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Pennsylvania Arbitration / Mediation Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I recently had a $30,000 judgment in my favor back in October have not gotten any money yet why

It has been 8 years since my slip and fall never went to court just arbitration and mediation and have been told that I will get nothing after attorney takes everything

David H. Relkin
David H. Relkin
answered on Mar 18, 2024

This suggestion is confusing and requires some explanation to determine your rights. First of all, you raise the issue of arbitration. That is not a judgment. An arbitration Award must be "confirmed" as a Judgment. This must be done since only Judgments allow for strong-state endorsed... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Divorce for Pennsylvania on
Q: Why are there two counts on my PA Divorce Papers?

I, the Defendant in this, have two Counts from my soon-to-be Ex-Wife's lawyer regarding Divorce.

Count I: DIVORCE UNDER SECTION 3301(c) OR (d) OF THE DIVORCE CODE

Count II: DIVORCE UNDER 3301(a)(6) OF THE DIVORCE CODE

I know the code. I keep reading it, but we were... View More

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on May 29, 2023

The 3301(a)(6) grounds were probably included in case you weren't agreeable to signing for a no fault divorce. In PA, you're allowed to included seemingly conflicting grounds in your requests for divorce in the complaint. It's perfectly acceptable to then ultimately proceed under one of the two.

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Why do I have to go to arbitration for handmoney from a backed out seller not due to contingency? Can I go to small clai

They backed out 2days after contracts were signed for no reason, shouldn't I just be given the hand money? Can I use the cheaper small claims court?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 29, 2023

A Pennsylvania attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. One possibility, and it's only a general guess, is that the contract has a provision requiring disputes to be submitted to arbitration (as opposed to the parties being free to use traditional courts). A... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hi.  We went to mediation and signed a document saying ...

"The parties agree to resolve this matter and to prepare a settlement agreement to include the following terms: ..."

The agreement the opposing side came up with includes some unfair and crazy stuff, including:-We would like some things clarified, added and deleted but the other... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 4, 2022

A Pennsylvania attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. However, it's difficult for an attorney to offer guidance based on a brief post. You could reach out to Pennsylvania attorneys to discuss, but they may want to see the agreement and learn more details... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is there a time limit to be served in PA.

I received a Court of Common Pleas Civil Cover Sheet today with the complaint from attorney attached. (Arbitration Matter) for my car causing damage to a building on Aug 13 2018. Paperwork is stamped Aug 11 2020. I received this notice from a sheriff today. I know they are within the 2 year statue... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jul 1, 2021

This is what you pay car insurance for. Notify the adjuster of the company who insured you back then. Get their address, fax, claim number; fax them a copy and send them a hard copy, certified return receipt. They should give you an attorney and they will file what are called preliminary... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Banking for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I sue Wells Fargo for an unauthorized charge which has since caused me financial hardship?

I had a car loan through Wells Fargo. I traded in that car to Carvana who agreed to pay off the loan. I have documentation from Wells Fargo that the loan was payed off in full 4/19/21. However, I was still charged my monthly payment of 408 on 4/25/21 through auto pay. This caused my wife’s and my... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 11, 2021

1. Go to a wells fargo bank and find out why you can't sign on.

2. Get the records printed out at the bank.

3. Once you have those, keep them and only send copies.

4. Ask Wells fargo for a return of the autopay, and the related charges. The AMC stock is too far a...
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Q: Neighbor filed a municipal complaint stating that I'm harassing her because I called police regarding noise& loud party
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on May 25, 2021

You have to look at the complaint. Chances are it says more. You need to respond to the complaint.

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Education Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How do I get mediation with my ex-spouse to change the school at which the children attend?

My agreement specifically stipulates that my ex-wife pays for private school tuition if BOTH of us agree to send our children there. My 13yo daughter now wants to attend the public school in the district in which I live. We have a 50/50 custody arrangement.

Penelope A. Boyd
Penelope A. Boyd
answered on Sep 30, 2019

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...
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2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: In PA, can a non-custodial parent seek partial custody post divorce?

Dad did not seek custody in the divorce and now would like to have at minimum a parenting plan in place. Mom frequently withholds visits, facetime appts under the guise of the child isn't interested.

Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
answered on Mar 20, 2019

Absolutely yes.

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2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can you send a family member to represent you in arbitration court?

I've been served a summons for arbitration court. Am I allowed to send a family member to represent me? I do not want to go to court and cannot afford a lawyer.

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Feb 28, 2019

Only if the family member is part of the claim or lawsuit. I don't know which court you are talking about, but you don't have to hire a lawyer to represent you in an arbitration proceeding. Of course, it is better to have a lawyer with you. If you are not part of the claim or lawsuit,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law and Land Use & Zoning for Pennsylvania on
Q: Recently my Home Owners Association created a Resolution that limits my freedom of speech.

AND NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that only Board Members or the Board’s agents may use the names, addresses, phone numbers or email addresses of homeowners for correspondence activities. Should any unauthorized individual use the contact information of homeowners on his/her own, a $50.00 fine may be... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 23, 2018

The HOA could make the argument that their resolution is in place for the protection of privacy, not the infringement of First Amendment rights.

Tim Akpinar

Q: .my husband caused me to be permanently disabled and collects 100% VA and SSDisability which is 5000 a

I recieve 750..he abandonded me 15 mos ago left all the bills ..wilfily neglected ..wilfuly refused help.was abusive.im now at my daughtets i couldnt afford to stau in my home.Can his va compensation be garnished for alimonu and can he be charged criminally

Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
answered on Jul 31, 2018

If he caused you injuries, then yes - he can be criminally charged, and also sued in civil court for money damages. You may also be entitled to alimony in a divorce case as well -- it depends on all sorts of factors, most of which are monetary. It's probably worth a shot.

Best of luck to you.

2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Bankruptcy and Consumer Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I sell my home if I just received papers for arbitration

I am in the process of selling my home closing is set for July 10 I received paperwork on June 30 for arbitration I had no notice and will not be prepared should I request a continuance can they put a judgment against me or stop the sale of my house if no court order has been issued yet what are my... View More

Thomas A. Grossman
Thomas A. Grossman
answered on Jul 1, 2018

I am not a Bankruptcy Lawyer, and what you describe going on does not sound like it has to do with Bankruptcy. It sounds like you have a real estate problem, and the other side has asked for Arbitration. It appears that you are in Philadelphia, while I am in California. So, the law is different... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: husband refusing to sign divorce papers after being separated for three years.

hes refusing to sign, there is no custoday order. hes been an inmate in jail for three years and still is. he filed to have assets gone thru. we have none. my sttorney quit on me because i dont have money to hire the court person to go thru assests. what happens if my husband and i dont do anything... View More

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Feb 9, 2018

It depends. Sometimes the counties will go through old files that have been inactive for a long time and send a notice that the cases are being terminated. If your lawyer hasn't actually officially withdrawn from the case, though, the notice will likely go to that office instead of you. Check... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: When I filed for divorce, the lawyer wrote the incorrect separation date. Can I change the date to the day I filed?

How does one do this?

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Jan 25, 2018

That's a possibility. Perhaps you should discuss this further with your attorney. There may have been a very good reason why that date was selected.

1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Child Custody and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: How can I obtain a passport for my child that was legally agreed upon during mediation?

My child's father and I went to family court to have an agreement put in place a year ago regarding international travel and obtaining a passport for her. He agreed that for two weeks out of the year I am able to take her abroad with me and that he will not refuse the right to a passport for... View More

Lisa Marie Vari
Lisa Marie Vari
answered on Dec 12, 2017

Presuming you left mediation with a written consent custody agreement stating that father will cooperate in obtaining the passport, you have to file for enforcement of the order to force him to comply. The court also has the authority to impose sanctions on father for his non-compliance if it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Pennsylvania on
Q: How to get my sisters name off our deed?

Before our mother passed, she put the deed into mine and my sisters name. My sister hasn’t resided there since our mother passed, she lives elsewhere in the county, she doesn’t get mail at the address, she doesn’t help with upkeep of property nor does she pay any of the taxes. We no longer... View More

Mark Scoblionko
Mark Scoblionko
answered on Nov 15, 2017

As a co-owner, your sister is responsible for half the taxes and other municipal charges. She is also responsible for half the improvements. However, since you live there, she has the right to receive rent. Possibly, if you were to contact a lawyer and sue her, she would surrender and give you a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I'm taking my husband for spousal support. We r separated and i have a PFA. An incident happened to me when I arrived at

Domestic Relations the caseworker told my husband that I was being arrested when I was in fact not and the incident that happened is she legally allowed to do that

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
answered on Oct 5, 2017

This is a bit confusing. I wonder if there isn't a misunderstanding of what the DR worker said. How do you know what she told your husband if you have a PFA against him?

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: I once signed up for a credit card with Wells Fargo and apparently signed away my right to sue them until the end of tim

I no longer have a relationship with Wells Fargo, I closed my accounts in good standing, but the mortgage agreement Arbitration Clause was written such that it "survives" any particular contract I ever signed with Wells.

I wish to no longer have any connection whatsoever to Wells... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Sep 28, 2016

If you don't have a mortgage agreement I see no need to worry if they in theory have one. All your business with them is done.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: If Pennsylvania court orders arbitration of case involving title to real property, should I seek Writ of Prohibition?

In a Pennsylvania case seeking monetary damages wherein the Complaint's allegations involve title to real property, the Judge has ordered the case to compulsory arbitration despite the statute's bar against sending cases to compulsory arbitration that involve title to real property.... View More

Mark Scoblionko
Mark Scoblionko
answered on Aug 16, 2016

You need to have the matter evaluated by a lawyer, who could them advise you what to file and where to file it.

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