The ubiquity of texting in everyone's lives raises the stakes for Pennsylvania residents involved in domestic violence cases. Whether someone is defending against an accusation of domestic violence or the victim of domestic violence, what the parties say in their text messages can have significan...

When a married couple decides to divorce, it is common for communication to break down – after all, the relationship wasn't working for a reason, and heightened emotions from the stress of a split can make interactions even more contentious. This is especially true in child custody cases, where b...

Lately, it seems like artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere. Many people use it with positive goals in mind, but often they fail to see the far-reaching consequences of AI. One such sector is child welfare and family services. Several states have started using algorithmic models to help iden...

Custody arrangements are decided based on the best interest of the child at the time of the initial custody order, but if one parent becomes sick or disabled and is unable to fulfill their duties under the custody agreement, the best interest of the child may change. In Pennsylvania, when one par...

Child custody hearings are the most difficult parts of a divorce case. Parents argue over the details of custody and visitation after they settle all other matters. This is detrimental to the children, and it isn't good for the parents either. The longer families spend in court, fighting over the...

When couples divorce, dividing assets is hard. But when those assets include a medical practice, the division of assets is more difficult and complex. In Pennsylvania, divorcing physicians may need to take action to protect their reputation or to protect a medical practice they have spent years o...

As medical technology has advanced, more and more prospective parents in Pennsylvania—both single parents and married couples— are able to use sperm or egg donors to have children. This allows them to have the children they have always wanted but may not otherwise have been able to have. But can ...

It's not unusual for an ex-spouse to date again after a divorce or to end up in a relationship where their new boyfriend or girlfriend becomes a regular part of their lives. In the vast majority of cases, this is fine, and while there may be some discomfort among the children you and your ex shar...

Child custody cases are never easy to resolve. If questions about sole or shared custody can't be decided between the parents or guardians of the child, matters are likely to end up in court. And while on the surface that might appear to be a fair way to resolve a custody dispute, in reality what...

Domestic violence is an increasing problem in Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 1,600 people died from domestic violence incidents in Pennsylvania from 2009 to 2019. Across the country, as many as 20 people are subject to domestic violence eve...

If you have been through a divorce and have children with your ex-partner, you may have questions about how to handle disagreements about their medical care. The type of custody agreement negotiated during the divorce will determine the options available to you in this situation. Which Parent Ma...

Domestic violence is a serious problem in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. According to statistics from 2009 to 2019 from the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, almost 1,600 people died from domestic violence incidents in Pennsylvania. The numbers are also stark across the U.S. Up ...

Imagine fearing your ex might take your child across state lines — or worse, out of the country — in violation of your child custody or visitation agreement. The Uniform Child Abduction and Prevention Act (UCAPA) enables a Pennsylvania court, on its own initiative or upon motion, to order abducti...

Co-parenting after a divorce is no easy task, and it can be a process of constant give-and-take with your former spouse on everything from bedtimes to holiday plans. But there might be times when you're not willing to compromise—for example, if your ex is instilling religious intolerance into you...

Drug abuse is a serious problem in Pennsylvania and across the country. When a person suspects their ex of abusing drugs and is worried for their child's safety, they can ask a Pennsylvania family court judge to order a drug test. A judge can order a co-parent to take a drug test when they have r...

Who gets custody when mom and dad are underage? This complicated scenario often plays out with teen pregnancy because they're unintended and leave the new parents, and new grandparents, scrambling for the best custody arrangements. Many assume a young child belongs with its mother. This outdated...

Child custody exchanges are an important part of co-parenting when the parents don't live together. They help maintain and build relationships between the child and each parent, and distribute responsibility for caring for the child or children. But what happens when things go wrong during an exc...

It's no secret that divorce is usually difficult for children, particularly older teens. Youths around 16, 17, and 18 are just beginning to gain independence and make their own choices. Divorce, and their lack of control over it, can leave them feeling frustrated and helpless. Many Pennsylvania t...

Developing a custody agreement is a high-priority issue for most divorcing parents. Fortunately, parents don't have to get courts involved to make a custody plan. Pennsylvania courts encourage parents to fashion their own custody solutions before turning to the legal system for help. Studies show...

If you've had a child with your partner but never married, you may have concerns about your custody rights upon a breakup. Many people assume that an unmarried mother in Pennsylvania automatically gets custody, but that is not exactly true. Unmarried fathers who have voluntarily admitted to pater...

You and your spouse have separated but never got around to filing for divorce. Suddenly, your ex falls ill and amasses substantial hospital bills, much of which is uncovered by health insurance. Are you legally responsible for these bills despite your separation? You may be surprised to learn tha...

There's some pretty compelling evidence that couples who pool their respective paychecks or combine their finances in other ways (say, each contributing to a joint savings account, but maintaining separate checking accounts, or sharing credit cards) are actually happier together than couples who ...

Dating violence is a serious problem in Pennsylvania and around the country. Although many people automatically think of domestic violence as abuse between a married or a cohabitating couple, one 2018 University of Pennsylvania study indicates that most violent incidents between intimate partners...

If you're embroiled in a custody battle, you know how stressful—and expensive—it can be. You may also feel the best person to tell your side of the story is you. Pro Se, meaning to argue on one's behalf, can be an appealing option, but success is highly dependent on the unique circumstances of a...

Child custody is inevitably the most concerning and emotional issue when parents divorce. In virtually all states, including Pennsylvania, the parties must determine whether one parent will have custody of the child or if both parents will share custody. If they cannot agree, the court will step ...