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Pennsylvania Family Legal Questions

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277 legal questions have been posted about family law by real users in Pennsylvania. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include adoptions, child custody, and child support. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
Pennsylvania Family Questions & Legal Answers - Page 2
Do you have any Pennsylvania Family questions page 2 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 277 previously answered Pennsylvania Family questions.
Family Law
Pennsylvania

Recent Legal Answers

What happens if a child care center lost your child?

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
You could sue the child care center for negligence. What you could recover depends heavily on how long your child was outside the center and whether or not she was harmed. I hope she's ok.
You could sue the child care center for negligence. What you could recover depends heavily on how long your child was outside the center and whether... Read More

My attorneys secretary was arrested for stealing money from clients. $200,000.00

Answered 9 years and 5 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
I would suggest you contact the PA Bar Association and file a complaint.
I would suggest you contact the PA Bar Association and file a complaint.

lehigh county,pa.If Plantiff moves out of residence&gets A PFA against defendent&it states ...defendenet is completely evicted from residence&plantiff

Answered 9 years and 11 months ago by Nikolaus Alexander Baikow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
If she gets the PFA against you, you will have to leave anywhere that the Plaintiff lives.  If you live with her, you will be evicted. 
If she gets the PFA against you, you will have to leave anywhere that the Plaintiff lives.  If you live with her, you will be evicted. 

Is there such a thing as no- fault And fault Divorce in PA

Answered 10 years and 3 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
There are still fault divorces in Pennsylvania, for things such as adultery, cruel and barbarous treatment, and indignities among others. If he has filed for a no-fault, you can raise claims such as alimony, etc. You do not have to file for an entirely new divorce.
There are still fault divorces in Pennsylvania, for things such as adultery, cruel and barbarous treatment, and indignities among others. If he has... Read More

How much does a postnup cost and how do I get one?

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
It depends on how complicated, but likely between $200-800. Any family law attorney with experience should be able to draft one for you.
It depends on how complicated, but likely between $200-800. Any family law attorney with experience should be able to draft one for you.

i signed the acknowledgement of paternity in the hospital, the court denied me a dna test i want to know if the child is mine. mother denies to see

Answered 10 years and 6 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
Sadly, in Pennsylvania, there is a concept called "Paternity by Estoppel." It means, although you may have never been proven by a DNA test to be the child's father, you can still legally be his/her father. I would file for partial custody.
Sadly, in Pennsylvania, there is a concept called "Paternity by Estoppel." It means, although you may have never been proven by a DNA test to be the... Read More

im currently awaiting to get served a protective order for the last two days now and theirs suppose to be court sometime tomorrow but i will not be ab

Answered 10 years and 7 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
If you were not served, they have to continue the hearing.
If you were not served, they have to continue the hearing.

Is it considered harassment if someone posts a comment on facebook with my name in it?

Answered 10 years and 8 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
In my opinion, it's more defamation/libel than harassment. I would call the lawyer who defended you. The post may be a violation of any settlement agreement you had.
In my opinion, it's more defamation/libel than harassment. I would call the lawyer who defended you. The post may be a violation of any settlement... Read More

Concerning POA after Mother had stroke

Answered 10 years and 8 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
An unsigned POA is not going to help you. You can try one of 2 avenues: Petition the court to be made your mother's guardian, provided she is incapacitated, or Contact your county's agency for the aged and file a report for suspected elder abuse.
An unsigned POA is not going to help you. You can try one of 2 avenues: Petition the court to be made your mother's guardian, provided she is... Read More

As a wife, can I legally file to have my husbands assets revealed to me?

Answered 10 years and 9 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
Unfortunately there is no legal way to do this of which I am aware. Filing for divorce would give you the option of discovery, but it doesn't seem that you want to do that.
Unfortunately there is no legal way to do this of which I am aware. Filing for divorce would give you the option of discovery, but it doesn't seem... Read More

Where do I file my divorce papers

Answered 10 years and 9 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
Your county's Prothonotary (sometimes called the civil division Clerk of Courts).
Your county's Prothonotary (sometimes called the civil division Clerk of Courts).

do i getg a custody lawyer in my state or the state the hearting is in

Answered 10 years and 9 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
The state where the children live.
The state where the children live.

If both parents agree to switching custody rights and the child (16) agrees will they have to go to court?

Answered 10 years and 10 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
The parents can draft a consent order and then present it to the judge of the case for signature.
The parents can draft a consent order and then present it to the judge of the case for signature.

i would like to see my grand daughter i have not seen since age 10 months now 2 yrs old and she is my blood

Answered 10 years and 10 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
File for grandparents' partial custody at your county court house.
File for grandparents' partial custody at your county court house.

What steps do I need to take to kick my 21 year old son out of my house?

Answered 10 years and 10 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
Post a 15-day notice to quit on the main door. After 15 days, file suit at your local magistrate to have him evicted. They will walk you through the process.
Post a 15-day notice to quit on the main door. After 15 days, file suit at your local magistrate to have him evicted. They will walk you through the... Read More

what kind of say do i have in the custody?

Answered 10 years and 10 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
If he's going to violate the custody order, threaten him with a contempt petition. If you need to switch weekends and he's unwilling, you'll have to ask the court for special relief.
If he's going to violate the custody order, threaten him with a contempt petition. If you need to switch weekends and he's unwilling, you'll have to... Read More

Am I entitiled to half of my husbands pension

Answered 10 years and 11 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
The only amount you would be entitled to is a portion of any growth to his pension during the time of your marriage.
The only amount you would be entitled to is a portion of any growth to his pension during the time of your marriage.

Will I have to petition the court to move 5 miles away?

Answered 10 years and 11 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
You only have to petition for relocation if the move will substantially hinder the other parent's custodial rights. Without knowing the specifics of your case, I cannot advise directly. However, I believe a closer move of only 5 miles will not be of consequence.
You only have to petition for relocation if the move will substantially hinder the other parent's custodial rights. Without knowing the specifics of... Read More

Where can I go to get legal assistance? The other party has legal assistance from Community Legal Services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Answered 11 years and a month ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
Go to Community Legal Services for help. They'll have a conflict of interest, but may have conflict attorneys who will represent you.
Go to Community Legal Services for help. They'll have a conflict of interest, but may have conflict attorneys who will represent you.

Can a father be denied visitation from his children because couple is separated?

Answered 11 years and 2 months ago by Nikolaus Alexander Baikow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
Father should consider filing a complaint for custody to gain visitation rights.  Although the couple is separated, that separation does not terminate father's parental rights.  Parental rights can be terminated involuntarily (when there is cause or reason to have such rights terminated) or voluntarily (that is, with consent of the father). Based on your question, father wants to be involved in his children's lives.  Accordingly, I recommend that father contact a family law lawyer in his jurisdiction, especially one specializing in custody, in order to pursue his custody/visitation rights.... Read More
Father should consider filing a complaint for custody to gain visitation rights.  Although the couple is separated, that separation does... Read More

How do I file for a PFA for a minor child?

Answered 11 years and 2 months ago by Nikolaus Alexander Baikow (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
First question I would ask you is what is your relation to the child.  Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse Act states that the following individuals are "family or household members" for purposes of filing a Protection for Abuse petition: "Spouses or persons who have been spouses, persons living as spouses or who lived as spouses, parents and children, other persons related by consanguinity or affinity, current or former sexual or intimate partners or persons who share biological parenthood."  To simplify this, if you are the child's father, then you can file the petition.  If you are a person other than the father and are related to the child, you should be able to file the petition. The petition may be filed on your own by contacting the Lancaster Bail Administration Office.  Alternatively, you could consult with an attorney or legal clinic about fiing your petition.... Read More
First question I would ask you is what is your relation to the child.  Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse Act states that the... Read More

How can I ensure I get to keep my dog in the process of getting kicked out of my parents?

Answered 11 years and 3 months ago by attorney William R. Pelger   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
Many 18 year older people have family issues and do not like their parents. In most cases, things get better. Perhaps you or your family need family counseling. As far as the dog goes, as long as your parents care for him, he may be better off with them than with you living on the road, or moving from friend's apartment to friend's apartment. However, I don't know all the facts. Perhaps you are a really mature 18 year old with a good paying job who can support yourself and a dog comfortably. Legally, in PA, dogs are like personal property, whoever can prove they paid for him or her, owns him.... Read More
Many 18 year older people have family issues and do not like their parents. In most cases, things get better. Perhaps you or your family need... Read More

How can i see my child before court arrangements?

Answered 11 years and 5 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
You can bring a motion for an interim custody order, granting you some time until the matter is fully adjudicated.
You can bring a motion for an interim custody order, granting you some time until the matter is fully adjudicated.

Is there a lawyer that can do pro bono for my case which is falsely accused of child abuse?

Answered 11 years and 6 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
Legal Aid is a good place to start. If there are criminal charges, the Public Defender's office can dedend you at no cost.
Legal Aid is a good place to start. If there are criminal charges, the Public Defender's office can dedend you at no cost.

About a court order

Answered 11 years and 7 months ago by John Karl Puskar (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Family
Refile the motions and ask for a delayed presentation date so that you have time to serve him. If there's an order already in place, you only have to serve via First Class Mail.
Refile the motions and ask for a delayed presentation date so that you have time to serve him. If there's an order already in place, you only have to... Read More
Family Law
Pennsylvania

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