Blogs
It’s a curious fact that many people think only the wealthy can afford to hire a family law attorney. And honestly, it’s no wonder why. With sky-high retainers and hourly rates, it’s no surprise that millions find themselves priced out of quality legal representation. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Allow me to explain why this situation is so unfair and how I offer another billing solution. The Hourly Rate Nightmare Once upon a time in early American history, legal fees were straightforward. It was nothing more than hours worked multiplied by the lawyer’s hourly rate.…Read More
When dealing with a divorce, financial stability is generally the biggest concern for both spouses. While spousal support and alimony are options, what the courts decide can vary night and day from what you expected. As a family law attorney who has handled many alimony cases in Lower Bucks County and Northeast Philadelphia I'm here to break down the details. We'll cover everything the factors courts consider to how payments are calculated. By the end of this article, you'll have a clearer picture of what to expect and how to prepare if you're navigating a divorce.…Read More
When you’re about to say “I do,” the last thing you want on your mind is a prenuptial agreement. It’s like you’re planning an exit strategy before exchanging vows. Now, I know these conversations are not even remotely romantic. Some partners might even get offended when it’s brought up – but here’s the thing: prenups are smart. They lay down the financial ground rules, protecting both parties in case things don’t go as planned. However, simply having a prenup isn’t enough. It must be drafted correctly. Otherwise, you could find yourself stuck in a courtroom…Read More
In Bucks County, child custody cases fall under Pennsylvania state law, which prioritizes the “best interests of the child.” What does this really mean? It’s not about which parent wants what or who thinks they deserve more time – only what is healthiest, safest, and most beneficial for your child. Let’s take a closer look at the finer details and see what exactly these arrangements entail. Who Handles Custody Cases? No matter if your custody case is part of a divorce or a separate legal matter, it’s going to be handled by the Family Court in…Read More
When you’re facing a divorce, custody dispute, or any other family law matter, the last thing you want is to be hit by a mile-long legal bill. But that’s what often happens when you hire representation that demands costly retainers and charges by the hour– it’s all unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation. I am here to tell you it doesn’t have to be this way. As a Bucks County family law attorney with over three decades of experience practicing in Philadelphia’s Family Court, I’ve been doing things differently from day one. Since 1991, I’ve…Read More
I’m sure you’ve heard this line from the Miranda Rights script, “You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be provided for you.” That’s a crucial safeguard in our criminal system, but that protection starts and ends there. In family law, there is no universal right to a lawyer. In fact, between 80-90% of family cases involve at least one party without legal representation. That’s a staggering gap. As a family lawyer in Bucks County, I am committed to bridging that divide with legal services that are transparent, affordable, and reliable…Read More
Pennsylvania has specific laws when it comes to dealing with a parent who wishes to relocate with their child. “Relocation” is defined as “a change in residence of the child which significantly impairs the ability of a non-relocating party to exercise custodial rights.” No relocation shall occur unless every individual who has custody rights to the child consents to the proposed relocation, or the court approves it. The party proposing the relocation is required to notify in advance, every other individual who has custodial rights to the child of the proposed relocation. A party entitled…Read More
A prospective client called last week. He bought a house and had it inspected. Turned out the air conditioning system needed to be replaced. The sellers said they would take care of it. At the settlement table, the sellers said they decided not to replace it but offered to place $2500 in escrow. The Buyer accepted the escrow amount. When the Buyer went to get it replaced, the cheapest he could find was $3158. He asked me if he could get the $658 difference from the Seller. The terms of the escrow agreement precluded the…Read More
We have been sending Exit Survey postcards to clients after their files are closed, for many years. The Exit Survey asks clients to rate us from excellent to poor on the service we provided and how they were treated by the attorney and staff. The survey also asks whether: their phone calls were promptly returned; their questions were answered to their satisfaction; they were kept informed about the progress of their case; the fees were reasonable and the billing statements easy to understand. The survey also asks whether: they are aware of all of the…Read More
7 PROBLEMS WITH SUING TO RESOLVE A DISPUTE Problem 1. It costs too much. Litigation is the most costly way to resolve a dispute. There are attorneys fees, filing fees, transcript fees. The number 1 question people ask an attorney is “How much is it going to cost”. The cost involved in litigating a case has to be weighted against the amount of the potential recovery. Many people never get to court, because they can’t afford it or because the cost involved outweighs the risk involved. Problem 2. It takes too long. The litigation process…Read More