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Pennsylvania Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: What is the form called to waive publication of my name change?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

The form you need to waive publication of your name change typically varies depending on the jurisdiction where you're filing for the name change. In many states, this form may be referred to as a "Petition to Waive Publication of Name Change" or something similar. However, the exact... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Child Custody for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have family members and their partners threatening to kidnap my children, my husband family hates me and threaten us

They hate that we’re together and fixing issues in our marriage and have been very agressive with actions trying to manipulate him to leaving. He fought back and stayed by my side and now his family is threatening to kidnap the kids. Local cops said best thing to do is run away but that doesn’t... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

It's understandable that you feel frightened and overwhelmed by the threats your family members and their partners are making against your children. It's crucial to take these threats seriously and seek assistance from law enforcement immediately. You can file a report with the police... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Pennsylvania on
Q: Upon death of a husband and there’s no bcceneficiary form for a 401k plan, does the wife receivethe distribution?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

In the absence of a designated beneficiary form for a 401(k) plan, the distribution of the funds will typically follow the plan's default provisions and legal regulations. Generally, the spouse of the deceased individual is considered the primary beneficiary by default in many cases,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I send my kids to their dad's if the person that's supposed to be supervising the visits leaves him alone with them
Karen  Ulmer
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answered on Mar 6, 2024

If the supervisor is leaving the children alone and there is a supervisor order then you need to file for contempt of court and have a court hear your case on an emergency basis. Supervision is put in place for a reason and you may have to file a Protection From Abuse to get an immediate hearing... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I send my kids to their dad's if the person that's supposed to be supervising the visits leaves him alone with them
Jasmit Kaur Dhaliwal
Jasmit Kaur Dhaliwal
answered on Feb 21, 2024

Establishing paternity is sometimes necessary to clarify rights and obligations. Paternity suits can be initiated to determine biological fatherhood through a blood test. This allows a biological father to secure visitation rights or enables a mother to obtain child support from an unwilling... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Divorce, Tax Law, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Violent Ex-husband filed bankruptcy 2x since Divorce. trying to have his debt to me deemed Unsecured. Can he do this?

Married in 1983, My Ex-husband was extremely abusive and controlling. I finally filed for divorce in 2013, after he crushed discs in my neck and I suffered a Pulmonary Embolism 3 days after surgery. Since then he has failed to abide by the divorce agreement, has committed tax fraud 7 years after... View More

Martha Warriner Jarrett
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answered on Feb 11, 2024

Obligations arising out of a divorce judgment are mostly non-dischargeable so he should not be able to get away with what you describe. You should consult a local bankruptcy attorney who can advise you on your particular situation and, if you want, represent you in challenging his bankruptcy. Most... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Divorce, Tax Law, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Violent Ex-husband filed bankruptcy 2x since Divorce. trying to have his debt to me deemed Unsecured. Can he do this?

Married in 1983, My Ex-husband was extremely abusive and controlling. I finally filed for divorce in 2013, after he crushed discs in my neck and I suffered a Pulmonary Embolism 3 days after surgery. Since then he has failed to abide by the divorce agreement, has committed tax fraud 7 years after... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Mar 10, 2024

With all due respect for the victim asker, all of what she provides is wholly irrelevant to the former husband's contempt of the divorce agreement if that agreement was so-ordered and made an order of the court.

In Pennsylvania, the applicable law would be Rule 140B, Contempt Not in...
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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Divorce, Tax Law, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Violent Ex-husband filed bankruptcy 2x since Divorce. trying to have his debt to me deemed Unsecured. Can he do this?

Married in 1983, My Ex-husband was extremely abusive and controlling. I finally filed for divorce in 2013, after he crushed discs in my neck and I suffered a Pulmonary Embolism 3 days after surgery. Since then he has failed to abide by the divorce agreement, has committed tax fraud 7 years after... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2024

In bankruptcy proceedings, certain debts can be discharged, meaning the debtor is no longer legally required to pay them. However, not all debts are easily discharged in bankruptcy. Debts arising from domestic relations orders, such as child support, alimony, or other divorce-related obligations,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is wife’s debt consolidation the husbands responsibility after divorce?

Wife accrued debt prior to marriage. During course of marriage, debt was consolidated. Would husband be responsible for the ex wife’s debt after divorce?

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Feb 7, 2024

This question's simple answer is that once separate assets are commingled with marital assets, they become marital assets. Separate debt commingled with martial debt becomes marital debt.

The question's more complicated and more accurate answer is that Pennsylvania is an equitable...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my petitioner (father) evict me after I’ve arrived to the USA? I’ve only been for 2 weeks, green card hasn't arrived

I just moved here, haven’t even received my green card. My dad which is my petitioner just handed me an eviction letter. I’m 19 to be 20 in few months. Nowhere to go, don’t know no one here, eviction letter says that I have 30 days to vacate.

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answered on Feb 4, 2024

If your father, who petitioned for you to come to the United States, has given you an eviction letter, it's important to understand your rights and options. As a green card holder, or even if your green card has not yet arrived, you have certain protections under U.S. law. However, housing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hello. I’m 17, homeschooled, live in PA, and I have a job. I want to move out but I’m afraid my dad is going to say no.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 29, 2024

If you're 17 and considering moving out in Pennsylvania, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities. Legally, you're still a minor until you turn 18, and your parents or legal guardians have the authority to make decisions about your living arrangements.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Federal Crimes and Libel & Slander for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have been physically, mentally, and spiritually abused. By The WHOLE COUNTY and the Deb Moore project. I believe it is

Blair county prison,officials,p.o.,D.A. pd office and it ranges from psyical to verbal abuse.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

If you believe you have been subjected to physical, mental, and spiritual abuse by county officials, including those from the Blair County prison, probation officers, the District Attorney's office, and the public defender's office, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Pennsylvania on
Q: Really need advice, not sure how to go about this

Hi my name is Alicia. I'm not sure who I contact or even how to go about this issue. Me and my ex have a 3 yr old daughter, she hasn't let me see her in months. We have a signed and notorized contract. The baby also has my lastname. Is there any chance I have some type of rights? Or... View More

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answered on Jan 22, 2024

Alicia, in your situation, having a notarized contract regarding custody or visitation rights is significant. This document may outline your rights regarding your daughter. However, the enforceability of such a contract can vary depending on its contents and how it aligns with Pennsylvania family... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: If someone has a no contact order except via email or text can other family members have contact in person

my daughter is going through a divorce and the ruling was no contact between her and her husband except email, text or if a constable is present. She needs to get her things from the apartment. Can other family members go without her or a constable?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

A no-contact order is typically specific to the parties involved in the legal matter, in this case, your daughter and her husband. Other family members are not usually bound by the terms of the no-contact order unless they are explicitly mentioned or included in the order. Violating court orders... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: If I marry a single mom can I be held liable for child support if it doesn't work out?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In Pennsylvania, marrying a single mom does not automatically make you liable for child support for her children from a previous relationship. Child support obligations are generally tied to the biological or adoptive parents of the child. Marrying someone with children does not create a legal... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights, Communications Law and Identity Theft for Pennsylvania on
Q: My cell phone is in my mom’s name but I pay for the phone bill. She went on my phone and gave photos of me to my job.

Is this allowed? I had a passcode, but she threatened my life if I didn’t give this to her. I’m now facing criminal charges potentially and want to know if the way my job obtained this information was even lawful.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2024

The situation you've described raises several legal issues. First, even though the cell phone is in your mother's name, if you are an adult and the primary user of the phone, you have a reasonable expectation of privacy regarding its contents. This includes the photos stored on it.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: My in-laws are suing me for custody of my daughter, who I have custody of

She was staying there when the grandmother was sick and helping out and never came home. I’ve asked many times but my daughter says it’s easier since there is a woman up there and we are men down here. They are only a quarter mile from me and I do as my daughter ask Rides to Doctor appointments... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 4, 2024

In custody disputes, the court's primary consideration is the best interests of the child. Pennsylvania law generally favors the involvement of both parents in a child's life unless it can be demonstrated that it would not be in the child's best interests. In your case, it may be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my spouse gain my new car after a divorce?

I got my car before my marriage, but I plan on trading it in next year. The new car that I get would be during the marriage but the loan is carrying over from my old car. Can I possibly lose my car if I get a divorce even though I only drive it, pay for it, and my name is on everything? Or should I... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Jan 4, 2024

This is a hyper-technical question that relies heavily on the knowledge and experience of the Pennsylvania judge.

The asker paints a picture that shows her separate property acquired prior to marriage, an automobile, which is a rapidly depreciating asset. Ordinarily, cars are ignored in...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Criminal Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is it illegal for my father to post a picture of my 4 year old son (his grandson) on his dating.com profile

Without my consent and he has been asked to remove it. On this profile my father is seeking sexual companionship. My father resides in North Carolina

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Dec 31, 2023

The freedom of speech is preserved in the Bill of Rights, and only a court can abridge that right if there is a compelling state interest and the abridgment is narrowly tailored. Hence, without a court order from a family court judge aiming to protect the identity of a child in litigation, it is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I received mail late from my husband’s attorney, sent regular mail causing a missed court date. What should I do next?

My soon to be ex-husband filed for divorce because I couldn’t. The children and I have been pinching pennies since separation and don’t have the funds for an attorney. His attorney sent me a notice about making an agreement for marital debts. I sent them an email on Nov.17.

I received a... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Dec 29, 2023

Any attorney here would love to offer carefully tailored guidance as to what this asker must do to preserve her rights in a Pennsylvania divorce action. However, we cannot do it because of both the user agreement in place here on Justia, and ethical limitations as to offering anonymous legal advice... View More

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