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
Understanding Deed Fraud: How Can You Protect Your Property? Property fraud is on the rise, and homeowners need to be aware of the risks. Deed fraud, in particular, can have devastating consequences, leading to the loss of property or legal complications. But how can you protect your property, and what steps should you take if you’re a victim of fraud?
The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed Senate Bill 1173, aimed at regulating the practice of residential wholesaling. This Bill, sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano, now awaits consideration by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Here’s what this new legislation means for consumers and those involved in real estate transactions. What is Residential Wholesaling? Residential wholesaling is a practice where individuals, often investors,
Summer camp can be an impactful experience for children, offering opportunities for growth, independence, and making new friends. However, for co-parents, the decision to send children to camp and coordinating the details can be complex. Here are some tips and considerations to help navigate this aspect of shared parenting effectively. Open Communication is Necessary! Open and honest communication between co-parents
Hey festive friends! ‘Tis the season of joy, and we’re here with a guide to keep your co-parenting sleigh ride smooth this holiday season. Let’s sprinkle some holiday magic on those plans! Mingle and Jingle: First things first, keep those lines of communication as open as Santa’s gift sack. Share your holiday ideas and plans with the other parent. The
One topic I get at least one call about per week is the accessory dwelling unit. While it’s a cool idea and awesome when it works, it’s a rare circumstance when it does, and they are not the backdoor to getting that duplex that you’ve been desperately searching for. Accessory Dwelling Units, or “ADU”s in zoning nerd speak, historically called
Good News Everyone, the Register of Wills of Philadelphia Office, which has been shut down since March 16th, will offer virtual operations of both probate and marriage licenses starting Monday, April 13th, 2020. According to the Register, the services will be on an “emergency basis” and will be provided according to the criteria established by the Register of Wills office.