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If you are adopting a child that is not related or not within the categories of relation qualifying as a kinship adoption, you will need to have a home study completed as part of the adoption process. You should have your requisite background checks completed prior to or in connection with requesting your home study […]
Pet owners who anticipate their pets outliving them should know the essential facts about pet trusts to be able to decide what is right for their situations. Estate planning in Pennsylvania involves a lot of different considerations, including drafting a will, selecting an estate administrator, planning for the probate process and setting up any trusts. […]
We wrote a recent blog about children’s student loans and divorce. But what about children’s scholarships? How are those handled? Unlike other states, parents in PA do not have a financial obligation to pay college tuition. However, to reduce conflict, you may want to negotiate tuition payments as part of your divorce process. The […]
Pennsylvania is unusual among states in that it still has both no-fault and fault divorce options on the books. The many issues regarding divorce in PA are defined in Pennsylvania Statutes Title 23 Pa.C.S.A. Domestic Relations, Part IV. Uncontested Divorce There are two no-fault, or uncontested, options: Mutual Consent and Irretrievable Breakdown. Mutual Consent: In […]
Digital technology has advanced at such a rapid pace and has permeated so many aspects of our lives that you don’t realize how many ways you’re dependent on it until you have to separate your digital world from the partner with whom you’ve shared it. Chances are, you’ve disclosed much or all of your personal […]
Consumers in Pennsylvania who are in need of debt relief assistance may benefit from filing for bankruptcy, but they should understand the two primary forms of consumer bankruptcy – Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 – to make the right decision for their needs. When facing serious debt problems, many consumers can feel stuck and as […]
Establishing paternity can be as simple as the father executing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity form. The acknowledgment indicates the father is waiving his rights to any genetic testing or trial on the issue of paternity. An acknowledgment acts as conclusive evidence that the person who signed the acknowledgment is in fact the father of […]
Act 101 was signed into law in 2010 to allow certain post-adoption contact by agreement of the parties. Specifically, a birth relative by blood, marriage or adoption can contract with the new adoptive parents in terms of continued contact with the adoptee. In each adoption case, the parties should sign to acknowledge they received notice […]
1. Apply/arrange for home study if non-kinship adoption. 2. Order the Criminal and Child Abuse Checks through (1) Child Abuse History Clearance; (2) PA State Police Criminal Record Check; and (3) FBI Criminal Background Check through the Department of Welfare. 3. Obtain Consent from natural parent(s) no sooner than 72 hours after birth of child. […]
The process for adoption of an adult does not include many of the requirements present for adoption of a minor. Specifically, an adult adoption only requires a petition for adoption and consent of the adoptee and their spouse, if applicable. No background checks or home study is required. You also do not need to terminate […]
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