If You’re Thinking About Representing Yourself in Court… Read This First
I’m going to start with one of my all-time favorite sayings in the legal world: “A person who represents themselves has a fool for a client.” Harsh? A little.Accurate? Almost always. And I say that as a practicing family law attorney who still would never represent myself. If I had a business dispute? I’d hire […]
PFAs in Pennsylvania: When Filing Helps You—And When It Hurts Your Custody Case
Today I am unpacking what really happens when someone files a PFA, when you should file one, and the uncomfortable truth: sometimes litigating a PFA can backfire and damage your custody case. First Things First: Pennsylvania Does Not Have “Restraining Orders” Every time you hear someone on TV say, “She got a restraining order,” just […]
Why Recording Your Children During Custody Disputes Is a Bad Idea
In the emotionally charged environment of custody disputes, parents often look for ways to support their case. Unfortunately, one tactic that some parents turn to—videoing their children—is not only ineffective but can backfire significantly in court. Here’s why you should avoid recording your children during custody exchanges or asking them to express their feelings on […]
Understanding Physical Custody in Pennsylvania: The Myth of Automatic 50/50 Custody
One common misconception in Pennsylvania custody cases is that physical custody is automatically split 50/50 between parents. This belief often leads to confusion and frustration for parents navigating the custody process. It’s important to understand that Pennsylvania law does not presume equal custody, and decisions are instead based on the best interests of the child. […]
Uncovering Hidden Income in Child Support Cases: Strategies for Fair Financial Support
When one parent claims they’re unable to contribute to child support due to unemployment or insufficient income, it can place an undue burden on the other parent. This situation becomes even more complex when the parent may actually be earning income under the table or intentionally underreporting their earnings. Fortunately, family law provides several tools […]