Superior Court Grants Child Standing to Enforce Parent’s Marital Settlement Agreement in Pennsylvania

By Dawn Padanyi, Esquire In a recent Superior Court decision in Weber v. Weber, the three-judge panel ruled that a child can have standing to intervene in his parent’s divorce action to enforce a marital settlement agreement. The Superior Court ruled that a son is permitted to intervene in an attempt to enforce a provision […]

No Civil Legal Relief for the Broken-Hearted

By:  Dawn Padanyi, Esq. A Court of Common Pleas Judge in Philadelphia dismissed the claims of a plaintiff husband against the defendant pastor who had an affair with the Plaintiff’s ex-wife. The plaintiff Timothy Laidlaw found a civil suit against Christopher McCloskey and his former Church, Grace Point for breach of fiduciary duty, negligent and […]

Spousal Support? Can I get it? Do I have to pay it?

By:  Dawn Padanyi, Esquire If you are married and separated from your spouse you probably heard terms like spousal support, APL and Alimony thrown around. Spousal Support is “care, maintenance and financial assistance” for one’s spouse.  (23 Pa.C.S. §3103). Under the law, married persons are liable for the support of each other according to their […]

Additional Grounds for Divorce & New Counseling Restrictions

By Dawn Padanyi, Esq. It will soon be easier to get a divorce in Pennsylvania. Effective June 23, 2016, the Pennsylvania Divorce code will be amended to add an additional ground for divorce. Currently the grounds for divorce include the following:  Fault, Institutionalization, Mutual Consent, and Irretrievable Breakdown. The additional grounds for divorce involving personal […]

What Prince Taught Me About Estate Planning

By Dawn Padanyi, Esquire Further breaking news following the sudden death of rock icon, Prince, is that he didn’t have a will!  Now, the first thought that might come to mind is why would a VERY WEALTHY, successful business man not create a will?  That is a very good question, however polls have shown that […]

Financial Considerations in Divorce

Interesting article – Courtesy of the American Bar Association – Family Advocate   Snapshot.Financial.Considerations.Divorce.ABA

What is a Power of Attorney? Do I need one?

By Dawn Padanyi, Esq. A Power of Attorney (POA) is a document that appoints an individual or organization to handle your business and life affairs if and when you are unable to do so on your own behalf. However, the common misconception is that a POA is just for the sick or elderly.  EVERYONE needs […]

Step Father Found Liable to Pay Support for Step Children

By Dawn Padanyi, Esq. On December 29th 2015 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court found a step parent liable for child support. This is a huge departure from the prior law in which a step parent is not liable for child support following the dissolution of a marriage.  Even when a step parent plays a significant parenting […]

Grandparents Child Custody Rights in Pennsylvania

By Dawn Padanyi, Esq. Pennsylvania Courts recognize that the bond and relationship between a grandparent and his/her grandchild can be a significant piece to attaining the best interest of the child. Knowing that the Pennsylvania lawmakers have carved out specific rules and guidelines for when grandparents can petition the Court for custody of their grandchildren. […]

Allocation of Expenses in Support Proceedings

By Dawn Padanyi, Esq. When a support action is filed with the Court, whether it is for child support, spousal support or alimony pendent lite (APL), the Court also has the ability to allocate additional expenses between the parties. Pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure, 1910.16-6, the Courts can allocate child care expenses, health […]

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