When going through a divorce in Pennsylvania, alimony or spousal support can be a major point of contention. While some spouses may assume they are entitled to financial support, Pennsylvania courts do not automatically grant...
As a victim of domestic violence, making the decision to divorce can be challenging. It can come after years of abuse and denial. The process can be overwhelming, and separating from an abusive spouse doesn’t end the risk of...
Americans now live longer than ever before. As people age, they may need assistance with daily routines, including bathing and preparing meals for themselves. This kind of dependency can make them vulnerable to elder abuse–...
In Pennsylvania, anyone looking to file a divorce must do so on no-fault or fault grounds. Unfortunately, for people who are in domestic abuse situations or pregnant, this may prove difficult. It is against this backdrop that...
Elder Abuse Is a Nationwide Problem Elder abuse is a serious problem nationwide, affecting 1 in 10 seniors. Abuse can manifest in many forms, including financial, physical, emotional, as well as neglect issues. What makes the...
It can be heartbreaking to watch a loved one grow older and more frail. But it’s devastating to see them fall prey to elder abuse, particularly by those close to them or in a position of trust. Elder abuse can take a variety...
Speaking up about domestic violence and seeking protection from abuse are never easy undertakings, no matter who a victim of mistreatment may be. Yet, specific circumstances can make the act of pursuing safety tougher for some...
Dating abuse and intimate partner violence are serious issues in Pennsylvania. The state has taken several measures to protect victims of abuse, but it can be hard to know which type of protection order you should get—especially...
A recent report from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts highlights a concerning trend for those who experience domestic violence in Pennsylvania. The study shows that there has been a substantial increase in the...
Recent changes in Pennsylvania law highlight a critical shift in how the justice system views minors involved in prostitution. Historically, minors caught in these circumstances could face criminal charges despite being victims of...
As Pennsylvania’s elderly population grows, so does the threat of financial exploitation. With nearly 2 million residents over 65 and the fastest-growing group being those 85 and older, Pennsylvania has the third-highest...
Pennsylvania lawmakers recently convened at the state Capitol to advocate for House Bill 1210, a bipartisan initiative designed to amend Pennsylvania’s Protection from Abuse Act that would further protect victims of domestic...
The published advisory of US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and a 9-11-24 news release online in The Hill have raised the alarm that parental stress is now an urgent public health issue. Parental stress levels are currently so high...
What Is a Safe Exchange Zone? WPSU (Public Media for Central Pennsylvania) published a news article on October 8, 2024, highlighting the recent Pennsylvania Senate bill that approved Safe Exchange Zones for custody exchanges. The...
On November 14, 2021, Marisa Vicosa approached police in East York after escaping a horrific situation involving her estranged husband, former Baltimore County officer Robert Vicosa. Robert had lured her to their old family home...
In Pennsylvania, the danger of domestic violence is well understood. The legal system prioritizes the protection of victims through initiatives such as the Protection from Abuse Order (PFA). A PFA is a restraining order granted to...
A news article in the Philadelphia Tribune, written by staff writer Sherry Stone, spotlighted the issue of increasing elder abuse in the form of financial fraud in Pennsylvania based on reports from the Philadelphia Corporation...
Not everyone is fortunate enough to feel safe with their family. Jillian Howard of Noble, OK, is one such person. She estimates that she was about seven or eight years old the first time her father beat her. Now, she is 30 years...
If you are newly divorced, in the middle of a divorce, or separated from your spouse, the holidays during November and December can feel like a stressful marathon. Your life has changed dramatically, and it is important to...
Sexual abuse victims considering filing a civil lawsuit in Pennsylvania against those responsible for the abuse now have more time to bring a claim than victims in previous decades. In 2019, Pennsylvania amended its statute of...