by Karen UlmerIt is possible to keep in touch with your child subsequent to the termination of your parental rights and their adoption if all parties to the action, i.e. natural parents/relatives and adoptive parents, mutually agree. Act 101, which became law in 2010, authorizes post-adoption contact by agreement of all the parties. Specifically, a birth relative […]
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Role of Adoptee
In Pennsylvania any individual may be adopted regardless of their age or residence. Additionally, any individual may become an adopting parent. Consent of the adoptee is required in all instances where the adoptee is twelve years of age or older. The prospective parent(s) must obtain certain clearances whenever the adoptee is a minor. The adoptee […]
Reporting as Guardian
The court may appoint a guardian for a person or for an estate. If appointed as a guardian, there are annual reporting requirements to comply with. The report of a guardian should be submitted to the county orphans’ court. The report for guardian of an estate will include sections regarding any income, expenses or assets […]
Protection From Abuse
A PFA Order is a civil remedy to end abusive relationships. Remedies for a successful PFA petition can include having the Defendant removed from a residence that was previously shared, restrictions on contact for up to three (3) years, relinquishment of firearms or other weapons, reimbursement for related expenses or out of pocket costs suffered, […]
Production of a Will
The initial step in the probate process is for the executor to produce the last will and testament of the decedent. The original copy of the will should be produced before the Register of Wills in the county where the decedent resided at the time of death. If the original cannot be located, it may […]
Prepare for Adoption
If contemplating an adoption you can start the process by gathering the necessary paperwork that must be submitted to the court along with adoption petition. Exactly which documents you will need to include depend on what type of adoption you are seeking. All interested parties must be advised of the availability of ACT 101 and […]
Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document that give another individual authority to handle your financial affairs. A power of attorney can be durable, meaning that it is effective immediately upon signing, or springing, meaning that it does not become effective until the party who executed the power of attorney becomes incapacitated. In the […]
Post-Adoption Contact
It is possible to keep in touch with your child subsequent to the termination of your parental rights and their adoption if all parties to the action, i.e. natural parents/relatives and adoptive parents, mutually agree. Act 101, which became law in 2010, authorizes post-adoption contact by agreement of all the parties. Specifically, a birth relative […]
Name Change
To effectuate a legal name change, you will need to file a petition with your local civil court. A filing fee is due to the county at the time of filing as well as copies of your fingerprints which can be obtained at your local police department. A hearing on your request for name change […]
Medicaid Planning
Medicaid is a need-based health care program that many older adults end up utilizing in the event of long-term care due to the expenses involved. Since Medicaid is need-based, there are limits on the amount of income and assets a party can have. An individual should plan ahead to make sure any countable assets and […]
Identifying Marital Property in your Divorce
Marital property is defined as assets or debts acquired during the marriage. Marital property is subject to equitable distribution between the parties as part of a divorce action. There is a process to acquire information on potential marital property if you are unsure of what assets and debts would comprise marital property in your case. […]