When a loved one passes away, real estate is often the most valuable asset left behind. Whether the family intends to sell the property to distribute the cash proceeds among heirs or to pay off the estate’s remaining debts, putting a house on the market seems like a logical and straightforward first step. However, real estate transactions involving a deceased
When a child support order is entered, many parents assume the purpose is straightforward: one parent pays, and that money supports the child. In practice, however, child support is frequently a source of confusion, frustration, and conflict. Receiving parents sometimes feel the amount falls short of what their child truly needs. Paying parents sometimes wonder why they are being asked
Owning property in Philadelphia comes with opportunity. A rowhome might become a duplex. A vacant lot might become new housing. A storefront might become a restaurant, office, salon, daycare, or medical practice. But before any of that can happen, the property owner must answer one important question: Does the Philadelphia Zoning Code allow it? Sometimes the answer is no —
As the school year winds down, many parents are busy making summer plans. Sleepaway camp applications have been submitted, vacation dates are being booked, and sports schedules are beginning to fill the calendar. For divorced and separated parents, however, summer often brings a familiar question: Who gets the time? As a family law attorney, I frequently help parents navigate summer
We’re honored to announce the selection of Scott Matison to the 2025 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list! This exclusive list recognizes the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania.
When someone dies in Pennsylvania, there are rules about how to sell property, pay off debt, pay taxes, and distribute proceeds to heirs. Here is everything you need to know about how to open and execute a probate case in Pennsylvania, with or without a will.
In a new precedent, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court widened the basis for establishing legal parentage in Pennsylvania custody cases. This is good news for LGBTQ+ parents without biology or marriage who are fighting for custody.
How could it be that the wealthiest man in the world would have to pay less than $1,000 a month in child support per kid? He chose his battleground wisely — a state with a child support cap. Internet rumors say that Elon Musk pays only $2,760 a month for three of his children because his custody case with their
Protecting Pets from Harm: How Pennsylvania’s New Law Shields Animals in Domestic Violence Cases On November 18, 2024, Pennsylvania took a significant step toward supporting victims of domestic violence by enacting H.B. 1210. Signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro and going into effect on January 17, 2025 this legislation explicitly extends protections to pets in abusive households, acknowledging the
Recent Ruling on Historic Germantown YWCA Highlights Key Zoning and Blight Laws in Philadelphia In a recent legal battle, developer Ken Weinstein sought to take control of the future of the former Germantown YWCA, a historic and beautiful building that has been vacant and left deteriorating for over 20 years. Weinstein and his legal team argued that the building, located
Old property deeds in Pennsylvania often contain surprising remnants from the past. While some entries are nostalgic, others carry a darker history: restrictions on property ownership or occupancy based on race, religion, or other discriminatory measures. Although unenforceable today, these offensive clauses remain on record, tainting the legacy of properties across Pennsylvania. Oftentimes, a property owner is surprised to see
Console Matison LLP is proud to announce that family law attorney Scott A. Matison has been appointed President of the Doris Jonas Freed American Inn of Court for the 2024-2025 term. Mr.Matison, who has been a dedicated member of the organization since 2009, has previously held several key roles, including Programming Chair, Membership Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Doris Jonas