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Questions Answered by Allison D. Gaffen
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How long does a spouse have to be gone for abandonment
Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Feb 11, 2013

Desertion is addressed in 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 3301(a)(1):

§ 3301. Grounds for divorce.

(a) Fault.--The court may grant a divorce to the innocent and injured spouse whenever it is judged that the other spouse has:

(1) Committed willful and malicious desertion, and absence from...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Pennsylvania on
Q: What is approx cost of standard will, father/mother to their son?
Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Jan 11, 2013

For more information about Wills in Pennsylvania, please visit: http://www.gaffenstephenson.com/wills.html.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: What can i do to get my son back and my pfa was violated
Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Jan 11, 2013

For more information about PFA's in Pennsylvania, please visit: http://www.gaffenstephenson.com/protection-from-abuse.html.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: We have temporary custody of our 5 yr.-old grandson. His parents are in a halfway house (drugs)

Can they get their son back?

Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Jan 11, 2013

For more information about grandparent's rights in Pennsylvania please visit: http://www.gaffenstephenson.com/grandparents-rights.html.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I ask for a termination of parental rights?

I would like to request a termination of parental rights for my ex-husband. He has never once taken care of the child since the day the child was born. I was literally a single mother "with a husband." According to him, he cannot stand his child & doesn't want to be anywhere near... View More

Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Dec 15, 2012

The Pennsylvania law that has the grounds for involuntarily termination of parental rights can be found here: http://law.onecle.com/pennsylvania/domestic-relations/00.025.011.000.html.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Paying child support to Oregon but kids lives here in PA and ex won't let me see them. what should i do?

My ex girlfriend told she got a full custody which she only made a decision. She filed child support in Oregon. I paying child support to oregon for 2 years while I live here in PA but Kids moved to Different state for one year and i still paying child support to Oregon then she recently moved in... View More

Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Dec 15, 2012

Child support and child custody are two different cases. You should consult with an attorney to review the amount of support you are paying and about custody.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can you expuge your criminal records if they was dismissed?
Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Nov 15, 2012

Neighborhood Legal Services Association in Allegheny County has detailed information about the expungement process: http://www.nlsa.us/ProSe/Expungement_Allegheny.pdf. For legal advice about your specific situation, you should consult with a defense attorney in your county. If you cannot afford an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: My vehicle was searched after they asked do i need an attorney
Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Nov 15, 2012

Are you asking if the search was legal? If so, much more detailed information about the vehicle stop and search is needed to answer your question. For legal advice about your situation, you should contact an attorney in your county. If you cannot afford a criminal defense attorney, you should... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can someone that aren't the authorities come to your house and take something with out a warrant plus they don't own it?
Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Nov 15, 2012

I would need more information to answer this question. Are you describing a situation of a warrant-less search? Or a theft of property? For legal advice, you should consult with an attorney in your county. This answer is attorney advertising and is for educational purposes only. This does not in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do i need a will if married and no children?
Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Nov 15, 2012

Having a will can make sure that your property goes to whom you want it to pass, otherwise your property will pass according to the laws of intestate succession. For more information about intestate succession, you can view the law here:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: How long do you have to be separated in Pennsylvania before the divorce will be final?
Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Nov 15, 2012

Section 3301(d) of the PA Divorce Code states that a no fault divorce can be granted if (1) the parties have been separated for two years and (2) the marriage is irretrievably broken. Both points can be contested. You should consult with an attorney in your county for legal advice about your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: How long does a divorce petition remain in court system

Husband filed for divorce in feb 2012 than fired attorney, is petition still active

Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Nov 15, 2012

Without seeing the papers that were filed, I do not have enough information to answer this question. You should consult with an attorney in your county about your specific situation. Your attorney can also advise you about any economic claims you might have that are related to the divorce. If you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have sole custody of my child. her father is now trying to get custody. not sure how to fight it
Allison D. Gaffen
Allison D. Gaffen
answered on Nov 9, 2012

You should consult with a child custody attorney in your area. This attorney will be able to give advice about your specific situation. If you cannot afford an attorney, you should contact the legal services office in your county.

This answer is attorney advertising and is for educational...
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