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A power of attorney is essential for LGBT relationships. Should a partner become incapacitated, who will legally make important decisions about medical care or financial matters? Until recently LGBT couples in Pennsylvania were not afforded the same legal  protections available to married couples. When couples are not married, a power of attorney is a critical […]

When you need information regarding any aspect of family law, consider scheduling an initial consultation. Knowing how the law applies to your specific case will provide you with the appropriate direction that you need in what can be a difficult time. Feel free to call 866-465-5395 for a brief phone conversation, wherein we’ll discuss the […]

At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, our attorneys believe in the process of resolving family law issues that arise in a divorce proceeding without the necessity of litigation, if possible. This is called alternative dispute resolution (ADR). ADR includes processes such as collaborative law, mediation, and arbitration. However, if ADR is not possible, our family law attorneys are […]

You have decided that your child should be put up for adoption at birth. You are confident in your decision and you are not looking to discuss whether or not it is the right one. You Still Need a Lawyer Even if you are no longer deciding whether or not adoption is the right choice, […]

Paternity by estoppel A recent article in the Legal Intelligencer discussed the application of the concept of paternity by estoppel to a custody case recently decided by the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Paternity by estoppel is the concept whereby once a man has been held out as a child’s father, his paternity cannot be later denied. […]

How to Prepare for a Child Custody Trial You’ve been there for every day of your child’s life. You were there when she opened her eyes for the first time, when she took her first steps, when she rode her first bike… but, you may not be there for the next “first”.  You are getting […]

§ 6103.  Jurisdiction. (a)  General rule.–The court shall have jurisdiction over all proceedings under this chapter. (b)  Effect of departure and nonresidence.–The right of the plaintiff to relief under this chapter shall not be affected by either of the following: (1)  The plaintiff’s leaving the residence or household to avoid further abuse. (2)  The defendant’s […]

The Berks County Court of Common Pleas issued an opinion in November granting a father’s petition to modify custody to have equal custody time of his two children. The name of the case was Meister v. Meister. Prior to filing to modify custody, the father had partial custody while the children were in school but […]

For most couples, the idea of divorce is daunting.  When a marriage comes to an end, you are emotionally raw, yet also must keep a level head to protect yourself, your family and your interests.

An article recently published in the Washington Post by Eugene Volokh, a noted legal scholar, brought to our attention a New York case involving a novel legal question. The judicial opinion that decided the case, Jackson v. Jackson, phrased the question clearly:  “Are the ashes from the cremation of a 26 week old stillborn fetus […]