Family Law Topics

By Melissa Zillhardt, Esquire When child welfare agencies get involved in a custody dispute, it can feel intimidating for parents. These investigations have the potential to impact your custody case, and they can feel like a personal attack on your parenting. At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we’ve seen it all—from false allegations to legitimate concerns—and we […]

For many non-US citizen parents involved in child custody disputes, the reality of losing their children due to immigration status is a daunting one. It’s important that these parents understand both their legal rights and the complexities associated with this topic when it comes to having just one parent who isn’t a US resident—as doing […]

Strategies and Tips for Effective Trial Preparation in Family Law Cases In family law cases, the outcome of a trial has far-reaching implications for the lives of clients and their families. The stakes are high, making thorough trial preparation essential to achieving favorable results. This comprehensive guide aims to provide attorneys with valuable strategies and […]

Prenuptial Agreements: Navigating the Myths and Recognizing Their Value You’re on the path to marrying the love of your life. While planning for your future together, it’s crucial to consider all aspects of your upcoming marriage, including the financial. This is where a prenuptial agreement comes into play. But why is there such a cloud […]

In family law cases, contracts are crucial in defining the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved. Whether it’s a prenuptial agreement, a surrogacy contract, or a co-parenting arrangement, having a legally binding contract is essential to avoid potential disputes down the road. Of course, incomplete or “casual” deals happen every day, and unfortunately, many […]

Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many families and individuals. However, not all accusations of domestic violence are true. In some cases, false claims of domestic abuse can be made for various reasons, including gaining an advantage in divorce or custody proceedings. Being falsely accused of domestic violence can be devastating, as it […]

how to change your name after divorce Going through a divorce can be challenging and emotionally taxing. Along with the emotional and legal aspects, there are practical matters to consider, including changing your name back to your maiden name if you had taken your spouse’s name during the marriage. If you are considering changing your […]

Family Law vs. Criminal Law: Overlapping Issues & How They Can Impact Your Case A common misconception is that family law and criminal law are two very different facets of the law that never cross paths. This is far from the truth. The fact of the matter is, family law and criminal law do intersect […]

Divorce is a sad, frustrating experience for children. Two of the most important people in their young lives won’t be living together anymore, and that sucks. As a parent, you should do everything to ensure you save your kids from lifelong emotional wounds. I remember a client was telling me something. This was a long […]

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 […]