumption in Pennsylvania: Who’s Your Daddy?
Paternity presumption in Pennsylvania may be archaic but still valid in this state. It is one of only a few states that maintain this presumption of paternity. Our Commonwealth’s law, with its goal of supporting an intact family unit, has resulted in husbands supporting children who are not their biological...
Read MoreSpecial Needs Trust: Estate Planning for Your Disabled Child
When considering your estate planning options, why is a special needs trust necessary? Being a caregiver for an individual with special needs is a full-time job. It can be very hard to keep track of everything that they need from day-to-day, let alone take the time to plan for the...
Read MoreGrandparents Have Custody Rights in Pennsylvania
Grandparents have custody rights in Pennsylvania: good news for some, bad news for others. What does this mean for grandparents or parents? Take a look. Grandparents are considered third parties when seeking custody of their grandchildren. However, grandparents have been granted special status allowing them to pursue legal or physical...
Read MoreMaking the Move: Child Custody and Relocation in Pennsylvania
Making the move – what you need to know about relocation and child custody So you were just offered an awesome new job in South Carolina but you live in Pennsylvania. Congratulations! However, if you are planning on moving there with your minor child and another parent has custody rights,...
Read MoreGuardianship: When You Don’t Have the Right to Make Bad Decisions
Guardianships: When You Don’t Have the Right to Make Bad Decisions It’s hard to ignore Hollywood gossip, particularly when young starlets are in a plunging descent from grace. Recently, Amanda Bynes, a one-time child star, has been spiraling out of control, exhibiting signs that she is suffering from schizophrenia by...
Read MoreFactors for Equitable Distribution in Pennsylvania
What factors does the Court consider when determining Equitable Distribution in Pennsylvania? Now that you know what makes up marital property, the next question is: “How will the marital property be divided up between us?” In Pennsylvania, there will not necessarily be an even 50/50 split right down the middle....
Read MoreEquitable Distribution in PA: So what exactly are we dividing up?
Equitable Distribution in Pennsylvania: So what exactly are we dividing up? One of the first questions our new divorce clients ask is: “What property will my ex be able to claim in court?” What will you and your spouse be dividing up as you go through your divorce? Who gets...
Read MoreWhy do I need a will in Pennsylvania?
Why do I need a will ? In Pennsylvania, every person should have a will no matter how small or large your estate is. As we all know, there are two things in this life that are certain: death and taxes. Planning for your demise is something that you probably...
Read MoreName Changes: Your Parents Name You “North West”…so now what?
Name Changes: Your Parents Name You “North West” …so now what? North West. Apple. Blue Ivy. Bear Blu. It seems as if celebrities today are determined to come up with wild, shocking, and never heard before names for their offspring, possibly in a bid to help their children “stand out.”...
Read MoreThe Importance of Advance Health Care Directives vs. Living Wills
Why is an advance health care directive better than a living will in Pennsylvania? In June 2013, Nik Wallenda became the first man ever to walk across the Grand Canyon on a tightrope. In October of 2012, Felix Baumgartner jumped from a capsule on the edge of space, becoming the...
Read MoreEstate Planning for Same-Sex Couples in Pennsylvania
Estate planning for same-sex couples in Pennsylvania continues to be extremely important to protect your partner and your legacy. United States vs. Windsor, the landmark Supreme Court Case which landed a strong blow against the Defense of Marriage Act, was based on the unfair treatment of homosexual couples under the...
Read MoreFirm News: Meghan Zupancic, Esquire Joins McMorrow Law
McMorrow Law, LLC would like to welcome Meghan L. Zupancic to the firm. Meghan joined McMorrow Law as an associate attorney. Meghan attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she graduated cum laude in 2009. Meghan is a 2012 graduate of the Duquesne University School of Law. During law school Meghan...
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