Family Law
Mediation
A better way to end a marriage, mediation saves time and money. Both parties come to the mediator’s table to try to solve their custody, support, and/or equitable distribution problems. Divorce’s negative impact on themselves and the children can be lessened when the parties work through conflicts by using mediation. As a family lawyer/mediator, I have the advantage of training and experience to know family law, court procedures, and the results of local court decisions.
Divorce
How soon can I expect the court to grant my divorce? Depends. Have you lived “separate and apart” for two years.Will the parties consent to entry of a Divorce Decree or litigate. Is it appropriate in your fact pattern to move the case quickly or slowly.
Equitable Distribution
This is the division of marital assets and debt without regard to actual ownership or legal title, but with regard to assets accumulated during the marriage. The court does not presume an equal division of marital property, but considers all relevant factors.
Child Support
The Pennsylvania Support Guidelines, amended in early 2006, are the presumptive method for calculating a support amount. The Guideline amount does not include additional amounts that can be ordered for a mortgage contribution, extracurricular activities, daycare expenses, and medical insurance coverage, for example. Wage attachments are automatic.
Custody
Custody has two components - physical and legal. Physical custody can be primary, shared, partial, or visitation only. Legal custody determines who makes major decisions regarding the child, such as schooling, medical decisions, etc. Third parties may have standing to institute custody proceedings, especially grandparents. Former stepparents are sometimes granted partial custody or visitation.
Alimony
Alimony following divorce is a secondary remedy and is available only where economic justice between the parties cannot be achieved by distributing the marital property. Spousal support or alimony pendente lite (pending the divorce), however, is to put the dependent spouse in an equal financial position pending the divorce decree.
Estate Planning
Wills • Powers of Attorney • Living Wills • Health Care Directives
Probate and Administration
Settle Estates • Heir Disputes • Will Contests • Probate Litigation
Click Here to review our Estate Administration Brochure.
Auto Accidents
I handle Auto Accident cases on behalf of injured individuals in obtaining compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and additional pain and suffering.
Meet in my Office with a Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
May you never need our services for personal injury and auto accidents; but if a situation does occur, be aware that I work in unison with a litigation attorney who specializes in this field.
The litigation attorney has offices in downtown Pittsburgh, conveniently located near the Courthouse; but will also meet with you in my South Hills Office if you prefer.
We pay attention to your particular needs regarding any case, no matter how small, in order to get the best possible settlement from the insurance company or verdict in court.
Analysis of Your Current Insurance Coverage
Do you have full or limited tort coverage? Do you have uninsured and underinsured coverage? Are your first party benefits adequate to cover medical, dental, hospital and rehabilitation expenses?
Take time now to make sure your coverage is the best for your situation. Schedule a free consultation to review your current auto insurance coverage. Contact me for more information.
If you are in an accident follow these DO’s and DON’Ts:
DO GET MEDICAL ATTENTION regardless of how you feel.
DO TAKE NOTES regarding date, time, location, road conditions, weather, people involved, etc.
DO GET NAMES, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses, if possible.
DO CALL THE POLICE and get the facts documented.
DO REPORT the accident to yourinsurance carrier ASAP.
DO CALL ME as soon as possible at (412) 283-1000.
DON’T MAKE ANY STATEMENTS at the scene of the accident concerning guilt or blame.
DON’T DISCUSS THE ACCIDENT with other drivers or their insurance carriers.
DON’T ABANDON THE SCENE of the accident.
DON’T SIGN ANY INSURANCE PAPERS or agree to a settlement until you get legal advice.
