Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can Children State a Preference in Custody Cases?
It is true when they say that divorce is hardest on the kids. If your child has stated that they would rather live with you or their other parent, you may wonder if a judge will take their preference into consideration. You may think that if your child’s preference is taken into consideration, it… Read More »
Common Myths About Divorce in Pennsylvania
Ending a marriage and getting a divorce may seem like a fairly straightforward concept. However, the laws that govern the divorce process are complex and many people are unfamiliar with them. Additionally, many people going through the divorce process have known someone who has been through it before. These individuals may give well-intentioned advice,… Read More »
Can I Get Workers’ Comp for Back Injuries in Pennsylvania?
Accidents and occupational illnesses are still a problem in the workplace in Pennsylvania, and you might be surprised to learn the part of the body that is most affected by them. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the leading reason workers miss work due to injuries is because of conditions affecting the… Read More »
Three Things To Do When Served with a Restraining Order in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania laws are harsh when it comes to domestic violence, and the initial stages of the process are not favorable to the interests of a person accused of misconduct. Under the statute on Protection from Abuse (PFA), an accuser can file a petition on an emergency basis to get a restraining order against an… Read More »
Create a Special Needs Trust via Your Will in Pennsylvania
If you have a loved one with special needs, you may want to include provisions in your will that include financial support for that person after your passing. However, when an individual enjoys public assistance and benefits because of a disabling medical condition, there are financial factors for eligibility. You could disqualify your family… Read More »
FAQs About Creditor Claims in Pennsylvania Probate Cases
Creditors have rights with respect to the amounts due from a debtor, and these are not extinguished by the passing of the person who owed money. Upon death, an individual may owe on credit accounts, utilities, a mortgage, and many other bills. As such, as part of the key tasks of an estate administrator… Read More »
Can a Grandparent Seek Custody or Visitation Rights With Their Grandchild in PA?
Many grandparents form a close bond with their grandchildren. In some cases, that bond may be equal to–or even greater than–the child’s bond with one or both of their parents. But when it comes to legal matters like establishing child custody or visitation rights, what rights does a grandparent have under Pennsylvania law? Can… Read More »
Will My Heirs Have to Pay Pennsylvania’s Inheritance Tax?
A common question we get from estate planning clients is, “Will my estate have to pay a ‘death tax’?” This usually refers to the estate tax, which is a levy on your right to transfer property upon your death. For most Carbon County, Pennsylvania, residents, the estate tax is not something they need to… Read More »
Benefits to Working Out Pennsylvania Divorce by Agreement
When many people think of divorce, they conjure up images of drawn-out court battles, contested hearings, and bitter fights among the parties and their attorneys. This drama may attract TV and film audiences, but the truth is that the spouses are able to reach agreement on many divorce-related topics. In fact, Pennsylvania divorce statutes… Read More »
How Does Pennsylvania Calculate Child Support?
Even when parents are not involved in an intact relationship, they both have rights and responsibilities regarding minor children. One of the most important is the child support obligation, which is subject to very specific calculations that vary among all US states. The Pennsylvania child support statute provides a formula for determining the amount,… Read More »