You should consult a local attorney about your custody options. It sounds like these kids will need a lot of support. If your question is whether or not you could get some form of custody, it is a possibility you can explore through the courts and/or the local Children & Youth agency. It is... View More

Consult a local attorney about filing to modify the custody order and to object to the relocation.

You should consult with a Maryland attorney. Although you live in Pennsylvania, Jurisdiction over children is governed by the residence of the child. Presumably, an attorney who is familiar with practice where you nephew resides can help you. A lot will depend on the children's services... View More

It depends. If you want to file right away, you probably should consult an attorney in Pennsylvania, because it would be the child's "home state" for interstate jurisdictional purposes. Generally, a "home state" is the state where the child lived for six months prior to... View More

Vacation time is like every other provision of a custody order. It can be modified by the court if it is in the best interests of the child. In determining a vacation period, courts will look at factors such as the age of the children, whether they are in school, and the nature of the proposed... View More

This is a custody question. Your custody order will very likely indicate shared legal custody, so both parents must agree, or a court must order, educational decisions.

If you and mother discuss this and cannot reach an agreement, you have the option of going to court and filing a petition... View More

I’m guessing from your question that you might not be a citizen yet. Immigrants have the same rights to protection from abuse orders as anyone else, but you should talk to an attorney who knows about domestic violence, immigration and family law. In Lancaster, there is a program called the... View More

People take pictures of family members all the time. When they are your kids and you are just taking their picture for a memory of an event or otherwise, unless you have a custody order to the contrary, there should be no issue. If you are posting pictures of your kids on social media, it should... View More

This sounds like a situation where there is a legal answer and a practical answer. By the time you filed any kind of petition and got before a court, it is likely that your 17 year old will become an 18 year old and not subject to custody. And even if you went to court, a court will listen to the... View More

If you are afraid your husband may hurt you, you should contact your local domestic violence program immediately. Find out your options and make a plan for your own safety. You may be eligible for a Protection from Abuse order or be able to take other action to protect yourself.

You will learn in life that "running away" from your problems is almost never the best solution. If there is a court order regarding custody, you are asking your mother to violate that order if you make and act on this decision on your own. That does not mean that you might not be able... View More

If your daughter is still a minor, she may be eligible for Social Security Survivor's benefits. Contact your local Social Security office to find out.

You are in a difficult spot. As long as you are doing what you can to move forward with your life, do not panic. Get support from agencies such as crime victims and get an attorney who understands domestic violence to represent you in custody. Custody courts are concerned that the kids are safe.... View More

Trust your attorney. Conferences sometimes do not include the parties. Usually this is to establish the issues, schedule witnesses, or identify additional information that might be needed. You will be in the conference through your attorney so make sure s/he has all the information they need... View More

Unless there has been an agreement to alimony in the property settlement agreement, spousal support generally will stop when the divorce is granted. Alimony, equitable distribution and awards of counsel fees are generally considered ancillary relief that must be part of the divorce. If there is... View More

Don’t make the mistake of trying to get something filed just to get it started. There are timelines that affect jurisdiction in family law matters and you want to understand the consequences of the decisions you make. Consultation with an attorney in your area can help you weigh the costs and... View More

Termination of parental rights is a difficult process. Your best bet would be to see if you are eligible for Legal Services for custody and a divorce. You must meet their income requirements.

Good luck.

Separation is a very difficult time, particularly if abuse is involved. Check with the lawyer who is representing you in the divorce or the local domestic violence agency to make sure you are safe. If you feel you need a Protection from Abuse order, the DV agency and/or the court may help you... View More

A PFA order is entered against the Defendant, and not against the Plaintiff. So in most PFA situations, there is no violation if the Plaintiff contacts the defendant- unless the defendant responds.

It sounds like you may seek a no fault divorce in Pennsylvania. If you can locate your wife and serve her, it is a pretty simple process. If you can’t locate her, it will take a little longer.

If you file for divorce, s