Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Reasons for Child Dependency Proceedings in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania laws on protecting children are extensive because of the high priority society places on ensuring the safety and well-being of younger, vulnerable individuals. When there are concerns that a child could be without proper parental care, officials may file a petition for dependency under Pennsylvania law. The point is to determine whether there… Read More »
Do I Qualify For Workers’ Comp Benefits In Pennsylvania?
When you are injured in a workplace accident, your first priorities are getting proper medical treatment and alleviating the pain. However, you will eventually need to consider your rights under Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation laws. As you might be aware, employees have legal remedies through the workers’ comp system when injured in a workplace accident…. Read More »
Can I Relocate If I Have Child Custody In Pennsylvania?
Whether it was entered as part of a Pennsylvania divorce case or some other legal matter, an order on child custody is binding upon parents. It does not change or expire until your child reaches adulthood, which can create some challenges during the years in between. A common issue arises when one parent with… Read More »
4 Documents To Include In Your Pennsylvania Estate Plan
Estate planning is an uncomfortable topic for many people, and this is perhaps one of the top reasons they avoid taking the steps to create one. According to a study published by AARP, just 34 percent of American adults have prepared one or more components for an estate plan. In the study, 37 percent… Read More »
Choosing An Agent For Your Power Of Attorney: Factors To Consider
Your power of attorney is an important component of your estate plan, since it takes effect during your lifetime and helps you plan for incapacity. The Pennsylvania statute on durable powers of attorney (DPOAs) allows you to address both health care matters and your financial affairs in one document. As principal, you can appoint… Read More »
Steps For Getting A Protective Order From Abuse In Pennsylvania
Domestic violence often constitutes criminal activity, and Pennsylvania laws are tough on offenders. If police receive a call, an arrest will follow. However, even though the offender might be charged, there may still be safety threats for the victim and family members. To provide additional protection beyond the criminal process, Pennsylvania has enacted a… Read More »
4 Facts About Fighting Pennsylvania Misdemeanor Charges
Pennsylvania has the same general structure of the federal government and other US states with classifying crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, but the laws are still very different. In the state statute on classes of offenses, a person is charged with a felony for more serious offenses, while misdemeanor charges are less severe. However,… Read More »
How Do I Modify Child Support In Pennsylvania?
You know how quickly life can change in just a year, so you can imagine what may come in the years after the entry of a Pennsylvania child support order. Recognizing that circumstances may not be the same as when the final divorce decree was entered, lawmakers have established a process for modification. Under… Read More »
4 To-Do’s Before Filing For Divorce In Pennsylvania
If you are contemplating divorce in Pennsylvania, you are making a smart decision by starting preparations early and finding out as much as you can about the process. You might have already learned that one of the first considerations is whether you file on the basis of fault. Under the Pennsylvania statute on grounds… Read More »
Things You Cannot Do By Will Under Pennsylvania Estate Planning Laws
Preparing a will is one of the most effective ways of protecting your legacy, reducing conflict among loved ones, and maintaining control over how your assets are distributed at death. Fortunately, the laws on wills allow you significant flexibility when accomplishing these goals. You can take advantage of many different options and structures, as… Read More »