Ad Valorem Property Taxes, (i.e. taxes based upon property values), pay for many useful and important things in our communities: public schools, community colleges, local government employees, police and fire protection, roads, and more. Although they can be a pain, it is clear that they serve a purpose. But what happens when a county has…
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Exclusive Possession of the Family Home in Delaware County, PA
During a pending divorce matter, the court has the power to award to a party the right to exclusively reside in the marital residence, otherwise known as “exclusive possession.” To be awarded exclusive possession of a residence the party must file a Petition for Exclusive Possession with the court. Unless both parties agree that that…
When You Can’t Be There in Person
Separation and divorce will change family lifestyles in a variety of ways, most profoundly in the amount of time spent with children. With the high rate of divorce, it is common for children to live apart from at least one parent, sometimes far away. Virtual parenting offers a partial solution to the problem of long-distance…
When is the Right Time to Consult an Elder Law Attorney in Pennsylvania?
Much like wisely deciding to repair the tattered roof of your home to protect against a surprise thunderstorm, the best time to contact an elder law attorney to adequately address the future needs of aging parents, a spouse or yourself is today. Long-term care arrangements are too often placed on the backburner of life’s priorities….
Will the Right Heirs Inherit Your Estate?
As emotionally unsettling as your death would be to your spouse, children and extended family, its impact would have additional ramifications should you die without having drawn up a will. Whether young or old, fit or infirm, having a valid will or other binding declaration ensures that the assets you accumulated over a lifetime will…
Understanding Special Needs Trusts in Pennsylvania
If you have a child with a disability who is unlikely to become financially independent, no doubt you already have begun to think about what would happen to him or her when you die. Fortunately, an estate planning option called a Special Needs Trust is available in Pennsylvania. Through a Special Needs Trust, you can…
What Does It Mean to Serve As An Estate Administrator After Someone Dies In Pennsylvania?
If a close family member or friend has died and named you as the executor of his or her will, no doubt you consider it a great honor. After all, this person considered you a trusted person in life. You will want to serve the departed dutifully now that he or she can no longer…
Marital Settlement Negotiations
During a divorce, your family law attorney is the advocate for your objectives. Divorce proceedings or child custody disputes can be especially emotional and challenging for the people involved, and it is imperative that family law attorneys have the skills to prepare their clients for the toughest negotiations. The American Bar Association published Planning for Settlement…
Concerns for PA Employers Regarding Medical Marijuana Use by Employees
Pennsylvania has legalized the use of medical marijuana for certain specified ailments. Those ailments include the following: • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) • Autism • Cancer • Crohn’s Disease • Damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity • Epilepsy • Glaucoma • HIV/AIDS • Huntington’s Disease…
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